My buddy and I just got back into ice fishing last year and were thinking of taking a ice trip this year. It would only be the 2 of us. we would go for 3-4 Days.

1.We were wondering when and where would be a good place to go in MN for our one trip this year. We do have a 4x4 SUV, ATV's, snowmobiles and portables.

2. Would it be worth bringing all the "gear" portables and ATV's or just rent a house or both?

Thanks

Lake of the woods. Bringing all that gear would depend on which resort you stayed at.

There are a ton of variables, it really matters more what you want to get out if it and go from there.

My buddies and I have been going for a few years now and we rent a perm, that way we can sit, fish, [PoorWordUsage], and drink together. When we fish at home, we hole hop, but we like to chill and have fun when we go up north.

It depends on how long your going. I only run and gun on a longer trip. I like to have a base camp in a decent spot and go from there if I got time to do it. Otherwise if time is limited, I will find a good spot and only move if it is really terrible.

If I had all the options available I would also go to LOTW. Probably later in the year since it stays hot when all the others have slowed down.

If it was a weekend trip, leech lake and a sleeper house would be a good bet. The fishing is on the upswing there so it should be pretty decent.

Rental Houses - Hit URL in the way to LOW or vice versa. Assuming you are taking a couple day trip.

what do you mainly want to fish for? walleyes? then LOW!

LOW as early as possible or late as possible. It's the Disney World of ice fishing

Depends on what you want to target, and if you are looking for numbers or trophies.

If you hit Upper Red Lake in a sleeper at the right time you can't beat it. 2 Years ago we went right before Christmas. They only had the sleepers out about a mile or so. 3 days 2 nights and by the end of it we were sick of catching walleyes. We caught close to a hundred a day between the 4 of us. Plus if you don't have a trophy crappie on the wall there is still a chance you'll catch a monster trophy or pike. Largest Pike we got out of Upper Red was 47in long, longest pike I'd ever seen someone catch.

Can't speak for lake of the woods though....never did go there been to Upper Red 4 times in the last 4 years.

Any good guides at Leech lake? Been by it a few times but never fished it.

For me, hitting the Lake Trout opener on Northern LOTW is without a doubt the most enjoyable fishing/hunting trip I get to take all year long. If I had to pick 1 thing out of all outdoor activities I do, it would be this!