URL Ice Fishing Suggestions

I’ve asked about suggestions for LOTW, but a separate group of friends is interested in setting something up for URL.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Here’s what we are looking for:

-wheelhouse or sleeper for 4 guys (3 nights, 3 days)
-being on fish is a priority (this group isn’t here to party)

Red Lake Remote seemed like a cool opportunity that was focused on fishing first and foremost…but they’re basically booked solid. I’ve also looked at Red Lake Ice Cabins, Jr’s, Up North, etc. I’m particularly interested to hear reviews or thoughts on Red Lake Ice Cabins and Up North.

Thanks

If you can find a week it is open Cookies “North Dakota” is one of, if not the nicest houses on the lake. Same goes for Cookie

I’ve always gone to URL in portables, so no help on the sleepers. But I would advise going as early as possible, and even then be ready to be mobile. Getting away from the crowds is priority #1 there imo, which isn’t conducive to sleepers which are usually grouped together.

BigWerm wrote:

I’ve always gone to URL in portables, so no help on the sleepers. But I would advise going as early as possible, and even then be ready to be mobile. Getting away from the crowds is priority #1 there imo, which isn’t conducive to sleepers which are usually grouped together.

That’s what I have heard as well. We will likely bring portables to venture away from the crowds during the day as far as possible. The reason I asked specifically for thoughts on Red Lake Ice Cabins and Up North rentals is that the Google reviews repeatedly mention them moving to fresh ice with each new rental and a willingness to move if needed.

If it is fishing you are looking for red lake ice cabins over up north. I would avoid anyone who goes out of the main 3 launches. They will be a zoo.

Check out Bear Paw Guide Service the sleepers are nice but not fancy and they move them after each use, those guys try hard to keep you on fish and are great people also. I stayed a couple times with Ice Cabins and one time no one was even around when we arrived or for most of our stay, I think it is a part time business for him.

I have no experience with Ice Cabins, but I know Justin with Up North personally. He will work very hard to keep you on fish and/or give you the best advice he can on where to go with your portables. As others have said, go early, no big secrets on Red Lake. Just get away from the crowds and go on your own. Early ice, sit and be very quite and you will catch fish. I was dumb enough to be out there during the big storm new years weekend and Justin and his crew and Dave with Greater Mn worked very hard getting everybody off. Great guys to work with.

I have used Justin With Up North rentals, great guy and stay every year early ice. Have stayed at JR’s but real busy and lots of drunks around.

Narrowed down to Beacon Harbor and Bearpaw as our two leading candidates. Keep the suggestions coming!

I have stayed with both, houses are about the same as far as rustic I guess but Bear Paw actually guides on the lake. Beacon is just a resort, of course all resorts will try to put you on fish but Steve and Tyler are more qualified to do so IMO.

John Rasmussen wrote:

I have stayed with both, houses are about the same as far as rustic I guess but Bear Paw actually guides on the lake. Beacon is just a resort, of course all resorts will try to put you on fish but Steve and Tyler are more qualified to do so IMO.

When you say”rustic”, are we talking about cleanliness and issues, or just not the latest decor or fancy finishes (which I couldn’t care less about)?

Yeah the houses are clean and everything works, just not where your wife would likely want to spend the weekend. Trust me Bucky, Bear Paw is worth a try.