Ohio Guy Needs some Ice

Hi all!
I thought I’d registered last year when I started creeping the forums, but I guess I didn’t.

Anyway. I’m from Ohio and it’s not looking like we are going to get any fishable ice this year. I want to get the GF out on the ice and into some perch/walleye. This will be her first time ice fishing.

Ideally looking for a sleeper shack In Wisconsin or Minnesota with a decent bite during the third week of March if ice holds that long. We are thinking 3 days/2 nights.

Though I’d like to hit upper red and LotW at some point, I’d like to stay a bit further south if possible to save on some drive time. I have a Sister in the Minneapolis area, so we could get some rest from the road if we need to go further north, but I’m looking for recommendations.

My only previous fishing experience up that way is several trips to the Boundary waters quite a few years back.

Thanks!

You might be to late on time. I think resorts have to have shack off the ice early in March I think. Check to make sure. Good luck!

Unlike Ohio, Walleye have closed seasons for the upcoming spawn in MN and WI – usually from second week of February until mid May. Better prepare for an earlier trip next year.

In March your only option in MN for a sleeper shack will be LOTW.

Big Stone Lake is open year round for walleyes and perch as well. Might have to run portables though. Other option in March is Devils Lake.

LOTW

Lake of the Woods if you are lucky, but I believe they have the sleeper houses pulled off by then most years. It should still be fishable with portables or maybe day houses out, but I’d guess you will be sleeping on shore.

Like others have said, Lake of the Woods will probably be your only option for a good walleye bite. I’ve done plenty of late March trips up there and the fishing can be very good plus there’s usually way less people. Still about 5 weeks out so hard to tell what the ice will be like then but I would recommend calling resorts and getting something scheduled if you are interested.

Some dates for future reference:

MN Walleye close 2/23 midnight for inland(non-border) waters. Some years a few days later.

MN Ice houses off the lake: Basically the week after walleye closes and 2 weeks after for the northern part of the state. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/shelter.html

March is a huge transition month for the seasons. In warm years we’ll have open water in the cities by the 3rd week. In really cold years we’ll still be ice fishing but not necessarily driving. Between that and the regulations is why the LOTW suggestions. Winter simply lasts longer up farther north.

Thanks for the help! Looks like it’s going to be LotW after all.
I talked with one of the resorts this evening and they still had openings that week.

There are area’s in Wisconsin where you can fish walleye year around, check your regulation book.