Now that ice fishing season has made its debut, you may be on the lookout for where to go. Fortunately, the U.S. offers a variety of lakes and breathtaking winter landscapes for all your adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned ice angler or consider yourself a newbie, check out our roundup of the top ice fishing destinations below.
What Are the Best Ice Fishing Destinations?
- Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
- Devils Lake, North Dakota
- Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
- Fort Peck Lake, Montana
- Otsego Lake, Michigan
- Lake Champlain, New York, and Vermont
- Red Lake, Minnesota
- Big Green Lake, Wisconsin
- Lake Simcoe, Ontario
- Saginaw Bay, Michigan
1. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
Situated in northern Minnesota, right by the U.S. and Canada border, Lake of the Woods is an ice fisherman’s haven. It offers no shortage of permanent ice houses, bait shops, fishing resorts, and tournaments.
Species to Look For:
- Lake trout
- Northern pike
- Perch
- Walleye
- Crappie
Read Next: Minnesota Boating Guide
2. Devils Lake, North Dakota
If you’re an ice angler, you can’t go wrong with Devils Lake in northeastern North Dakota. Known as the largest lake in the Peace Garden State, it’s a hotspot for ice fishing due to its heated ice houses, plowed ice roads, and local tour guides.
Species to Look For:
- Walleye
- Lake trout
- Northern pike
3. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
World-renowned for its surgeon population, Lake Winnebago is the place to be for ice fishing, especially if you don’t mind a little friendly competition and plan to participate in a tournament, such as Battle on Bago or Winnebago Walleye Series (WWS).
Species to Look For:
- Sturgeon
- White bass
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Bluegill
4. Fort Peck Lake, Montana
Located in northeastern Montana, Fort Peck Lake is a remote ice-fishing destination, accessible only by ATVs and snowmobiles. If you decide to visit, a guided trip is your best bet.
Species to Look For:
- Walleye
- Perch
- Northern pike
- Sauger
- Rainbow and lake trout
Read Next: Montana Boating Guide
5. Otsego Lake, Michigan
Otsego Lake in northern Michigan is ideal if you prefer a smaller ice fishing destination. Less crowded than other lakes, it’s easily accessible from Gaylord and ensures peaceful experiences on the water.
Species to Look For:
- Northern pike
- Walleye
- Bluegill
- Yellow perch
- Smallmouth bass
- Crappie
6. Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont
Lake Champlain is a freshwater fishing lake between New York and Vermont, and the prime spot for ice anglers. Immerse yourself in its mountains, forests, charming towns, and of course, fishing resorts.
Species to Look For:
- Lake trout
- Northern pike
- Yellow perch
- Whitefish
- Bass
7. Red Lake, Minnesota
Nestled in northern Minnesota, Red Lake is home to several resorts that are specifically built for ice fishing, such as West Wind Resort, Mort’s on Upper Red Lake, and JR’s Corner Access. It’s famous for its walleye and fishing tournaments.
Species to Look For:
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Perch
- Crappie
8. Big Green Lake, Wisconsin
Big Green Lake in south-central Wisconsin supports a diverse fish population, thanks to its weed beds and rocky points. A solid choice for beginners and advanced anglers, it’s accessible from multiple public boat ramps and full of knowledgeable tour guides.
Species to Look For:
- Yellow perch
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Bluegill
- Crappie
Read Next: Wisconsin Boating Guide
9. Lake Simcoe, Ontario
Grab your passport and head on over to Lake Simcoe in Southern Ontario, Canada. Its fishing resorts are geared toward U.S. anglers, and events like the Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Classic are ideal for socializing and earning prizes.
Species to Look For:
- Perch
- Lake trout
- Walleye
10. Saginaw Bay, Michigan
Located in eastern Michigan along the coast of the Lower Peninsula, Saginaw Bay offers a great mix of recreational and competitive ice fishing. Its nearby towns offer ice shack rentals, bait shops, and fishing guides.
Species to Look For:
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Northern pike
- Smallmouth bass
Read Next: Michigan Boating Guide
Ice Fishing Destinations Q&A
Q: When is the best time to go ice fishing?
A: Mid-December through March is ideal for ice fishing. However, it all depends on weather conditions and ice thickness.
Q: What are the most common species I can catch at the best fishing destinations?
A: Walleye, lake trout, northern pike, and perch are typically caught while ice fishing. You may also find sturgeon and bass.
Q: Is it a good idea to stay at an ice fishing resort?
A: Yes, an ice fishing resort makes sense, especially if you want direct lake access and amenities, such as heated ice shelters, cabins or lodges, equipment rentals, and guided fishing trips or tours.
