My dad first stayed at Sportsman's around 1977, and this past decade we siblings have been taking trips here with him. For the most part we have had decent experiences, always making the most of things and overlooking minor issues. We were just there the weekend of June 26th-28th. There were 5 of us in Cabin 3 for two nights and a full day charter fishing trip. Check-in was smooth, and we got settled into the cabin on a gorgeous afternoon. The first disappointment was that water smelled pretty bad, sewer like, to the point you wouldn't dare drink it. No problem, we had some bottled waters, and ran to the nearby store for some gallon jugs.
Saturday morning we were up at 5:30 to make some breakfast and slowly get ready for fishing. It was a beautiful morning, but as soon as we stepped outside we were hit by a strong chemical smell, like some kind of paint or stain, or plastics burning - something toxic. It did not go away, and my sister informed the desk that there was a strong toxic smell in the camp that could make people sick. She also requested a couple rolls of toiler paper since we only had one.
We fished and that was ok....experienced walleye anglers, all of us, relegated to nightcrawlers on harnesses after an hour long boat ride into the angle. We made the most of it, but noticed other boats having action using jigs. At one point my brother asked for a fresh worm, as his was banged up and he'd had it on for an hour or so and through a couple moves by the boat. The guide actually said, "What's wrong with the one you got?" No time to be a smart ass, especially when he didn't get us close to limits, and my sister outfished Him.
When we got back, in good spirits despite the lackluster fishing, the odor was still noticeable and caused some to feel nauseous or have headaches. We thought maybe the people in the cabin next door had been burning toxic stuff, but who knows. Still no toilet paper, no response about the odor. We made the most of it in the cabin away from the toxic air, playing poker and having a fish fry. I was woke up Saturday night around 2am by my dad and sister. The cabin was full of smoke from open windows, because the people in the cabin next door were pretty wild. Turns out they were the band, and who knows what they were burning, but the smoke was thick and made breathing difficult. We called but were ignored. We closed up the windows again and made it through the night.
In the morning we had to simply pack up right away and get out, for our health. We had requested to speak to the owners before leaving, but they were dismissive as well. They eventually gave us a 20% discount on lodging only. When they were reminded that they a $10 back guarantee for every fish under the limit, they scoffed at us, as if we were making it up. That guarantee was from their own website, and I notice now that it has been changed to only on 2 day trips. Just the way they scoffed at us instead of showing any concern told us all we need to know.
It's a beautiful facility, and the staff we have encountered have been great. The water is disgusting, and the owners apparently do not care if you have a legitimate, serious problem. There are other beautiful facilities with nice staff. Easy choice for us. read more