Looking for a family recommendation for Prez weekend

Last few years I’ve taken the wife and kids up to Mille Lacs, spent a fortune on a nice sleeper. Gave me an excuse to fish for another weekend! Eventually got a friend and his family to join the last couple years.

Problem is, we aren’t really in a position to be mobile, and stationary on ML = No Fish and rambunctious kids. We’d prefer the kids get to do some fishing.

Any reco’s on where to go? We almost thinking maybe Leach and staying out of one of the main resorts there, they have some pretty nice ice castles they rent out.

Open to ideas.

Leech would be pretty far down on my list of places to ice fish with kids and not be mobile. Maybe something like big stone? Done a few trips there and caught a good amount of decent size perch. Lotw would probably be the best option to sit on one spot and catch fish all day but is also 6hrs away. If you wanted something closer could do something up in the Alexandria area for panfish, not sure who offers sleepers up there though.

Smellson wrote:

Leech would be pretty far down on my list of places to ice fish with kids and not be mobile.

Totally agree.

I would, however, also take recommendations for the same topic. I have two little kids and have thought about this many times. One place I have considered is Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. Stay at the resort, waterpark, and bring the portables. I think there is decent fishing right out in front of the resort.

lindyrig79 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Smellson wrote:</div>
Leech would be pretty far down on my list of places to ice fish with kids and not be mobile.

Totally agree.

I would, however, also take recommendations for the same topic. I have two little kids and have thought about this many times. One place I have considered is Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria. Stay at the resort, waterpark, and bring the portables. I think there is decent fishing right out in front of the resort.

We are booked at Craguns after xmas. It looks like a decent break line right outside the resort. They have rentals, but I am bringing my portable. Pool, sleigh rides, curlings, sledding, ice skating, looks like lots of options for fun.

DaveB wrote:

We are booked at Craguns after xmas. It looks like a decent break line right outside the resort. They have rentals, but I am bringing my portable. Pool, sleigh rides, curlings, sledding, ice skating, looks like lots of options for fun.

Nice. That sounds like fun. I have fished open water in front of Craguns before and yeah you’d think you’d be able to find some panfish out there.

And to the OP…. remember Presidents weekend is mid-February. Not an ideal time to chase walleyes for anyone but especially with kids in tow. I would be looking for panfish or maybe do some tip ups for pike that time of year. IMO.

We have a bigger group of families that has rented a VRBO up north and has been a good time. It’s nice bc you can pick the lake (think smaller hidden gem lakes), the guys can get out fishing, and the kids/ladies can come and go as they please.