Walleye / Perch Lake recomendation

Looking for recomendations on a water destination to fish for primarily walleye and also perch. We live in central Iowa. Last year we tried the Iowa Great Lakes area. Walleye and perch were non-existent. We used a guide for two days. We did however catch bluegills. Several years ago we did the sleeper house on Mill Lacs for two nights and days. Caught one fish and kept none. Was hoping to keep the drive time to around 6 hrs. each way. However I’ve obviously heard and read alot about both LOW and SD. May just have to spend a little more time in the truck. I would also like this place to be a place we would go back to during open water.
Thanks for any input.

South Dakota. I hope to make the Webster area once this season. There was talk of an IDO GTG there late season but I don’t know if anyone is actually running with that. I met an area guide at the ice show but I will be asking for advice on area and guides if necessary here before going.

My go to spot is in South Dakota. Stay in watertown and any local lake you can catch both. I did the Mille Lacs thing last year and it was okay but nothing like SD. Go to bitter lake or any slough around there and you’ll catch fish. Devils lake, an 8 hr drive from Ankeny, is a great place too. But for 8 hours you pass about 10mm walleye and perch going there…

I’m from this area. Waubay lake is giving up some nice perch and walleye with an occasional bluegill. The Gil’s are few and far between but when you catch one it’s 10″+. I haven’t heard much about bitter yet this year.

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My go to spot is in South Dakota. Stay in watertown and any local lake you can catch both. I did the Mille Lacs thing last year and it was okay but nothing like SD. Go to bitter lake or any slough around there and you’ll catch fish. Devils lake, an 8 hr drive from Ankeny, is a great place too. But for 8 hours you pass about 10mm walleye and perch going there…

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X2…a sportsman paradise. Now if I can only talk the wife outa’ Florida for the winter! …RR

Why stay in watertown when you can stay in webster, – QB

GTG is in the works but its gonna happen, mid february is the dates probably presidents day weekend.

How many hours drive to Webster from Twin Cities?

I grew up by norwood young america and it was 200 miles so 3.5 with now stops cities = 4.5 id guess. Nice drive on hwy 7 all the way. – QB

Looking forward to more info on the GTG!

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Looking forward to more info on the GTG!

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x2

Otter Tail has just what you’re looking for, and I’m guessing you’re probably around 5 hours drive time. Lots of folks from your area venture up this way. We’ve got winter accommodations and I can also set you up with guides/ice houses if needed.

Thanks for all of your input. It appears to be some good options. Thanks again.

Regarding the SD recomendations, do you guys have any favorite places to stay, guides etc. Are there resorts right on any of the lakes. I was in the Webster area several years ago early goose hunting and it seemed like most lodging was not on the lakes. Thanks again.