Set in Voyageurs National Park, Lake Kabetogama spans 26,000 acres of prime fishing and wilderness in beautiful northern Minnesota. Nestled on the south shore of this lake is Driftwood Lodge Resort, the largest resort on the lake, and a perfect place to bring the whole family. My latest walleye fishing trip here delivered solid fishing action, killer sunsets, and the genuine warmth of a family-run resort.
Below I share why Driftwood Lodge is the ultimate family-friendly fishing destination in northern Minnesota. With awesome dockside action, cozy accommodations, and the pristine wilderness families love, I go through why it’s the perfect getaway for your next adventure.
Spring Walleye Fishing Northern Minnesota: Ice-Out and a Wild Dock Bite
Last fall, I was urged to visit Driftwood Lodge Resort for a spring fishing trip to take advantage of the phenomenal dock bite. So we booked for the Minnesota walleye opener, and luck was on our side—ice-out happened the day before we arrived.
I’d been to Driftwood before, but this was my first spring trip and my first time prioritizing dock fishing. When we got there, water temps were in the low 40s, fresh off of ice out. Of course I brought my boat up, planning to tackle the lake but little did I know how little I would use it!
We caught a few walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass, but as we returned to shore, we realized the action on the dock was far superior. We came here for walleye opener, and the dock was about to deliver.
At breakfast on opening morning, we learned the dock crew was crushing it. They’d already landed multiple walleyes in the mid-20-inch range—not just at dawn or dusk, but it continued all day long. That was our cue. We ditched the boat and joined the dock fishing frenzy, ready to get in on the action.
Fishing the Dock: A Community of Anglers
Driftwood Lodge Resort’s dock is a standout feature, and it’s easy to see why it draws a crowd. The dock is perfect for anglers who want to fish without a boat or when the weather turns rough. Which on Kabetogama, IS important, considering its massive size, especially along the main basin.
The dock is a magnet for fish, and during our trip, it was the hottest spot on the lake. For presentations, slip bobbers ruled the day. This made for a fun and relaxing day of fishing. My in-laws especially loved it!
The dock hands were incredible, always ready to lend a hand—whether it was grabbing bait, netting a fish, or offering tips on where the bite was hottest.
As the sun dipped low, anglers of all ages lined up along the resort’s well-maintained dock. Boats crept in from the north, also trying to get in on the action. The dock, fully equipped with benches, rod holders, and landing nets (like they knew where everyone would end up fishing) was buzzing with excitement. The slip bobber technique—simple yet deadly—produced fish after fish.
Numerous 20-plus-inch walleye were hauled in, and the highlight of the trip was when my mother-in-law hooked a stunning 26-inch walleye that had everyone cheering. The camaraderie of casting side by side, sharing laughs, and celebrating each catch made the dock the heart of our fishing adventure.
How We Rigged Our Bobber Lines
One of the best parts of dock fishing at Driftwood Lodge Resort is its sheer simplicity. As mentioned, all you need is a bobber and hook (or jig which is my favorite). My favorite being the Lindy Tungsten Toad paired with a Thill Slip Bobber.
The water off the dock runs 9 to 10 feet deep, so we set our bobber stops at 6 to 8 feet to suspend the bait off of the bottom. I preferred to cast as far as possible, though plenty of anglers were pulling fish from just a few feet away, proving the versatility of this spot.
This setup is as easy as it gets, making it ideal for the laid-back dock vibe. I used my St. Croix Avid Medium Light rod with a Piscifun Viper X reel (Code nicole18 at Piscifun), spooled with 4-pound monofilament left over from panfishing. Honestly, any line weight and setup will do for bobber fishing—the technique is forgiving and fun. With benches, rod holders, and a front-row view of the lake, the dock is the perfect place to relax and reel in a trophy.
Family Friendly Cabins and Resort Amenities
Our stay at Driftwood Lodge was made even better by the comfortable accommodations. The resort offers 16 cabins ranging from one to four bedrooms, each fully equipped with kitchens, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and lake-facing decks with charcoal grills. Our cabin was clean, cozy, and felt like a home away from home, with all the essentials we needed for our stay. The short walk to the dock made it easy to pop back for meals or a quick nap between fishing sessions.
The heated pool, opened in 2021 and overlooking the lake, is a huge draw for anglers who also want to bring their family. It wasn’t quite ready opening weekend, but will be in June, and is the perfect place to hangout midday in between fishing expeditions on the lake.
The Unsung Heroes: Dock Boys, Guiding, and Stellar Service
One of the great benefits of staying at Driftwood Lodge Resort is their fantastic service. From the moment we pulled up, they were there, tying up boats, delivering bait, netting and filleting fish. Their knowledge of the lake and genuine enthusiasm is a welcoming environment, and perfect for those not yet confident with their fishing or boat landing skills.
Looking to travel light? They also offer boat rentals for those who don’t want to haul their boat a long ways or who would prefer to fly in. They have modern, rigged out Alumacraft boats ready to go – making both traveling and fishing a breeze.
They also offer fishing guide services for those who want to learn the lake from a Kabetogama pro.
Kab Outdoors: Everything You Need at Kabetogama(AND ICE CREAM!)
No trip to Driftwood Lodge Resort is complete without a stop at the Kab Outdoors store, located just 1.5 miles from the resort. This bait and tackle shop is your one stop shop for the area, stocked with shiners, fatheads, leeches, and crawlers, plus rods, reels, tackle, snacks and everything else you could need. Whether you need a fishing license, apparel, or advice on the latest hot spots, the friendly staff has you covered. But the real star of the show? The hand-scooped ice cream. After a long day on the lake (or on the dock), nothing beats cooling off with a creamy cone in the air-conditioned store.
Why Driftwood Lodge is a Must-Visit
My in-laws are already planning their trip back to Driftwood take advantage of the relaxing dock fishing. It’s a unique, relaxing, and fun experience for those who want a productive and chill opening walleye weekend, instead of an intense one. A trip in the summer would also be a hit with our daughter, who lives to swim and would love the large, heated pool, ice cream, and adventure around the lodge.
Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye, pike, or smallmouth bass, or simply want to soak in the beauty of Voyageurs National Park and Lake Kabetogama, Driftwood Lodge Resort delivers on all fronts. Book your spring fishing trip now, and get ready to line up on the dock for a chance at your own personal best.
Be sure to checkout driftwood lodge resort at https://go.nicolestoneoutdoors.com/driftwood
