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Devils Lake Access

by waunderer , Posted to Fishing Buddy on 01/25/2010 3:18 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
waunderer
Joined: 01/17/2002
Location: ND
The lake access committee will be plowing trail in the following locations as soon as the weather breaks,  Six mile bay north end,  Six mile bay boat ramp to Doc Hagens, East bay boat ramp to front of camp Grafton, East bay boat ramp to Stromme addition and then east to tie into trails out of Akerman Acres Resort.  We hope to have these trail completed in time for those coming to Devils Lake to fish this weekend.  Snow conditions are tough with average depth about 12-16 inches on the lake.
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 10:36 AM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
how about Creel Bay?? i'd like to at least see the lakewood boat ramp area tied into Woodland's trails.  They are plowing a lot of Creel.  but, they aren't tieing those trails into any of the boat ramps for obvious reasons.  sux to have to drive around the lake to get on that bay.  plus, they are charging a fee over there to get on these days.  shouldn't take much to tie public access into their "private" trails in time for the big crowds coming to town for this weekend.  just a thought and thanks for your time and efforts. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by gonefshn on 01/26/2010 11:00 AM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
gonefshn
Joined: 12/16/2001
Location: ND
Wouldn't be fair to tie in Lakewood to the Woodland's privately paid for trails.  Like the saying goes:  Nothing's free at Disney!!!  If you want access to Woodland's nice trail system blaze your own and put up with the wear and tear on your vehicle or pay the $7.00. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 11:30 AM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND

once i am on the lake, any trail is free game.  up until this weekend, a few private individuals had already taken it upon themselves to tie lakewood into those trails.  and sorry for woodland, but thems tough cookies.  i was just asking this group to consider doing the same.  it seems silly that they would completely ignore that area just because woodland has already plowed that area for their own purposes.  just because woodland has houses and trails on creel bay doesn't mean the public shouldn't have access to that area as well.  would you prefer they plow a public trail running side by side with woodland's trails instead of tieing into the alread existing ones?  if this group wasn't already taking it upon themselves to plow other areas of the lake, i'd completely agree with you and say the public is on their own or they can pay the fee at woodland.  but, they are going to plow for access for the public this weekend.  i can't see ignoring creel and wolfords cause "woodland was there first".
Re: Devils Lake Access
by archer on 01/26/2010 11:46 AM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
archer
Joined: 06/28/2002
Location: MN
thats why upper red lake has the resorts do all the plowing. The resorts inter-connect most all the trails and each resort charges access. They work together and reap the wealth from every auto that enters the lake. obviously one access will out-perform another but they dont appear to let the greed and jealousy ruin a good working relationship. They all end up with a real nice peice of pie. Many thousands of dollars access that lake every weekend. its a great deal for both the resort and fisherman alike. Its a classic case of letting private industry do what private industry does best!
 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by Tim Sandstrom on 01/26/2010 11:51 AM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
archer,

Are you becoming a republican?? 




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 | koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 | risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 | jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by gonefshn on 01/26/2010 12:21 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
gonefshn
Joined: 12/16/2001
Location: ND
Archer, you are right.  That's the way most lakes are.  People have been kind of spoiled on Devils in that regard.  Woodland certainly doesn't think or act like they own the trails.  Completely the opposite.  They've always done these trails on their own dime (actually thousands and thousands of dimes).  In the past though the access group had a fair amount of money and did quite a few trails as well equalling things out some.  This year they don't have much money and other than this weekend (fishing tourney weekend) plan to only open the access points.  So, to me it's only right to not take advantage of Woodland's work and to allow them to recoup some of their costs.  Don't be so cheap!!!   If you use the areas access points or Woodland's or other people trails, donate some money to help.  Be a real North Dakotan and quit expecting everyone else to do everything for you.
Re: Devils Lake Access
by holmsvc on 01/26/2010 12:29 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
holmsvc
Joined: 04/14/2003
Location: ND
gonefshn Said:
Archer, you are right.  That's the way most lakes are.  People have been kind of spoiled on Devils in that regard.  Woodland certainly doesn't think or act like they own the trails.  Completely the opposite.  They've always done these trails on their own dime (actually thousands and thousands of dimes).  In the past though the access group had a fair amount of money and did quite a few trails as well equalling things out some.  This year they don't have much money and other than this weekend (fishing tourney weekend) plan to only open the access points.  So, to me it's only right to not take advantage of Woodland's work and to allow them to recoup some of their costs.  Don't be so cheap!!!   If you use the areas access points or Woodland's or other people trails, donate some money to help.  Be a real North Dakotan and quit expecting everyone else to do everything for you.
Well said  
Some people are so cheap it is just amazing.

Re: Devils Lake Access
by Enslow on 01/26/2010 12:41 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Enslow
Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND
Is that $7 per day?  That is a kind of steep, but then again it is a never ending battle keeping those trails open.  What i predict is 90%+ of fisherman will not pay the money, including me.  I will however exit at woodlands and enjoy some drinks at one of my favorite bars, the cove.
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 12:50 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
just for the sake of argument... i've paid twice to access at woodland and will do it again if i have to.  i've also beat the hell out of my truck "making my own access" or going places they don't have trails.  the only problem i saw with this whole situation was that the group that is going to be plowing roads for this weekend is going to avoid that area cause the cove already has trails there.  they are going to go thru the trouble of tieing ackerman's into the public system.  why not creel and woodland?  after this weekend, when they quit plowing public trails again, we are on our own.  but, creel shouldn't be off limits from the people creating a public trail system for this weekend just because woodland happens to have houses and trails out there already.  just my two cents. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 12:57 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
kind of the way i looked at it too.  if you are the only access on the lake/area, you would think the added business coming from all the traffic would pay for the gas to plow roads w/o needing an xtra 7 bucks every time someone drives by.  and this isn't a situation where they wouldn't be out there already plowing roads.  make no mistake about it... they aren't keeping these roads open for the public or because they are getting 7 bucks.  they are keeping them open because they have a dozen houses and a ton of clients fishing that area every day.  they would be plowing those roads anyway.  i would think that they would actually welcome the extra business that comes their way because the county and/or the local sportsman's association isn't keeping other access points open.  they can charge whatever they want to drive down their ramp.  that is their perogative.  just not so sure i see them getting much of a benefit from doing so.  especially when you can avoid going past their bait shop and access their trails by driving a half mile down the road and using their plowed trails going onto wolfords bay that are tied into the creel bay trails.  w/ the wolford's bay trail being kept open by them, i kind of think they might be scaring business away by having a pay to access sign up. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by archer on 01/26/2010 1:11 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
archer
Joined: 06/28/2002
Location: MN
Out of respect for a business that takes the time and ambition to plow roads, I whole heartedly support them and gladly give the $7. Wow is that a cheap way to simply know where you are driving is safe. Also, from my experience from using these roads, it almost always offers you free assitance if you get stuck and need a quick pull, pickup wont start and you need a jump start etc... both LOW and upper red generally offer these services if you access the lake from their resort. but, if you dont have a window sticker, GOOD LUCK!

And yes, I am slowing moving back to my old Republican ways. Keep the bush family out of politics and i support republican economics. Ive worked my butt off since i was 18 to have all the nice toys I do have. I dont need to furnish this stuff for people who dont help themselves.
 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by archer on 01/26/2010 1:16 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
archer
Joined: 06/28/2002
Location: MN
Espringer; I beg to differ, these resorts make a pile of money simply plowing access for a business. It is not uncommon on LOW or upper red for a resort to have 500 plus vehicles go thru their access in a day ($3500 per day, cash!) and on a slow weekday they do 75 to 125 . Some offer access and dont even have a resort or rental houses, its BIG money and I am darn glad they do it. Do the math on four full months of access!
 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by Tim Sandstrom on 01/26/2010 1:16 PM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
archer Said:
Out of respect for a business that takes the time and ambition to plow roads, I whole heartedly support them and gladly give the $7. Wow is that a cheap way to simply know where you are driving is safe.
That was my question on plowed roads.  So, are they responsible if something happens or are they not?  Pretty slippery slop with the blood sucking lawyers out there now a days (not all lawyers are blood suckers...in case any attourneys are reading this...I simply meant...the blood sucking ambulance chaser types.  Lots of them out there!




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 | koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 | risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 | jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by Tim Sandstrom on 01/26/2010 1:21 PM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
I was up on the Red and paid for access.  I don't remember what it was.  Tis a long time ago.  But I do remember there were pickups out on the ice and many of them had the little thingy to indicate they paid.  Lots of pickups!




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 | koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 | risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 | jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 1:33 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
it can be a money maker if there aren't other options for the folks accessing the lake.  but, that is not the case here.  first off, we aren't LOW and you would be hard pressed to find more than a couple dozen folks on a good weekend day using that area of the lake that are not Woodland customers.  during the week, you would be lucky to find 6 other vehicles out there that are not cove customers.  secondly, the cove has plowed access off of a public road going underwater on wolfords bay that provides access to their own trails that doesn't require you to drive by their bait shop and pay their fee.  or on most days, the casino has access that ties into those trais w/o paying a fee.  and finally, it is quite common for private individuals to plow access from the 2 public ramps in the area and tie it into the trails woodland has already plowed.  so, i respectfully disagree with the contention that they are making any money whatsoever by charging an access fee.  in fact, i think they may be losing business by doing so because there are a lot of tight asses out there that will find another way to use their trails without paying their fee and avoid that place like the plague as a result.  sad, but true. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by archer on 01/26/2010 2:01 PM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
archer
Joined: 06/28/2002
Location: MN
Yes, they do bare some legal liabily and that is why they close the roads when the ice is iffy early and late season and put up signs that clerarly state "ROADS CLOSED, enter at your own risk".

The commerical liability insurance that has a rate based on all operations. Which would include ice access. Im sure that expense is not cheap as well.

The is a lot of work and responsiblity in providing ice access. that is why there is also very good money in it on good years. (long cold winters with little snowfall).

If there is a good solid dollar to be made, somebody will step forward and do the job. Its only a matter of time before someone moves forward with a well orgainzed money making ice access operation on Devils Lake. Again, you are not required to use their access or trails. If you dont wish to pay for the service simply have enough decency to stay off of them and drive freely where you wish. That is perfectly fine and well.
 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by Enslow on 01/26/2010 2:24 PM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Enslow
Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND

Archer, this is devils lake.  What are you going to do if someone accesses the trail without paying.  Nothing, thats what.  All you will get is the middle finger and maybe more.  Especially if you are fishing in certain parts of the lake. 

Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 2:30 PM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
it ain't nearly as easy as saying "don't use their trails".  i certainly can get around using their pay to access point.  but, to say "stay off their trails if you don't pay them for the access" is a little too simplistic.  first, out of towners who access their trails from a different access point like lakewood, henegar, wolfords or the casino, won't have any idea they are using "woodlands trails".  secondly, the very presence of those trails makes getting around the lake in those areas without using them virtually impossible. they pile up huge mounds of snow in hundreds of spots and create enormous snow ridges on the edges of the trails that act pretty much like road blocks for those individuals who choose to drive off trail and just want to try to cross the plowed trails.  they have created a situation where you are virtually forced to drive on those trails if you want to travel that section of the lake.  in fact, 80% of the time, i would rather they keep the darn plows off of the lake cause they impede travel more than they help.  the only folks they are helping most years are those with 2wd trucks, cars and huge permanent houses they can't pull thru 12 inches of snow.
Re: Devils Lake Access
by Enslow on 01/26/2010 2:35 PM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Enslow
Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND
Exactly espringers, and in march when the good fishing begins, those trail areas are unfishable without a hovercraft. 
Re: Devils Lake Access
by espringers on 01/26/2010 2:37 PM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
espringers
Joined: 07/25/2007
Location: ND
and if you think this is a money maker like it is on LOW you are mistaken as well.  we don't have nearly the traffic on that one little bay that those places do.  sure if everyone accessing the entire lake had to be funnelled thru the cove, it would be a different story.  but, devils has dozens of access points and only a few are on private property.  the rest are either public boat ramps or flooded roads.  these resorts don't have the potential to control all access points like the resorts on LOW do.  so, by charging for that access, you are going to simply push people to access the lake in a different location and then they will jump on your trail anyway.  now they are using your trail and avoiding your bait shop like the plague.  bad business decision if you ask me.  ask ackerman or the casino why they don't charge for access and i'll bet they give the exact explanation i just gave.

they currently charge $100 if you want a "season pass" for their access.  heck, the season pass fee for one guy is enuff to convince the average joe to call one of their 2 dozen friends with a plow and tell them to blow a trail open from one of the boat ramps and connect it to the coves trails.  is that right?  i'll let you be the judge of that.  but, i guarantee you they are not making any money from this and, more than likely, are losing money from their bait shop, gas, off sale and food sales by chasing folks to find access to their trails somewhere else.  i'd bet next year's access fee that they won't be charging a dime next year.
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Posted By: waunderer
Posted On: 01/25/2010 3:18 PM
3910 Views, 75 Comments

Tags: lake, access, devils, ramp, boat, six, east, trail, doc, hagens
More Tags: East bay, Devils Lake, Hospitality_Recreation
Region: North Dakota

Categories: Fishing > Walleye Fishing
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