TWO FISHING HOTSPOTS FOR 2004

By Bob Jensen

It is this time of year when a lot of anglers are planning their fishing trips for the upcoming spring, summer, and fall. I get to fish in a lot of different places ever year and I enjoy them all. However, there are some that I seem to return to more often than others.
There are also some locations that are first time visits for me every year. Following is a location that I visited for the first time last summer and fall, and another that has become an almost annual visit for me. Anglers will enjoy both locations.
Kabetogama Lake is in the northern section of Minnesota. Kab is just a few miles off Highway 53, but once you're on the lake you will believe you're a long way from anything but water, trees, fish, and all sorts of wildlife.
Kab is a large body of water that has many, many islands. For that reason you're never far from land, and you don't have to go far to feel like you're in the wilderness.
On a trip to Kab you could catch walleyes, crappies, smallmouth bass, or northern pike. And you will probably see eagles, otters, deer, and maybe a moose or a bear.
Throw four inch Power Grubs on jigs for the smallies, try Roach Rigs or Eye-Ball jigs for walleyes, Gypsi jigs for the crappies, and Reed-Runner spinnerbaits for the pike.
For more information on this wilderness wonderland, contact kabetogama.com or call 800-524-9085.
An area that I frequently return to is the Leech Lake area near Walker Minnesota. I lived and guided in this area for a couple of years. I am constantly amazed at the diversity of this area. The musky, walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish action is some of the best you'll find anywhere.
If you want to fish big water, Leech Lake is right there.
If you get a wind day, or if you like to explore gravel roads and smaller lakes, there is plenty of that in the Walker area also.
One of the biggest walleyes I've ever caught came from Leech Lake, and one of the best musky days for me so far was also experienced on Leech. And just last summer my friend Al Maas and I caught more big largemouth in the Walker area than I have ever experienced.
That's why I return to the Walker Minnesota area almost every year. If you would like to investigate this wonderful area, start off by calling 800-833-1118 or visit them on the web at leech-lake.com
Depending on where you live in the Midwest, the Walker and Kabetogama Lake areas of Minnesota are close enough to be easily traveled to, but offer a taste and feel of the wilderness, as well as some potentially outstanding fishing. Maybe we'll see you there.
For more fish-catching information, visit fishingthemidwest.com

FISHING THE MIDWEST
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