We can’t make our annual Sag trip this year due to border issues (1 of our 3 can’t get an RABC and we stay in a cabin on the Canadian side), so we are pivoting and heading to northern Wisconsin. We’re staying at a friend’s cabin about ten minutes from the Willow Flowage, but are also considering the drive up to the Turtle-Flambeau. These areas seem to at least have the remote feel with minimal shoreline development and lots of campsites to stop for shore lunch, etc.

If anybody has any advice on these or other bodies of water in the area, I would be happy to share some Sag nuggets in exchange! Feel free to email via the link next to my username. Thanks!

Hey GG... just a quick question about your comment that one of your group of three couldn't get an RABC permit. Right now, no RABC permits are being issued at all so the only way to enter Q at PP or Cache Bay is if you have an active permit issued after September 1, 2023. Do the other two have active permits?

As for your question, I haven't been on Willow, but I've paddled the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. If you go in off of Hwy 51 near Mercer, the easternmost end of the TFF is called the Bonie's Mound area. Unofficially a paddling area with very few motorboats. Scattered campsites and a nice area to camp and fish.

I suggest picking up a Fishing Hotspots map of the flowage. Fishing Hotspots also offers a map for the Willow Flowage.

Thanks, Jackfish— I will grab those maps as a starting point. We will be in a motorboat, but will, of course, extend the same courtesy to paddlers as we do regardless of the body of water. :) My dad is in his 70s and has a few health concerns, so motorboat and cabin is the M.O. for our fishing trips. :)

To answer your question— yes, my dad and I have RABCs from May 2024 that could still be used, but my son was busy with another trip last year so never got his RABC. His most recent permit was issued May 2023 so he’s out of luck this year.

Also to clarify, we visit the eastern side of Canadian Sag, so no Quetico entry comes into play for us.

Good luck Adam.
I'm heading up for my usual trip around Ely. Two day use thru Prairie. Gonna try three lakes south of Ely - Crescent, Dumbell and Silver Island. Might even stay two weeks.

Been to both Willow 3X and Turtle- Flambeau once - Both are awesome. Go for it.

scat: "Been to both Willow 3X and Turtle- Flambeau once - Both are awesome. Go for it. "

We’re doing it. Any advice on the Willow? I’m reading shallow, like 3-10 fow, can produce every species in the lake. Any bays to key in on or to avoid?

Willow - Caught a possession limit all 3x walleyes and pike fishing shallow weeds with a Jack's jig & minnow. There is/was a slot limit. Be prepared to battle a hard fighting dogfish, a lot of them in that lake for some reason.

Make sure to check out the Willow Wood Lodge down the street by the landing for bait. Say hi to Herman the owner. There is a pub/restaurant there too.

It is a cool lake and area, no houses on the lake except for one small area you never see. I only checked out close to the canoe landing, it is a much bigger lake than I was able to explore, but the fishing was good close to home so to speak so I hung out and caught fish. Walleyes and smallish northerns, and the occasional dogfish... I have a lakemap with the areas I caught fish marked out on it, could pass it on if interested.

The campsites are nice, same as BW with the addition of a picnic table, which comes in handy. There are motorboats but I never really noticed them. I am sure you will enjoy your trip, glad you are going for it. I might be right behind you.

Cheers, scat

Scat, my wife and I will be fishing the Willow next Wednesday - Friday so we miss most of the boaters. We'll be in our Northstar so if you could send me your marked up lakemap that would be great! I'll send you an email.
Blessings,

Papalambeau

Papa - I am pretty sure I emailed the maps & info before, a year or two ago. Check your stash, I can do it again if you can’t find it. No prob.

scat: "Willow - Caught a possession limit all 3x walleyes and pike fishing shallow weeds with a Jack's jig & minnow. There is/was a slot limit. Be prepared to battle a hard fighting dogfish, a lot of them in that lake for some reason.

Make sure to check out the Willow Wood Lodge down the street by the landing for bait. Say hi to Herman the owner. There is a pub/restaurant there too.

It is a cool lake and area, no houses on the lake except for one small area you never see. I only checked out close to the canoe landing, it is a much bigger lake than I was able to explore, but the fishing was good close to home so to speak so I hung out and caught fish. Walleyes and smallish northerns, and the occasional dogfish... I have a lakemap with the areas I caught fish marked out on it, could pass it on if interested.

The campsites are nice, same as BW with the addition of a picnic table, which comes in handy. There are motorboats but I never really noticed them. I am sure you will enjoy your trip, glad you are going for it. I might be right behind you.

Cheers, scat"

Thanks Scat! I would love to see your marked up map, will drop you an email. Much appreciated.

yogi59weedr: "Good luck Adam.
I'm heading up for my usual trip around Ely. Two day use thru Prairie. Gonna try three lakes south of Ely - Crescent, Dumbell and Silver Island. Might even stay two weeks.
"

Have a great trip Cliff. Catch em up and enjoy the time.

scat: "Papa - I am pretty sure I emailed the maps & info before, a year or two ago. Check your stash, I can do it again if you can’t find it. No prob."

Found em Scat. Memory not what it used to be! Dang!'

With your info and some updated from Z4K we should be set for next Wed-Fri. Can't wait!

Thanks guys!

Papalambeau

gopher - sent you an email with the fishing hot spots map marked up.

There are a few decent youtube videos on the Willow, might be worth a peek.

Have Fun! Good luck!

Let us know how you do, you too Papa

scat

Roger that Adam. I'll be 7 weeks after back surgery pain free.

yogi59weedr: "Roger that Adam. I'll be 7 weeks after back surgery pain free.
"

Glad to hear the surgery went well and that you’re feeling up to the trip!