Lake of the woods was interesting and enjoyable. Not super busy at the end of August but there were fleets of ice fishing shacks lined up ready to go. Motels all over the place, and every gas station was also a bait store with a fishing section.
Locals were nice and the guide was excellent. I would like to go back up for an ice fishing weekend during the peak season just to see what it is like.
Guide said they take over 250 people per day out to the ice fishing "town" around 8 am, then do a check about 1030 to see if everyone has enough bait and beer. Then they do a second check after lunch and give everyone a tag for their stringers. Pick everyone up and bring them back to the lodge/motel before dark, clean all the fish, then deliver your bags of cleaned fish to your room. Pretty posh!
Back in high school, late 80's we had a high school teacher that would guide at a resort in Morson on LOTW and started a fishing club. Seminars, casting baits in the gym pool, blah blah
The big perk was a fishing trip to LOTW. $250 for the week,boat,motor gas, meals,……
Now imagine 25 high school boys let loose in the Canadian wilderness.
My dad and brother went the first year. My dad was a chaperone, lol.He had to share a cabin with 10 high schoolers. He had beer in the fridge and the next morning it was emptied out.
The following year, it was my turn. About a mile down a road was an Indian run store. Rumor was if you told them you were 18, they sold you beer.
I was 15, walked up to the register with a case of cold Moosehead. Lady asked how old I was. I said 19. Boom. Bought my first case of beer.
I'm walking down the road and here comes a car that looks familiar. Brakes slam. Crap, it's my dad. I'm 15 holding a case of beer.
"Don't tell your mother!"
And he drove off
And made me walk back to the camp
Great memories of LOTW. Took wife and kids there years ago.
Painted rock Island,Dawson Island,Sabaskong Bay,Big Grassy River….
Thanks for the trip down memory lane and a great reminder how much I miss my dad.