Lake of the woods ice fishing trip 2018

[Lions Fan]

I am looking at taking my wife and kid (4 year old) to Lake of the Woods next year and would like your opinions on the best resorts to go through. There are way too many options and they all seem to offer the same amenities. We would like to have everything included ( lodging, meals, fish cleaning). Thanks

 

[KDM]

Any of the bigger operations provide exactly what you are looking for and are about equally equipped. However, have realistic expectations. IME, 90% of your catch will be walleye and sauger about 12-13 inches long. I've gone 4 times and can count the number of walleyes over 18 inches on one hand. That said, what the fish lack in size they make up for in numbers. We didn't go 20 minutes without a bite most days. Had a blast every time and ate everything we kept. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Fly Carpin]

I'll 2nd what KDM said. Ballards, Border View, Arnesons, etc. etc. etc. All the big resorts will have competitively priced packages that include lodging, meals, and Bombardier rides out to the ice houses, where you'll likely catch 500 13" walleye, 2 burbot, and 1 giant perch.

 

[tikkalover]

Been ice fishing with Ballards 4 times, they always have you on fish, and a nice place to stay. If you don't like where you are fishing they will move you to a different spot, You will catch a lot of small fish, but we set a size limit on what we keep and have always came home with fish. They even cook your fish in the restaurant if you want. I do the 3 night 2 day fishing package. Have fished it in a charter boat 2 times out of Wheelers Resort, they do a bang up job also. I will try them for ice fishing the next time I go.

 

[Holmsvc]

My best advice is go early. You will have better fishing and a shorter bomber ride. Go around Christmas if possible.

 

[Lungdeflator]

I agree with the go early if you can. Though if you are looking at 2018 around Christmas, alot of places are going to be booked already.
My dad has his wheelhouse out of Cyrus resort most weekends in the winter. They seem like they have a good setup with houses and cabins and the fishing is usually good.

 

[Muzzytipped]

Was at Ballards 2 weeks ago. Caught average 30 fish per house each day. Most 13"-14" range. Largest was 19". If i had kids with I would stay next door at Sportsmans for 2 reasons. First is indoor pool and sauna. Second is that the restaurant is much bigger with more menu options. They also have a leave time at 6am so you can get in on the early bite if that suits you.

We had a full hour in Bombardier's each way.
I would try to get in earlier also for my next trip.

 

[Lions Fan]

Thanks for the info!