House rental

[FishingDadMPLS]

My 14 year old and I will be headed out next Saturday to fish overnight or all day.

We struck out 2 years ago on Mille lacs, and last year on Leech.

I am trying to keep him interested in ice fishing. He would just be frustrated with undersized panfish or fish he can't keep because of a slot.

Walleyes or Northers would be great. But good size crappies would be OK.

Any suggestions for a basic fish house rental within 3 hours of the twin cities, on a lake that is producing keepers this year?

[FishingDadMPLS]

Message me if you don't want to post publicly.

I really want this trip to be a good one. 

At 14 years old it is important that he and I remain close.

There are so many other things grabbing his attention.

[Rick]

You really should check out Prairie Storm Outfitters out of Willow Lake SD. They are doing very well on walleyes and jumbo perch right now. Crappies and Gills can also be had. It's a very good bite going on.

 

http://www.prairiestormoutfitters.com/ 

[FishingDadMPLS]

4 minutes ago, Rick said:

You really should check out Prairie Storm Outfitters out of Willow Lake SD. They are doing very well on walleyes and jumbo perch right now. Crappies and Gills can also be had. It's a very good bite going on.

 

http://www.prairiestormoutfitters.com/ 

They look great, but I won't have the time to drive 4 1/2 hours to SD.

I really appreciate the suggestion however.

Thanks!

[Jim Panfish Uran]

It's only an hour and a half more than 3 hours and it would be worth it IMO, not necessarily those specific outfitters, but that area in general kicks out some amazing fish!!!  Within 3 hours of the cities it'd be tough to pass up Mille Lacs even if you did strike out once. 

[FishingDadMPLS]

Is Mille Lacs producing eyes again that are outside the slot?

The two of us went up to Lyback's 2 years ago and only hooked two 8 inch eyes in 24 hours.

Most of the comments on the fishing boards were that there were abundant eyes in the 8-10 inch range but very few keepers out of the slot.

I don't know the current conditions on the lake.

Thanks again.

 

Edited January 8, 2017 by FishingDadMPLS

[ANYFISH2]

I guess i would call someone like the Brainerd area guide service or a guide service like that with in your target area.  They may be able to set up for you.  Other than the Big lakes, Mille lacs, Leech, Winni. Most rental services are small and not really well known.  The guide services should be able to help.

[Drop a line]

Mille Lacs is all catch and release this year. They are catching fish but all have to be released.

There was a couple plases on Waconia that rented some day houses. Not sure about sleepers but it might be worth a look.

[FishingDadMPLS]

Yep,

Looks like this year Mille Lacs regs allow you to keep one walleye between 19 and 21 inches or one longer than 28 inches.

I have just read too many articles about how bad the lake is compared to 10 years ago.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Rick]

If it were my kid, I'd go the extra hour to hook him for life on ice fishing with his dad. Make the travel time quality too.

[ZachD]

Prairie Storm are killing it this year they just got a Snobear and are really getting on them I cant wait to get out there. Their rates for sleepers are really good too.

[BringAnExtension]

FishingDad -

 

If you're looking for a rental AND you want the drive short AND you want some walleye action, then you should be looking at Mille Lacs.  Fishing action is improving and you always have a chance for a lunker.

 

If you're willing to drive a little farther, some suggestions have already been provided. 

 

No matter what, if you rent a sleeper you are not going to be mobile and fishing can be hit or miss on any given night.  Using a sleeper is always less about the fishing and more about the camaraderie. 

 

Here's an option that you may not have considered, hire a local fishing guide.  You would keep your drive short and possibly improve your fishing action.

[FishingDadMPLS]

I got in touch with a local guide.

Thanks for all the replies.

I'll be on a Minnesota lake that is producing walleyes but not slotted like Mille lacs.

Thanks for the suggestion BringAnExtension.

 

[ANYFISH2]

Good luck, glad you something that will work for you and your son.  Let us know how it goes.

Good luck.

[ZachD]

Guide is a great Idea. Who did you go with? I am sure whoever it is he should put you on some fish! Good luck