I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a "family friendly" ice fishing resort. Just looking for something nice without the heavy party atmosphere. Something with cabins to hold two families. (8 people) Thanks in advance!

In your case you might want to look at Arneson's rocky Point resort, they treat you good, have a nice restaurant and some good cabins there too. they'll get you out on the fish too, nothing like some good sunsets from the rock!!

I second the Arnesen's idea. I have been going up with family since 1994. I liked the place so much I bought a trailer up there. Let me know if you have questions and I can fill you in. robert dot nathe at targetdot com.

I would say Anesens also. I go there every year, they have great people and very nice cabins and supplies

There are about a dozen resorts that can fill your bill. There
are only a couple of resorts on the lake that are known "party
places".

That said, do you want to drive yourself out to the lake and
fish out of your own houses? Do you want to drive out to a
rented house? or do you want the whole track vehicle experiance
where everything is provided? Different resorts offer different
things. Where do you want to fish?

If you post what you want we can steer you in a good direction.

Thanks everyone. Since there would be a group of us, we would want to rent fish houses. I like to drive out myself but would be willing to take the ride. I have stayed at a few different resorts up there with "the boys" but some of them cater to the bar scene ect. which is fine too. Just looking for a little more family friendly atmosphere for the kids. Thanks again.

For a full ride trip with transport to and from I like
River Bend Resort, The cabins are cozy and the food is top
shelf. They run 25 houses out over Pine Island and do a
good job staying on the fish. They added some new houses
this year too.

If you want to drive out to yourrental house try Zippel Bay,
The nicest ice roads on the lake and houses spread out over
several miles of top fishing grounds, nice houses for groups
of all sizes.

Arnesons is very good also, they fish the reefs and transport
to and from exclusively by track vehicle or wagon(I think).

3 different choices for different areas of the lake that are
about as good as you will find anywhere.

Also, If you check the "sponsor page" You will find some others.
Schusters Resort is a long time sponsor here and also very good.

Thanks Curt. Would you say on average the fishing is any better over near River Bend vs Zipple Bay? (or Arnesons for that matter) I'm sure alot of it is the work they put in finding fish, but otherwise does there seem to be a differance?

Ditch: Having spent the past 9 years, (with 4 reservations set up for this upcoming season ) I would concurr with Curt on Riverbend. That is the only place I have stayed on LOW so can't comment on the other resorts. This being said you can certainly drive to your fish house, again depending on snow conditions, they utilize Adrians Roads along with their own. If the snow becomes a problem the bombers will definitly get you out and back in the evening. They move the houses as ice conditions and fishing pressure dictate. We have had some tremdous fishing out of their shacks, obviously some trips being better than others but I can honestly say we have never been disappointed in the results. Success also has a lot to do with the amount of effort one wants to expend. Just dropping a hook and minnow can certainly catch fish on given days, but electronics and trial and error will really change the scorecard. Regardless of where you go best wishes for a successful trip, its not that far away. Good luck and hang on.
Bill
PS: The food is great as Curt mentioned. Biscuits/gravy and a carmel roll for breakfast will get you off to a good start.

Thanks bturck. I fished in a Riverbend fish house once and was pleased with the outcome.

This would be the start of a good breakfast for Curt! NauticalJohn and I will be buying one for him the next weekend.

Lumpy,

I will be up scouting this weekend. I know fishing will be
great, the variable is the weather. I have ordered pleasant
for next weekend.

Hey Curt, we are leaning towards Zipple Bay Resort. Does the fishing on average tend to be any better/worse down there from the resorts down by the river? Does Zipple Bay move their houses to stay on the fish? Thanks in advance.

Nick&Deanna do a Great job at Zippel Bay Resort--They definately will move their houses if needed--The ice crew does one heck of a good job with staying on fish and also keeping those roads open!! Fishing stays pretty consistent all winter around Zippel.

Jason
www.hardwateradventures.com
hardwater@wiktel.com

I have been fishing quite a bit a Zippel the last few winters.
Fishing is fine most of the time. It gets pretty busy and you
wonder what the fish must think with all the commotion.

We always get off the end of the fish houses by several hundred
feet (yards if conditions permit) looking for some quiet. There
are plenty of fish and if you are patient and spend the entire
day on the ice fishng (as opposed to walking around or playing
cards) your success chances are pretty good. Zippel is a top
shelf late in the day bite. Move into 7 feet of water at 3 pm
and fish till dark to end your day