Need advice: best MN lake for surprise ice fishing trip

[rkf]

I am planning a surprise ice fishing trip for my boyfriend's 30th birthday for him and his friends. We live near St. Paul, and I have been trying to decide what lake to rent an ice house on. I was thinking Mille Lacs, but then some of his friends said that it was a dead sea. Is that true? Lake of the Woods is great, I've heard, but is too far for one night.

I am wondering where the best lake (1-2 hours from the Twin Cities) would be for great ice fishing. It would also be nice if it was in a town that had some entertainment (hotel, restaurants) nearby.

Thanks for any and all responses--I have no idea what lake to pick, and I need to reserve this weekend!

[basssmasher*]

not exactly sure how far it is but I would think Winnibigoshish would be a good lake for you

[rkf]

Thanks! I just Googled it, and Winnibigosh is a little over 4 hours....too far, I think. I really appreciate your suggestion, though!

[Gordie]

Mille Lacs can be great

Winni...

Leech lake

Upper Red Lake

Osakis

These would be all great one day fishing trips. Most if not all these lakes have a HSO sponsored Resort. They may help with your decision also.

[JediTrav]

Lake of the Woods!!!!

[rkf]

Thank you! I will look into all of these. I've heard of Leech Lake before. Thanks again!

I've heard that Lake of the Woods is the way to go, but sadly it is too far for a day trip. Thanks, though!

[basssmasher*]

Rkf, welcome to the fishing forum as far as a one night deal, what do you call success? Just getting out for a night, or getting the b/f into some fishing action? Any lake is an easy "get out" night with the possibilities to catch a few fish,BUT IF you could stretch that trip into 2 days somehow , the drive to Lake of the woods would be you best bet handa down to get into a bunch of walleyes and sauger:) I have been going to LOTW now this will be my 3rd yr, for a 3 night lodging/2 full days fishing trip and trust me you will get sore arms from catching fish left and right!

[basssmasher*]

Lake Osakis is another option

[CJH]

If you just want to get out for a day/night and don't want too far of a drive from the Cities, how about the Brainerd area? You have all of the resorts (I believe some put out their own day shacks) and amenities there, plus I believe some guides do a few sleepers. Might be a good compromise if you don't want to drive all the way up to the Big lakes up north or aren't sold on Mille Lacs.

I think Arrowwood in Alexandria does day houses as well, for another option, plus whatever the guides in that area do.

Both are w/in about 2.5 hours from the Cities.

Good Luck!!

[bottom-bouncer]

mille lacs is probably your best option it fairly close there are fish to be caught there. Plus its a surprise birthday party I am sure there wont be to much seriuos fishing going on.

[rkf]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to look into the Brainerd area and still keep Mille Lacs as an option. You're right, there won't be some really serious fishing going on, but I do want the guys to be able to catch some! I was thinking maybe Gull Lake, too.

[Mike Walerak]

I would call Paul at Appledorn's Resort on Millelacs. He has some great sleeper houses and does his best to keep them on good fishing areas.

mw

[robert aldrich]

leach lake.

[mattpaumen]

Gull Lake would be a great option! There are a few guides up there that would be able to assist you.

[SFC]

Any lake you go to their is no guarantee you will catch fish. Mille lacs, I wouldnt call the dead sea, thousands of people are on this lake every winter, I doubt it is because they are catching nothing. This lake I think is the perfect fit for distance and a chance at some decent fish.

[rkf]

Thanks, everyone. It is still between Gull Lake and Mille Lacs. I really appreciate all the responses and suggestions!