I want to take an ice fishing trip this year. Looking at LOTW we have never been there. I have some experience but a friend of mine has little to none. I think LOTW would be the best to get on a lot of fish with the chance of big fish. The trip would probably be late January or early February. We are looking for recommendations on resorts that provide lodging, meals and are good at getting people on fish. Thanks in advance.
Most outfitters are really good. What I look for is if they fishing is bad do they do everything they can to help.
Ballard’s and Sportsman’s get my votes. If you want to see a different restaurant or bar they are walking distance apart and stumbling on the way back 
I agree with pat. I’d throw in River Bend as my favorite resort. I have always gotten along very well with the owner and has treated us very well. They’re definitely one of the better resorts at keeping you on fish, in my opinion.
The biggest thing of all for any resort if you are not getting what you expected, ASK! Don’t hesitate to ask. Try to meet the owner or manager if possible. Most of these people genuinely care about your experience. Don’t let a $6/hour employee wreck your trip. I see it all the time online about how the guys bringing bait, cleaning fish, etc… aren’t doing their jobs. Let the managers/owners know and they’ll make it right.
My only other advice. If you wanted to pick a time of year better to get on numbers and big fish, I wouldn’t pick Jan-Feb. December, March or April if possible.
Something to ponder –
Some resorts dictate what time you will be starting and stopping fishing. Some don’t.
My only other advice. If you wanted to pick a time of year better to get on numbers and big fish, I wouldn’t pick Jan-Feb. December, March or April if possible.
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I’d consider heading up to the NW angle, south shore bite has been pretty poor the last few years, especially during that timeframe.
We have been going out of Bayview for the last 15 years. We like the idea of driving to the fish houses on our own. WE can go as early as we want and stay as long as we want. The have marked roads to follow and move the houses to stay on fish. Last year we went later in January and the end of February and did very well. Caught a lot of eaters, but not too many in the slot,
Thanks for all the help. Chime in if you have any other suggestions
The early bite on the south shore has a very good chance of being fantastic this year because the shiner run in the river has been so good. Like a couple of the other guys have stated, you have a better chance of catching more and bigger fish either early or late in the year. I have gone through Adrians before and if there is enough ice they will let you drive out to the houses yourself. They have been around forever and do most of the plowing of the roads out of Pine Island. Ballards and Sportsmans is also very nice as a couple guys have mentioned. Another great option is Freds Beds, which is owned by Nels and is run out of Morris Point. This is a great area to fish in December and Nels knows how to put guys on fish, just make sure to book in advance as he usually fills up pretty fast. It also depends on if you are looking for a sleeper house, where along the south shore you would like to stay, and obviously what price range you are looking at. There are so many resorts now doing your research and finding the best option can take some time.
Also, the LOTW tourism page has a bunch of the resorts and guides listed on their page to check out.
Good recommendations above! I would also add Cyrus resort, would fit the bill with lodging, food and fishing. Zipple Bay is good too, but a little further past all the others mentioned.
@Busse3775 I’m excited to get up there due to the shiner run too! See if the theory on slower years recently holds true…
Agreed, by all accounts it is on fire, and saw a guy caught a 32.5″ 14.6#
Zippel Bay’s owners are the most in-welcoming people I have ever met.
I give them a double thumbs down.
Stupid question here… some of the resorts say that their houses have attached bathrooms. If they don’t do they put a designated bathroom house in among the fish houses? One resort said ask the guide for a porta potty?
There is usually an “out-house” type bathroom near every so many houses. If ladies are coming with, I’d recommend bringing an extra heater. Don’t need anyone getting stuck to a seat!
Bathrooms are typically attached to the sleepers.
For day houses, as Werm says they do have outhouses “strategically” located but bring your own toiletries.
FYI – I would only take a Gal up there if you didn’t like her.
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