For some, ice fishing is an activity far outside of their comfort zone.  In many cases, they have never done it, never grew up with it, didn’t have an interest or maybe they grew up in another part of the country where ice on lakes didn’t exist.  Regardless of the reason, ice fishing is an activity that is fun, simple, enjoyable and comfortable.  Consequently, everyone can enjoy ice fishing.

Full service ice fishing makes ice fishing possible for the young, old, disabled, etc.  What a great way to enjoy a Minnesota winter than catching walleyes, saugers, perch, eelpout, pike and a variety of other fish with friends and loved ones.

Most think of ice fishing as sitting outside on a bucket.   These are the old days of ice fishing and they could get real cold real quick.  Fun, right?  Hardly.  Not at Lake of the Woods.  Ice fishing takes place in nice heated fish houses.

Resorts like to take great care of folks and make their ice fishing adventure easy and enjoyable.  From heated resort to heated fish house with the holes drilled and set up on top of the fish.  This is ice fishing Lake of the Woods style.

The heat is on and it is almost like stepping into a living room with a few holes in the floor to fish.  Many families or groups enjoy bringing out their favorite snacks, some music, maybe a few beverages of their liking and the adventure is on.

There are so many fish in Lake of the Woods that normally there is action.  In some cases, it is hard to keep the bobbers on top of the water the fish bite so good.  And then there can be stretches when you wonder if there are any fish in the lake.  By putting in a full day, normally there will be some different flurries of fish activity that provides excitement and of course at the end of the day, a fresh fish fry.

Resorts offer everything from just the lodging where you fish on your own to lodging and ice fishing where they provide the heated fish house to also including all meals.  The package with lodging, fishing and meals is often called the American Plan.

Ice guides will clean your fresh catch.  In many cases, the resort you are staying at will cook up your fresh fish, often consisting of walleyes, saugers and perch.

Why is ice fishing so popular?  People often wonder why this winter activity is so popular at Lake of the Woods.  One reason it is full service ice fishing and really takes the work out of it.  In addition, millions of walleyes and saugers doesn’t hurt.  The behind the scenes infrastructure make ice fishing easy for just about anyone regardless of ability.  With this being said, ice fishing is warm, simple and easy.

The thermostat is set at around 70 degrees.  Most only have to be in the cold a few steps into ice transportation and a few steps into the heated fish house.  As the saying goes, there are two things you need to think about when you participate in full service ice fishing, “what should I wear and what should I eat”.  Everything else is taken care of for you.

When you catch the fish, the guides will even clean them for you.  Some groups enjoy making fish back in their cabins, while others consider vacation a time when they will simply let the resort cook the fish and provide the sides.  Whichever way you roll, no experience necessary for a great fish fry.

Families, couples, business groups and longtime friends take advantage of these fish houses out on the ice.  In between bobbers going down, good conversation, good food and even good drink is part of the atmosphere in a fish house.  For some it’s the fishing.  For others, it’s the social aspects.  Either way, it is a great way to spend a beautiful winter day.

Sometimes it helps to actually see how it works rather than read about it.  There are many ways resorts transport you out on the ice to their fish houses.  Some even let you drive your own vehicles on their maintained ice roads.  Check out our ice fishing videos here.

Most everything is provided for your ice fishing adventure.  It is good to check ahead as most resorts expect you will bring or purchase for a nominal fee your short little ice fishing rods and a few key lures.

Some resorts rent electronics that help you see what fish are underneath you and how they are reacting to your baits.  Although certainly not necessary, electronics to show you the fish below you is very helpful and will help you catch more fish.

Ice fishing is an incredible experience.  Especially on a body of water, or in this case, sheet of ice that can stretch further than the eye can see.  The air is crisp and fresh.  The winter scenery is breathtaking.  The memories you will make will be forever.

 

 

 

 

Additional info on Lake of the Woods

Additional info on ice fishing, sleeper fish houses and resorts