NYE on LOTW

[Hammskie]

My friends and I plan an ice fishing trip every year over New Year's Eve and this year it's gonna be LOTW. I've never ice fished it before, so I'm looking for recommendations both for high quality lodging, AND for a reliable location for a decent bite. I've considered Arneson's, Zippel Bay, and Sportsmans. Thanks for any help.

Andy

[DaSwede]

I've only been to Sportsmans. We fished it two days. The first day was really slow, so we had them move us. The second day was amazing. The lodging and food was really good. It is kind of spendy though. All in all I would do it again.

[fishwater]

Riverbend resort is a really good option. You're close to both Wigwam and Sportsmans if you need a bigger bar scene. Great breakfast and they usually have the shacks on better than average fishing.

[iffwalleyes]

The best on the lake for guide and service there is Arnesen's they have the best lake staff of anyone. They have the best structure on the lake to fish. As far as there lodging they mostly have trailer house but theyt are all pretty new. My biggest complain is when it comes time to pay at the lodge it is hard to find some one to take your money believe it or not. I do one trip a year with a resort on Lake of the woods and for 14 years straight I have been going to Arnesen's.

River bend has nice cabins. They have the best breakfast in the area. I however have never ice fished out of there houses. I have only stayed durning sturgeon fishings.

[low277]

I agree with iffwalleyes, Arnesons guides are great! I usually go through them late season ice, they do a discount day trip with the proceeds going to a local rural church. The guides check on you periodically and give you tips on whats working and will move you to get you on the fish.

Also have had the same experience trying to pay... sometimes hard to find someone to give the money to?

If you plan on driving your own vehicle on the ice I think Zipple Bay resort has the nicest roads, very wide and very well marked.

Enjoy you trip!

[iffwalleyes]

I agree with iffwalleyes, Arnesons guides are great! I usually go through them late season ice, they do a discount day trip with the proceeds going to a local rural church. The guides check on you periodically and give you tips on whats working and will move you to get you on the fish.

Also have had the same experience trying to pay... sometimes hard to find someone to give the money to?

If you plan on driving your own vehicle on the ice I think Zipple Bay resort has the nicest roads, very wide and very well marked.

Enjoy you trip!

I agree with the last part Zipple does have a great road system. It works awesome for when I bring my wheeled house.

That would be another down side of Arnesen's if you want to come and go you really can't as they drop you off with their track vans. There are no established roads in the area they fish. If you like me and plan to fish all day not a problem. If you want to quit early etc they will accomodate that but I wouldn't make a habit of making 4 trips on and off in a day that would be pushing it.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

I would reccomend an Island adventure package from Sportsmans lodge. They will transport you from thier location on the Rainy river to thier Oak Island lodge via Bombardier. Fishing up there is awesome and the shacks are only about a mile from the resort. Top notch accomodations, great food and a fun atmoshpere to ring in the New Year. My family has been spending New Years up there for about the last 8 years and love it. No hassles, no worrying about driving, great fishing and overall a nice get away from all the hustle and bustle of the south shore. I would get after it though as they book up fast that time of year.

[basssmasher*]

2 words.. Ballard's Resort! As far as fishing, I'd not recommend a sleeper on the ice as there is no night bite on LOTW unless ur chasing eelpout.

[Shane683]

+1 Ballard's Resort!!

[holmsvc]

I have fished with Ballard's, Wigwam, and Sportsman's. They should all do a good job of putting you on the fish early ice. Sportsman's and Wigwam both have good bars and should be a good time on NYE.