Where should I go?

[Dylan33]

Looking for some ideas as to where to take a trip this winter. Any help will be much appreciated. I don't get to get out ice fishing much since I have an attention starved wife at home and 2 small kids. I get away for 1 weekend every winter with a few buddies---that is pretty much my only ice fishing all year. My buddy has a sleeper wheelhouse and I need some help decided where to go. The last few years we went to Gull, Pelican (breezy point)and Mille Lacs and have had little or no luck at all....to be fair we focused more on drinking than fishing, but we did move around a bit. I don't want to spend 5-6 hours driving either...Where should we go in a less than 4 hour drive of the cities that would give us the best shot at catching some fish? Thanks again

[motley man]

Try Big Winnie, most resorts have roads and they will put you on fish.

[Jrod0582]

Check out Lake Vermillion. Excellent fishing with the chance to catch some big fish. You'll find a lot of walleyes and perch here as well as some fantastic pike fishing.

http://www.lakevermilionresort.net/ice.html

[hydro]

Second vote for Winnie. Great pay roads out from the resorts, perch are available all day long and walleyes co-operate on nearby reefs around dusk. I believe there are resort sponsors on this board, check the Winnie thread.

[gurkster]

I know you said under 4 hours, but add an hour and do LOW. As close to a sure thing there is on catching fish, lots of resorts, food, drink, lodging, etc. You could also add a piggy back trip to URL too if you are going for multiple days. IMO the extra drive time is well worth it if this is your only trip of the year.

[OnAFly]

Go hit a bunch of tiny lakes in the middle of nowhere. You'll have some of the best panfish action you can get.

[leech~~]

I know you said under 4 hours, but add an hour and do LOW. As close to a sure thing there is on catching fish, lots of resorts, food, drink, lodging, etc. You could also add a piggy back trip to URL too if you are going for multiple days. IMO the extra drive time is well worth it if this is your only trip of the year.

Gurk, sounds like a good idea! Speaking of which, keep an open spot on your calendar for another run this year!

[ldbbeck]

Give Mille Lacs another try.Stay away from east southeast side of lake. Try mud on northwest corner Terrys harbor has roads to several different flats and your close to the goose for some pops.

[harvey lee]

+1 on LOW or Rainy Lake and a day trip to Upper red lake. Should have no issues getting fish.