Ice Fishing Destinations

[1900_LE]

The wife and I are planning to come to Mn ice fishing over the Xmas holidays. I lived in the Hackensack area 30 years ago. I came up there a few years ago, went to Mille Lacs. Caught nothing. She has never been ice fishing so I need some lakes that might be good. Also we need lodging that will let our Shorthairs stay too. Leech lake is where we've been going for open water fishing. But I've heard and read that Leech is nothing to get excited about in the winter.

So, what are the suggestions. We do have a portable house and a RZR to get around on.

[leech~~]

Do the resort thing up at LOW if you want her to catch at least some fish. Stay at the resort, get into a heated bomber for ride out to the heated shack.

[Rikkus]

A cool idea is getting a Sleeper on Upper Red Lake. They're pretty nice, all the comforts of a cabin, with rattle reels down the holes when you're snoozing. Having the portable and Rzr is great for doing a little scouting if the sleeper is dead. The Walleye Fishing on Red this year should great. Another consideration, Lake Winnie. There are very nice cabins on this lake, with fish houses available. One thing about Portables, you're very dependent on the conditions. Last year during our annual trip, 50 mph winds, rain & water on the ice. The year before, 5' - 8' drifts. At times, you could only see the plowed-out area. My fishing buddy of 40 years, another friend and I will be doing both Red & Winnie for the next annual ice fishing trip. We're bring 3 portables, hoping all will work out. Depending on your accommodations, the resort owner will typically plow an area for your portables, if needed. Sometimes you can catch the Gents plowing the road and ask them. For $20, they'll help you out dropping the blade in a good spot. Some Gents will do it just to be neighborly. Good Luck!

[Moose]

We go to Upper Red every Year around Christmas. Most years have been really good. Last year was the exception for us. It is the time of year the fish start to migrate from the S. shore contour to the flatter E. side. We usually rent a sleeper from on of the guys working out of Jerry's. Washkish Minnow Station has been on the lake for many years and they are off the E. side. The fishery is very healthy and depending on the slot it can be one of the best fisheries in the state at that time of the year. Take a look at the Upper Red Lake forum and ask for some winter help they are a pretty good bunch of people.

[1900_LE]

I appreciate the info so far. Only thing is we really don't want to go any further then about Walker.

[Rikkus]

Check out the Hackensack Area. This has always been on my Bucket List. The crappie fishing in the area was always been above par. Long Lake gets featured every year on the Gillespie Show. A guide told me Pleasant Lake is a good one to fish Crappies. I am not all that familiar with the area, other than it is a great crappie area.

[JBMasterAngler]

It's only 20 miles past Walker, but you might want to consider cass lake? I don't know much about lodging options, but there is some good fishing to be had.

[BigDogRob]

The extra cpl hours you spend getting there is well worth it! I hope to have portables out there before then and the big house out for new years eve weekend! 5 day weekend after all...who doesn't like that.

[JSK76]

It's only 20 miles past Walker, but you might want to consider cass lake? I don't know much about lodging options, but there is some good fishing to be had.

I've been told not many people ice fish Cass. I don't think you will find any house rentals but I could be wrong.

[JBMasterAngler]

There are several resorts that offer rental shacks. Some are just day shacks though.

[Feathers Rainin]

I would say Upper Red Lake. It is usually on fire early in the year (around xmas). If that is too far for you I would do Leech. The walleye population on Leech has come back strong. The only problem with Leech in the winter is the bite windows are usually fairly short (low light periods and evening) vs. a Red Lake where you can catch them all day. If you enjoy Perch you can perch fish during the day on Leech and hit the eyes towards night. If you go later in the year do the NW Angle on Lake of the Woods. That usually isn't an option around Xmas though due to ice conditions.

[Hawg]

Mille Lacs can be hot too. Pulling those big fish up is a great time, and there's usually an eater here and there for a dinner.

[leechlake]

since you want to go no further than Walker I'd fish Leech. It's "generally" a sunup/sundown bite for walleyes. My wife loves going out around 4-430 pm and knowing we'll be back in within a few hours and we normally catch some walleyes. She likes fishing but doesn't want to do it 8 hours a day. I fish in the am some days but almost always fish walleyes around sundown. During the day find some tasty perch.

[DLD24]

I would say go the extra hour and hit Red Lake also...Last year was my first year going there and it was a blast LOTS of nice eyes....I will be back up there again this year as soon as the ice is good....CAN'T WAIT

[Living_The_Dream]

I have been going with a group of guys to Upper Red Lake between christmas and new years for the past 10 years. Awesome fishing and the weather is nice (not yet -30). Plan on making my reservations again for the up coming season.

[Rikkus]

Yeppers, I would have to agree, the extra bit of a drive is worth it. The Walleye thing on Red Lake is awesome. Our group last year had a blast. So much that our next annual trip has Red Lake down as a Must-Do. With the better Slot, and the limit being 4, the fishery is coming back really well. And the Size of the catch is great. Last year, most of the most we caught were right at 19". Two years ago, I caught and released a 26"; the biggest Walleye I ever caught.

Out annual 2014 Ice Fishing Trip has both Red Lake, & Winnie down for our 6-days of fishing.

[1900_LE]

We decided we're going to go to Leech. Thanks for all the replys.