Red Lake first timer

[myke34]

Heading to red for the first time early January. Pulling up my new ice castle to stay 3 nights. Wondering were to access the lake and about how far out to start(2 miles, 3 miles, ect.) Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[toughguy]

All the roads out of Waskish are close to each other. I'd ask how far out when you get there. It can change from week to week.

[SapperACE]

Hillman's road is really good, but it's the only one I've ever used. I've heard they're all pretty good.

Personally I'm giving up on the Red Lake and LOTW rat races. It's like going to the shopping mall with all the people. I'm gonna hit up Ottertail County for my annual trip this time. Fishing is as good or better without all the "Citiots", and half the driving time.

[GRAND DAD]

Hillmans is the best. I have had far better fishing off there road.

[MuskieJunkie]

I would go out of West Winds or Rogers road. Some of the plow truck drivers up there don't like us "citidiots" coming in with wheel houses.

[crappiekid]

HILLMANS and Buddy will put you on the fish. Great service as well. Have fished many resorts but they are my favorite

[sx2]

Same here Ace i fish ottertail county all the time! Going up there on sat. morning!!

[bak2MN]

Jerry at Rogers is great he has plowed me a spot every time I am there. He just says follow me and I will put you on some fish. And he has come through every time.

Thanks Jerry

See you this winter.

[myke34]

Thanks for the info, can't wait to get up there. U guys talk about ottertail, what about alex area?

[hanson]

Personally I'm giving up on the Red Lake and LOTW rat races.

I'm right there with you. I've got a permanent sleeper house on URL and I didn't even make it up there last year. IMO... the only reason to go there is those slab crappies, and the amount of work and energy it takes to consistancy catch them is incredible. They are still there and I know what has to be done to get them but I've got to mentally prepare myself for augering 2 tanks of gas a day, fishing outside from sun up to sun down, covering LOTS of territory, and putting up with everything else Red Lake has to offer.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Originally Posted By: SapperACE

Personally I'm giving up on the Red Lake and LOTW rat races.

I'm right there with you. I've got a permanent sleeper house on URL and I didn't even make it up there last year. IMO... the only reason to go there is those slab crappies, and the amount of work and energy it takes to consistancy catch them is incredible. They are still there and I know what has to be done to get them but I've got to mentally prepare myself for augering 2 tanks of gas a day, fishing outside from sun up to sun down, covering LOTS of territory, and putting up with everything else Red Lake has to offer.

Never been to lake of the Woods, but have gone to upper red quite a few times. 3 times in the last two years to be exact.First time was ok, second time was awsome, was early december and caught around 100 waldos a day. third time got my trophy crappie and just a few fish. Since I got a giant crappie on the wall, we've devided to skip upper red and look at some other lake for ice fishing. Waubay was where we went last year, and I was very impressed with it. Thinking of maybe hitting something like Leech this year or LOTW. Did Winni the year before I hit Upper Red and was very dissapointed.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'm far from a URL expert but I've found it sure can be interesting.

All of the roads I've used have been well maintained. West winds, Hillmans, and Rogers.

You really have 2 choices when fishing URL. Run and gun or sit and wait. I recommend running and gunning but be prepared for using up a lot of auger gas. The reward for this approach can be huge if you're willing to do the work. If you sit and wait it's a lot more comfortable but don't expect nearly the amount of fish.

Most of the plow truck guys I"ve met will plow you a spot if you have a wheelhouse.

[mww24]

a 20 goes a long way with getting tips and a spot plowed too