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 As
we start our fishing adventure, we notice how fresh and clear the air is
as we breathe it all in, bringing our other senses alive. We at Kohls
Resort are very pleased with our location. We are just a few miles from
the Continental Divide. We tell people we are on top of the world. But
what does this mean for fishing? Our chain of 5 lakes, 3 of which can
all be reached by boat, and 2 which can be accessed by canoe, are all
clear and clean year round. During the winter you can see the bottom to
15 foot depths.
Little Turtle {650acres} is the 1st lake to receive the
water from the top of the Continental Divide. Starting at the top the
water has not been through any other chains or river stretches where
boats or pollutants can tamper with the clean water. Little Turtle has
very few residents living around the lake. Next is our lake, Big Turtle
{1600 acres}. We boast about our secluded 3 islands on the lake. 2 are private, and the
3rd is Department of Natural Resources managed. Guests can go onto this
island and get a campfire going, relax and explore. Now to the fishing:
Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappies, Bluegills, Sunfish,
Walleyes, Pumpkin Heads, and Perch. Lake Movil (900acres). Mobil Lake
has lots of weedy spots along the shore, there is also an excellent 45
foot deep wall that run a quarter of a mile long.
 As
you relax in one of our rental boats, the 14ft standard fishing, 16
1/2ft executive fishing, or one of our pontoon rentals, you will begin
to unwind and enjoy the moment before feeling the strike of a walleye on
your line. The Turtle Lake chain is stocked with Walleye every other
year. Not that we need stocking, but it enhances the natural
reproduction of our Walleye family.
Our shoreline of 11.5 miles is pure natural fish
habitat, except for the 2 sandy beaches created 50 years ago at
the 2 resorts that still exist on the three lake chain. Walleye caught
will be mostly in the 1 to 2 ft range. The Walleye regulations are: 6
Walleye per person, and not more then 1 over 20" per day.
The Northern fishing is great. Spring is a super time for fishing, the
northern seem to be biting on everything, but Lindy rigs and jigs are
good for starters. We'll begin with minnows in early spring, then later
in the year switch to leaches. The funny thing is while your fishing for
Walleye, Northern are jumping on the line. In the summer, Northern Pike
like to sit on the 10-15 foot flats with the Walleye. This past November
while netting Whitefish, we netted a 36 inch super fat Northern. The
next day another northern was taken, 39 inches, WOW, fun. They of
course, were both put back for the summer fishing. The Northern
regulations are 3 per person, a slot of 24 to 36, and only 1 over 36".
 The Largemouth Bass are some real lunkers. Such a beautiful healthy
green. After the spawn the Bass seem to hang around the weeds and also
the 6-9 foot depths just off the weeds. Spoons and plugs are the best
baits to try. Even in the heat of the summer, heading out early will be
sure to get you a couple in the boat. A Minnesota Youth Bass Fishing
Tournament was held here the 1st year we owned the resort. There were 13
youths, and 13 boats, by noon; they had caught 164 lbs of bass. All
survived to be released after weigh in. The tournament had never fished
the same lake twice, and now this year they are planning their 5th
straight tourney here at Kohl's Resort on Big Turtle Lake. We are very
proud, any tournament here at Turtle Lake, is always a catch and
release. Bass regulations: 6 per person.
 Skimming
around one of our 3 islands brings you to some shallows. In these
shallows is one of our most enjoyable types of fish, the pan fish. We
have bluegills, pumpkinseed, sunnies, and perch. Use a piece of night
crawler, grub, or jig as bait. Sometimes it's hard keeping the bait in
the water, as you are either catching these pan fish or they are
stealing the bait. The slab size sunnies, and bluegills, have been very
prevalent the last few years. We believe the {so called global warming},
has been making the fish metabolism faster/higher, causing the fish to
be more active, and eat more. This is great for the fishermen, and
fisherwomen. Kids really go for the perch, sunnies, and bluegills,
because they are fun to catch and they don't get bored. Fishing in about 6 to 9 feet of water brings the best
success.
The shoreline is loaded with weeds allowing natural proliferation of all
the fish species. Crappies are best caught in the spring just after
spawning. Crappies tend to hang out around the many sunken islands in
Little Turtle Lake. I have seen some guys come in, day after day,
bringing in their limit during the spring. But during the summer the Crappies are probably the most
difficult to find, because within weeks of spawning they head to deeper water. As the crappies go deep, they will slow down
their metabolism and eat much less.
The Northern, Walleye, Crappie, Bass, and even Pan fish eat a lot right after
spawning. They have gotten over the stress of the spawn, and they are
hungry, that's why early spring is a great time to come, as right after
spawning, the fish are almost hitting on anything.
Click here to read about the
2004 Junior B.A.S.S. Federation Championship we hosted on August 13, 2004.
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