Red Lake Travel Dilemma

It looks like most resorts on Upper Red started allowing 1/2 ton trucks pulling permanent ice shacks this last weekend. No sure where I’m accessing the lake from yet but sounds like JR’s has roads for 1/2 tons going most everywhere now.

I’m heading up there this Thursday for a couple days. My dilemma is should I bring my ATV along or should I be able to fish about anywhere I want taking just my 1/2 ton pickup? The convenience of not having to haul the ATV and trailer up would be nice. On the other hand, I don’t want to be stuck fishing in a crowd because I was limited to where I could fish because I didn’t bring the ATV along. Never fished Upper Red before so not sure what to expect.

Side note: I’m not one of those fearless “1st truck on the ice kind of guys”…

Thanks,

Tucker

I was up there last week and travel was fine. I’d suggest calling the day before you leave to get a better idea of what is the best option for travel on the ice.

Low 30’s for a high when you are up. I’d bring the wheeler just for that fact alone and go where you want. For me pulling a trailer is not inconvenient in the least.

I came back 2 weeks ago. I’d bring the wheeler and get away from the crowds

Are you pulling a wheel house or what is inconvenient about pulling the 4 wheeler?

Not pulling a wheelhouse. Nothing really inconvenient about bringing the 4 wheeler. Just better gas mileage without towing the trailer and a warmer cushy ride but really no big deal. Was leaning towards bringing the atv and based on the above responses I think I will plan to bring it.

Better to have it along than wish I would have and it’s sitting at home.

We brought them when we were there and it sure was easy getting around. Nice to be able to leave the Otter hooked up and just jam out to the next spot.

I was just up there on the 8th and Rogers just starting to allow 1/2 ton trucks on. I did not go pass the 2nd bridge so I’m not sure how the ice is out that far. At this point to be safe, I would just bring out the ATV and use that. If I remember correctly 1.5 miles out from Rogers there was about 12inches of ice.