We are planning on spending all of next week on Kabetogama. Coming in on Sunday or Monday (29/30). What are the chances of getting a camping spot at Chief Woodenfrog? Also what are the chances of finding a site on the lake.

Hopefully, if I arrive early in the week I can find something. Or is it as busy all week as it is on the 4th weekend? Thought we could start out camping at Woodenfrog to give us a chance to go with the boat to see what we can find.

Any info would be appreciated.

The state campground should have a spot for you (it is huge). Also I can't think of a time when we couldn't find a campsite to pop into for a quick lunch and a swim so I would have to say the chances are pretty good you will be able to find a spot. Good luck and have fun! ODL

I doubt with the gas prices, that it will be as busy as the last couple of years.

You should be OK.

Just got back on Sunday. All of the sites we saw in the park filled up on Wed. You should be good going up Sun, or Mon.

I like your idea of using Wooden Frog as a launch point. Just bring a small tent with you to claim your site in the park and then go back for your other stuff.

PS: fishing was great last week. Lots of big fish. Had trouble finding enough keepers for a fish meal for our group. Have fun!

Just wanted to thank everyone that gave me info prior to going to Kabetogama. Just got back last night. We arrived there on Tuesday and the strong, cold, North wind kept us on shore till Thursday. I resisted the thought of taking my wife out on water like that and chance her never getting in a boat again. There were maybe only 5 campsites occupied in Woodenfrog Campground. Also I only seen one rig parked in the overnight parking lot. So we just packed up the boat and headed out Thursday morning. Found a really nice site on West Kab with no trouble and had great weather for the time we were there.

The fishing was great. Although I did not spend a bunch of time fishing I had plenty of Walleye to eat and even brought home a few. A couple of hours each evening produced plenty right around the island we were on. The first one I caught was a 24" but got plenty of eating size too. Several Saugers as well.

All in all it was a great time and good memories. We will be going again sometime for a longer period. Just a note though. There is alot of Bear problems. Camps in the State campground were being hit everynight. And also some on the lake. The DNR came around and reminded us also to be very careful with the food. So we did and had no trouble.

We drove through Woodenfrog on Saturday to see how full it was on 4th of July weekend. Out of the 61 sites I would say there were only 20-30 occupied. The high price of gas is taking a toll I think.
Thanks again.

Hey Doc... Going up next week for the week...Any info you have regarding the fishing ( bait used, presentation, depths, locations, etc) would be appreciated. Did you have many May flies?

I used a Chartruse jig and twister with leeches. The first night was calm so I could just cast around the area a little ways out from the island. Caught fish in 12-16'. The next evening was windy so I had to drift and 11-12' seemed to be the magic.

The fish were biting as soon as I hit the water the first night at 7pm. But could not get anything the next night till 8pm. Then they really turned on just before dark.

The Mayflies were going strong too. The boat was full of em in the morning. I have never seen it hurt the fishing though even on Mille Lacs. In fact it seems better during those times.

I seen boats constantly, midway between two islands out in the middle of the lake. I could see a marker out there so it must of been a rockpile. A couple were there for most of the day. Then in the evening there were several. I did not venture over and bother them since I was doing ok where I was at.

A resort guy told me before we went out that the fishing is phenomenal. Find structure and you will find fish. And all different depths. They are scattered yet. Water temp was 67*.

Hope this helps you some.

Thanks a bunch Doc.....The info will be a big help. Good move with staying put at W-Frog during the "weather" and keeping Mrs. Doc in good spirits.... Most husbands know that when the Missus is happy, We are happy too !! Where did you end up camping ??? There are a few nice protected sites on the north side by Gold Portage.... If you get to go again, check out Lost Bay ( E N/E side of Kab)..... It's seems like a completely different landscape/waterway with a couple of beautiful campsites. Thanks again for the info