8x17 Itasca Series

On a wind-cut morning at Lake Waconia, the 8x17 Itasca Series trailer settles onto crystal ice like a warm island. Operated through Nocturnal Guide and Rental Services (shortname: nocturnalguideandrentalservices), this compact, well-equipped fish house converts winter’s flat white into a comfortable base for angling, midwinter sleepovers, or a weekend with friends. Located on Lake Waconia in Waconia, Minnesota, the experience meets at 343 Lakeview Terrace Blvd Waconia, MN 55387, a short hop from town and a quick drive west from Twin Cities suburbs.

The Itasca Series sleeps 3–5 (three single adults comfortably) and includes a sleeping cot and freshly washed bedding; bring pillows and extra blankets if you plan to stay overnight. Inside you’ll find a small galley—fridge, microwave, oven and stove—plus a Smart TV for cozy evenings. The rental comes fully rigged for ice fishing: eight holes pre-drilled, four rattle reels, eight rods, four tip-ups, bait and tackle, and a FLX20 Vexilar sonar to read fish and structure beneath the ice.

Lake Waconia is one of Carver County’s larger lakes, carved during glacial retreat and ringed by marshes and mixed hardwoods. In winter the lake freezes solid enough for hardwater access, creating long runs where panfish and walleye concentrate near weedlines and submerged structure. Wildlife here includes red-tailed hawks riding thermals over open water and the occasional muskrat trail at the ice edge; keep an eye for tracks in the snow.

Waconia itself takes its name from a Dakota word commonly translated as "fountain" or "spring," a reminder of the region’s Indigenous roots. Practical details matter: everyone over 16 must present a current Minnesota fishing license at check-in. Food and drink aren’t provided, so stock the galley and pack insulated containers if you plan to bring a catch home—bring a bucket or storage container for fish.

The trailers are ideal for groups who want a warm, social way to spend the day on hardwater without hauling gear or building a shelter. Why book it? You get mobility, creature comforts, and a true lake experience without giving up the basics of angling: sonar, tip-ups, and room to spread out. For novice anglers, technicians can walk you through gear; for regulars, it’s a fast, efficient base to chase walleye at first light.

Nocturnal’s trailers make Lake Waconia accessible to families, mixed-ability groups, and anyone who prefers their fish house with a stove and a TV. Nearby Waconia offers coffee shops, bait shops, and a small marina where you can stock up on supplies or swap local tips; downtown has a handful of restaurants and a grocery for provisioning. Winter roads are maintained but bring traction cleats for walking on packed snow and a cooler for transporting your catch safely back home regularly.