There is no better way to ring in a new year than bundled up on a frozen Minnesota lake with a fishing rod in your hand and an incredible group of women beside you! We’re heading back to the frozen lakes of Otter Tail County for one of our favorite Her Wilderness traditions! We have been hosting this trip for years, and there is something pretty special about coming together at the start of a brand new year to spend a weekend outside, learn something new, catch some fish, and make memories with women who love adventure just as much as you do.

With only 8 women total, this is a small group experience with plenty of time to fish, learn, connect, and soak up everything a Minnesota winter has to offer.

We’ll spend two full days on the ice chasing a mixed bag of some of Minnesota’s most exciting species. We’ll jig for trophy Crappies and Bluegills while keeping a close eye on our tip ups for Northern Pike and hard fighting Largemouth Bass. There is nothing quite like hearing someone yell “FLAG!” and watching the whole group come running! Our guides spend countless hours scouting lakes throughout Otter Tail County, following fish movements and locating the best bites throughout the winter. Conditions are always changing on the ice, so we’ll go where the fish are and give ourselves the best opportunity for a successful weekend.

Whether this is your very first time ice fishing or you have spent years on frozen lakes, this trip is designed for you. Our guides will teach you how to jig for panfish, dial in your presentation, read electronics, set and fish tip ups, and become a more confident and independent ice angler.

All of the fishing equipment you need is provided, including rods, tackle, tip ups, and Vexilars. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience live imaging sonar and see firsthand how modern technology is changing the way we fish through the ice. If you already have gear you love, you are more than welcome to bring it along.

Multiple heated hub shelters will be set up throughout our fishing area, giving us warm places to fish, relax, warm up, and swap stories throughout the day. And because a winter adventure is always better with good food, we’ll gather together for a hot, hearty lunch served right on the ice each day before heading back out for the afternoon bite. But if you have traveled with Her Wilderness before, you already know these weekends become about so much more than what we catch.

It’s the laughter inside the fish house. The excitement when a flag goes up. Cheering for another woman when she lands a personal best. Learning new skills. Sharing stories over dinner. Meeting women who may arrive as strangers and leave feeling like old friends. It’s about starting a brand new year doing something adventurous, outside of your comfort zone, surrounded by women who are willing to do the same.

Eight women. Two days on the ice. One of our favorite Her Wilderness traditions.

Come ring in the New Year with us in the Minnesota outdoors. We can’t think of a better way to start it.

The lodging accommodations that are included in your trip are always tailored to women looking for a welcoming and spacious atmosphere to foster friendships! Our cozy accommodations offer ample room to relax and unwind, featuring large common areas where you can connect with fellow guests.  When selecting a space, we prioritize spaces that create a serene escape, complemented by shared amenities that encourage camaraderie and comfort. You’ll find well-maintained shared bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. Please note that during this trip, you may need to share a bed / bedroom with another participant. We appreciate your understanding as this helps foster a sense of camaraderie and community among all attendees. Feel free to socialize in the kitchen and living areas or enjoy the fresh air outside. Whether you’re joining us for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, we strive to choose an environment that nurtures a sense of community while providing all the comforts of home. Embrace the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories during this unique experience! Once you connect with your trip coordinator, they will share more specific details about your lodging accommodations.

Yes, we know this part might seem a bit tedious, but it’s important! We kindly ask that everyone who registers for a trip visits the FAQs and Policy page on our website. If you sign up for a trip without reviewing this information, it’s your responsibility. There’s a wealth of valuable information there that could influence your decision. Please make sure to check out all the FAQs and Policies on our website before signing up for a trip with us. Thank you!

We want to ensure that every trip with Her Wilderness is enjoyable and memorable, but we acknowledge that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature has a significant impact on our outdoor adventures, so we encourage you to approach each trip with a positive attitude and a "go with the flow" mindset. If this feels unreasonable to you, we kindly ask that you reconsider registering for our events. Weather can be unpredictable, affecting activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, and our top priority is always your safety. For instance, if your trip is focused on duck hunting but our guide believes a goose hunt is more feasible, we will follow their expert recommendation. If this kind of flexibility is not something you're comfortable with, we encourage you to think twice about joining us. We expect all participants to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances. Many of our trips have faced changes, cancellations, or rescheduling, yet the understanding and adaptability of the group have made all the difference that still allows for an incredible experience! We take pride in creating fun experiences, even in challenging situations. Please be aware that our trips may involve sharing accommodations with others, unpredictable weather that could impact planned activities, limited bathroom facilities for larger groups, and the possibility of not harvesting the specific animal you hoped for. These are real scenarios that can arise, and while we’ll do our best to minimize issues, they can happen. We strive to maintain a drama-free and stress-free environment. If any participant brings negativity or drama, they will be asked to leave without a refund and will not be allowed to return. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, so we ask for your cooperation in keeping a cool, calm, and collected attitude throughout the trip. We truly appreciate each of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience for all participants. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together!  

We’re thrilled to announce a new booking and payment system aimed at enhancing your experience! Starting October 1, 2024, all trip registrations will be processed through WeTravel. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. Your trip coordinator will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure and schedule two virtual video meetings for all trip attendees. The coordinator will share their email and other contact information with you at their discretion, so please respect their boundaries and contact them only through the provided information. A quick reminder: personal social media profiles are not the best way to reach out to your coordinator. During the virtual meetings, hosted on Google Meet, you’ll discuss important details such as packing lists, travel plans, and more. To ensure smooth communication, please register with a valid email address that you check regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at questions@herwilderness.co. We look forward to making your experience exceptional!