It has been a number of years since I started making an annual bus trip to Ballard’s Resort on Lake of the Woods.
Although every trip is similar in nature, each adventure is also unique and different.
This year’s event got off to a shaky start. The snowstorm that closed schools in the area a week ago also hampered our bus departure. However, the late start and icy roads did little to dampen the spirits of the crew. After all, we were going fishing.
Five hours later, we pulled into the parking lot at Ballard’s. Once room assignments were complete and our gear was stored, fishing companion Bob Hughes and I made our way over to the main lodge.
It was here that I talked with a number of anglers that were just coming in from a day on the lake. Not surprisingly, their reports varied as much as the anglers that gave them. Some said fishing was great while others said they experienced a slow day.
It was early the next morning when we all piled into bombardiers for the 26-mile ride to Garden Island. Although no one really enjoyed the bumpy ride, everyone understood the need to fish where the catching is taking place.As expected, we caught a variety of fish. According to our guide, the walleye bite had been a little slower this winter. However, sauger — a cousin of the walleye — had been very cooperative.
It was on day two that Hughes and I got into a few bigger fish. When I say big, I am referring to fish that were in the 16- to 18-inch range. There were no lunkers caught in our house.
We did have one pretty exciting moment when Hughes hooked into a nice fish. We were hoping walleye but were afraid it was going to be an eelpout. Our fears won out as the big pout smiled at us as it came up the hole.
After our second full day of fishing, we climbed back on the coach for the ride home. Although not every angler took home a limit of fish, most did. And we all took home the memories of another fishing adventure.
This is the opinion of Times outdoors columnist Jerry Carlson. Contact him at jerrycarlsonoutdoors.com.
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