Just as a disclaimer I can't catch a laker to save my life. You said that you can't have 2 lines, but could you have a set line with a large minnow and another rod with a rattling bait (with no hooks) to attract fish? Just a thought.
Need to know for Wednesday. Will I have a better chance at lake o rivers or bracebridge ice (back lakes), and how far north will I have to go to find solid ice? Thanks!