A trip to the north woods a perfect respite

CHETEK, Wis. - Squads of boats carrying eager fishermen continued to encircle what was believed to be an underwater honey-hole that supposedly held hundreds of crappies.

Perhaps, and I purposely repeat the word perhaps, I would lay odds that I didn't observe a single fish hoisted aboard the minions of pontoon boats. All those comfortable, angling platforms were anchored in hopes of waiting the fish out in a contest of will versus smart fishing. In other words, if these folks weren't getting hits, the smart thing was to move to another spot.

We never joined the "circled wagons" all because fishing played a secondary role.

Did I just say that?

Back on shore, I sat on the back deck and inhaled the aromas of nearby fire pits and outdoor grills; the sounds of song birds; and the visuals of a setting sun dropping over the tops of the tall trees. The elixir was almost overpowering.

Like so many others who have journeyed to the north woods, I was back in my element, grateful to experience old feelings.

I was held captive by the call of the wild and the screech of the resident eagles as they displayed their aeronautic expertise when they dove and then put on their air brakes to reverse their course back skyward. Nothing compares to an eagle's short takeoff and landing prowess.

Rod designer Jim Grandt had invited me to join him here on Chetek's Lake Ojaski and experience the connected Chain of Lakes for several days of enjoyment and R&R.

"We could fish all day-long or just do it casually and talk about life in general," Grandt explained.

And then it was time for satisfying one's appetite. He fashioned a Grandt's north woods menu while my weary mind and bones relaxed in the lap of woodsy luxury.

Of course, there was plenty of conversation to go along with the interesting appetizers consisting of smoked buffalo sausage and spicy cheeses.

Dessert had come long before dinner in the form of brief encounters with the bluegill and crappie angling enjoyed from Grandt's pontoon boat.

Without a usual, mandatory stop or two, Chetek is about 340 miles northward from the Chicago area with a comfortable 4-5 hour driving course through hill country.

Jim and I were more interested in relaxing and soaking up the lake's cool breezes. And to be honest, the fishing really was secondary to me.

There are six lakes in the chain, with Ojaski and its 577 acres making up just one element. With 61 miles of shoreline and a total accumulation of 3,800 acres, Grandt chauffeured me around in grand style, just so I could see some of the newer houses "planted" just above the water.

Jim and wife Jacquline's house started off as an older, single-story structure. Over the years the entire exterior and interior changed to fit their tastes and desires.

Now a four-bedroom, two-bath, newly appointed rambling showcase of Jackie and Jim's personal affinity for an outdoor-indoor décor, this place serves as family getaway and refuge from a sometimes hectic and competitive business environment.

Adding to the mix are trophy wall mounts (replicas) of huge northern pike, a gigantic walleye and scads of jumbo pan fish, all taken from Ojaski as well as other lakes connected in the chain.

This place and location reminded me of my broadcasting tenure in Madison and Minneapolis, with both locations within easy reach of what I've reconnected with during a very short, exhilarating taste of the wild.

And to make the telling even more sizzling, nary a mosquito came into our visual radar. Can't beat that.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, catch his radio show 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WGCO 1590-AM (live-streamed at www.1590WCGO.com) and get more content at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.

Outdoors notes

With the continuous heavy downpour this week, coupled with high winds and muddied water, fishing in some area spots has turned out to be fair to deplorable - except at spots like Geneva Lake.

• National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame guide Spence Petros and his customers reported some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass angling ever on Geneva Lake. Before the massive storms, his group caught and released over 80 bass using a combination of Whacky Worms and drop-shot techniques in both shallow and deep water. If you're interested in a booking for next year, call him at (815) 455-7770.

• The River Bassin' Trail will host what it calls an affordable national tournament starting on July 11. Sponsored by Rocktown Adventures, the tourney features adult teams ($160 entry) and youth teams ($110). This tournament will start in Aurora. For more information, visit rocktonadventures.com or contact Keith Smith at (815) 977-5343.

• Chain O' Lakes pan fishing is running moderate to less-than-good on some back channels. Some largemouth bass found in the channels off Petite Lake.

• On Bangs Lake, deep water bass providing some action but some largemouth are still in a spawning stage near shorelines.

• Lake Michigan salmon just starting to recover after the big storms, especially near Waukegan in 70-feet of water.

- Mike Jackson

Email Mike at angler88@comcast.net. Listen to Mike Jackson Outdoors Radio from 7-9 a.m. Sundays on WCGO 1590-AM.