Iowa guy is looking for some ice!!

ok, here is my sad story, my normal fishin buddy has decided to take our company shutdown to remodel a bathroom. That leaves me longing for the ice and some great fishing. Problem is, I live in Iowa, you know, land of no flippin safe ice on the water yet. So, can anyone direct me towards a place with fish cleaning facilities, a good place to stay, good fishing, and as close to iowa as possible because I am drivin solo? I am looking to come north between Xmas and New years. I have not been on MN waters Ice fishing, so I am behind the 8 ball from the start. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

In Stoddard, Wi there’s a place called Waters Edge i believe. I haven’t personally been there but have heard good things about it. Hopefully someone else will come in with more info about it.

I think if you stick around, there will be plenty of ice here in Iowa. The lakes down by me froze over this week, just waiting another week and we should be prime time. I would say, head to Northeast Iowa/Southwest Wisconsin. You should find some backwaters frozen over. Stoddard would be a good start. Otherwise Head for the backwaters of pools 9, 10, or 11. You really can’t miss with any of them and it’s the most beautiful part of the Midwest, too, which is nice. Good Luck!

If pan fish will do, your Iowa fishing license is good on the west side of the tracks in Wisconsin for waters that border Iowa. Prairie Du Chien might be what you’re looking for at less than 100 miles from Waterloo. I don’t know if there are any motels with fish cleaning facilities but a few phone calls might answer that. There are several backwater areas that usually produce a variety of fish.

Clear Lake is reporting ice ….check out Iceshanty.com for ice reports… I’m heading there Wednesday

I heard that today at the local bait shop. Called the Crazy Minnow and they stated approx 5″ of ice!! Headed tommorow to Clear Lake. Thanks!