Looking for useable ice for a fish house. How far will I have to travel?

[Timmer]

Hi all,

I bought a used single axle fish house and I am itching to get it out on its maiden voyage.  I'm thinking maybe an overnight Saturday into Sunday or getting up super early on Sunday and hitting the road for a day trip.  I mostly want to test things out, make sure I am comfortable and have what I need, etc.  I live north of the Twin Cities in East Bethel.  Any thoughts on how far I might have to go?  Lake suggestions?  Catching fish would of course be nice.  I don't care what species.  It sounds like even Mille Lacs isn't an option yet? 

[Splattypus]

What are you pulling it out with? Nothing around the metro is drivable current, probably have to go even farther than ML.

After such a promising start, that snow really effed things up and put a big delay on the year

[Timmer]

I will use my 1/2 ton given weight concerns.  I have a 1 ton too that is a beast in all conditions but it will have to stay in the shed for now.

[Timmer]

Update - Multiple resorts are now providing access on Lake Mille Lacs.  They say the ice is 16-24" thick but recommend only 1/2 ton trucks and single axle wheel houses for now.  They are warning everyone to stay on the plowed resort roads or you will get stuck in the snow slush mix. 

I have been hearing mixed reports on success.  Some are saying they are catching walleyes only at night, one guy said he killed them during the day.  I'm heading there tomorrow and will only be fishing morning through afternoon or early evening.  It's more about testing out the house.