Ice Fishing Trip

[Crickschop04]

I'm putting together my annual ice fishing trip with my buddies, and I'm looking for ideas on where to go. We would like to stay within 3 hours of the Twin Cities, and have some multi-species action. We are up for either a sleeper or a cabin. Last year we up on Mille Lacs, and we were kinda intimidated as well as stupified by its size. We did manage a couple of nice fish, but it wasn't enough to keep the non-avid anglers in our group happy. Any suggestions would be great.

[jjohnson5150]

Have you thought about stretching it to within 5 hours of the TC? Lake of the Woods can be well worth the extra 2 hours on the road, but perhaps you have thought of that already. If I had a weekend to spare with the buds, that's the first place I would go in the winter.

[HarryG]

I would say LOW. It is a couple extra hours but your chances are much better to keep non-avid angelers happy. It is time well spent.

[AQUAJOE]

Horseshoe Chain is a good Multispieces set of lakes. St Cloud area.

What does anybody else think?

[toughguy]

LOW LOW LOW~!!!!!! Worth the drive. Once you go the first time you'll go back every year.

[jigging-matt]

It's not to much further but I still think that heading over to the Waubay area of South Dakota is one great trip. There are numerous lakes and species of fish. I make at least 1 trip there every year and always do good.

[love to hunt]

I would agree with you toughguy 90% of the time.

Growing up in Thief River Falls (1.5 hours from LOW) I have spent a fair amount of time there, and I will say there are times it is a dead sea. I would advise calling a resort in the area you plan to fish and see we the bite is like.

[fisherman 66]

I have been going to Winne for the last 3 years. Some years are better than others. You will catch perch walleyes and northerns. It is about 3.5 hours drive. I don't think there are any overnight shacks for rent. I would advise staying at a resort and take out portables to keep on the perch. Fish the humps early and late.

[icemac33]

Upper Red Lake.Hands down.Love the variety of fish you can can catch.You don't have to be a fishing pro either. Just keep drilling 'til you find 'em. LOW is great if the bite is on.

[eyehead]

I would have to say LOW. We usually stay two nights on LOW and the next two on Red Lake. Lots of fun man

[hanson]

Winnibigoshish is a fun lake to fish, and is around 3 hours from the cities.

There are so many perch in Winni that you'll never be staring at an empty flasher screen. Winni has pretty good walleye action as well.

Lake of the Woods & Upper Red are also great destinations but they are over 4 1/2 hours out from the cities. LOW being a little further.

[18 inch Crappie]

Best trip for me is LOTW and hit Red on the way up and back. 3 or 4 day trip. Nothing like walleyes and crappies.

[Philo]

I agree with the posts recommending LOW. This will be our fourth year up there in the winter. Best time we have all year!!!