Where to go for "up north" guided ice fishing trip?

[Herky2002]

My brother wants to come up from Chicago for a true "up north" Minnesota ice fishing experience in early February. I'm pretty much an ice fishing novice myself, so we would need a complete guided trip, probably an ice house overnight for 2-3 days, to have any chance of success. We'd be interested in walleyes especially, but a chance at some northerns and perch/crappie would be a bonus. And to make it a complete Minnesota experience for him, after all I've read about eelpout on here, I'd also like to catch a couple to see if they taste as good as people say.

So I am looking for recommendations as to the best plan for a fun and successful trip. I don't begin to know which lake gives us the best chance for success, and which guide service might best be able to take care of a couple of beginners who would need bait, tackle and a fair amount of coaching. Any suggestions?

[Down Deep]

Cliff W. on Lake Vermillion is a guide and FM sponsor. Go the Lake Vermillion Forum to find him. I've never used him, but I've been to a couple of his walleye talks and he knows what doing.

[Jim Almquist]

When you are up in that area take a day to go lake fishing with Steve Foss on Burntside lake. It is a huge lake and is a take off spot into the BWCA. The scenery is great and Steve will put you on some fish.

Bunrtside info

[Fishing_Ace]

You guys could always go to Lake of the Woods and go out of one of the many many resorts up there, they will take you out to their house and supply you with bait, makes things really simple

[LeeMB]

I would also check out Stu Mckay out of Manitoba. He fishes the Red River and Lake Winnipeg

[deadeye]

Vermillion is a great lake and I would get up there any chance I got. Its a real up north place and the fishing is great and the scenery is awesome.

If you want to stay closer to town, there are several resorts on Mille Lacs that are sponsers here and would get you on some fish. I have yet to do a sleeper house deal but it really sounds like fun.

If you just want to get into tons of fish Lake of the Woods is great too. I have always gotten into big numbers up there. Its just a long drive. Maybe stop by red lake on the way home for a day too.

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

I would head to red lake. My new favorite lake!!

[outdoor ran]

Its not Minnesota but Chequamegon Bay in Wisconsin is an idea. Jim Hudson guides on there and outdoor allure has a nice fishermans lodge to stay in. You can get Jims info on the Wi. forum on here.

[Koldfront Kraig]

Lake of the woods.

The best ice fishing anywhere.

A slow day on LOW is better than most lakes on a good day.

http://www.hardwateradventures.com/

I think Jason is a sposor here??

[Chef]

I second the Lake of the Woods vote. Fish bite even in bad weather. The resorters put their houses where the fish are biting and it's a day bite only, so you don't have to sit in a sleeper all night to get your fish.

Shuster's, Wig Wam and Sportsman's are three top notch lodges.

[GoFish4]

I have fished LOW many times and it is a "hit or miss" proposition. Red Lake to me, has a much better, steady and reliable bite. LOW has so much water to cover if you set up at the wrong debth you are lucky to catch a few saugers. Red gives you a more diverse fish population and it has been my experience a more consistant lake to find and catch fish. Good luck on your trip.

[FISHINGURU]

i'd go to upper red lake without a doubt...pretty much guarenteed a bunch of eyes but not much trophy potential..you can get tons of eyes in the 16-22 inch range though...nice perch up there too.

monster crappie and monster pike are pretty common.

i'd go with jonny p out of the minnow station....check em out in the upper red forum.

[WalleyesWest]

I am with Coldfront Craig on this one pretty tough to beat Jason Taggerts ice fishing service. With his equipment and fishing ability he can get you to some of the most remote spots on LOW. Nothing better than not seeing anyone all day on the ice, catching a ton of fish, and then listing to how TOUGH the bite was in the bar for everyone else. I just sit there and smile like a little 10 year old kid. You get what you pay for in Feb on LOW. Arnesons resort would be my next choice great food, nice Cabins, and lots of reefs to fish. Or think about the Northwest Angel almost allways good fishing up there.

[PerchJerker]

Another vote for Lake of the Woods. If you're looking for a fun trip take the bombers or track vehicles out to day houses and come back to the lodge or your cabin at night, then go check out a bar or restaurant or something like that. Good fishing, fun experience, fun trip, and you can get out of the ice house every night.

If you're really looking for the sleeper shack trip, then I'd vote for Upper Red.

[jwmiller33]

LOW

[Scupper]

Lake Winnibigoshish!

Good Luck...

[bak2MN]

Talk to Sportsman lodge and ask about the guide that works out of there and take the guided trip up to I believe its called Ok point up by the islands they will know what you mean or someone alse might get the name right. But the fishing is better than right out of Adrians. The ride across the lake is a little long but the fishing and quality of fish caught is worth the trip. Good Luck!

[89Bronco]

All those are great lakes, and I'm sure all of those people are great guides. I'll chime in with Woody on Rainy Lake. Rainy has all the different fish you're looking for, the scenery is beautiful, and you'll have a great time besides. Plus he is a sponsor on the Rainy Lake forum.

Looks like you've got some phone calls to make to check everyone out. Good luck with your trip!

[bak2MN]

I checked their web site ask about the snobear trips.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Definitly do the guided SnoBear trip out of Sportsmans Lodge. It's a fully guided SnoBear fishing trip complete with bait and everything you will need. The guide picks you up at the front door of the lodge and takes you out for the day fishing right out of the SnoBear! You can also book the Oak Island trip through Sportsmans at thier lodge on the north end of the lake with transportation via the SnoBear. It's an awesome adventure with excellent accomodations and not to mention some of the best walleye fishing anywhere, a true fishing getaway!

[Black_Bay]

All those are great lakes, and I'm sure all of those people are great guides. I'll chime in with Woody on Rainy Lake. Rainy has all the different fish you're looking for, the scenery is beautiful, and you'll have a great time besides. Plus he is a sponsor on the Rainy Lake forum.

Looks like you've got some phone calls to make to check everyone out. Good luck with your trip!

I'll second Woody's. Fishing has been fantastic on Rainy.

[sparcebag]

I dont know what the going price is for Woody's? But in the local Willmar paper He is advertising a deal $84 per person for 3 nights Delux lodging.

The ad states mention this ad for the deal.