Gabriel Rickles
Have you ever thought about fishing in the middle of winter? Ice fishing takes your regular fishing trip to a new level—picture drilling through the ice and catching some serious fish. We’ve rounded up 20 of the best U.S. lakes for ice fishing that will give you an unforgettable experience!
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
This lake is a legend in the ice-fishing world. It has everything you need for a perfect day on the ice; walleye, northern pike, and sauger. Plus, with over 14,000 islands, there are plenty of quiet spots to set up. Just bundle up—Minnesota winters are no joke!
Devil’s Lake, North Dakota
Devil’s Lake is known for its massive perch and jumbo walleyes. Ice fishing here is like hitting the jackpot for anglers. The lake freezes early and stays solid all winter, making it a top spot for ice-fishing fans. You can ask local guides to direct you to find the best fishing spots.
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
If you’re after sturgeon, Lake Winnebago is the place to be. Fishing here can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you pull up a giant sturgeon through the ice. This Wisconsin lake is perfect for catching perch, walleye, and white bass too.
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Maine’s Moosehead Lake is an ice-fishing paradise. The lake is loaded with brook trout, salmon, and lake trout, and the scenery is unbeatable. It is a must-visit for any angler who loves being surrounded by beautiful, snow-covered forests while waiting for the next big catch.
Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Straddling Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain is a top ice fishing spot in the Northeast. Anglers love catching fish such as yellow perch, northern pike, and landlocked salmon. The ice usually holds well into March, which will give you plenty of time to fish
Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota
Mille Lacs Lake is a dream come true for ice fishing enthusiasts. This Minnesota lake offers some of the best walleye fishing in the state, and the community around the lake makes it super fun with ice shanty rentals and tournaments. Plan a weekend here, and you’ll be hooked.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Ice fishing in Colorado? Yep, Grand Lake is the perfect high-altitude spot for a winter fishing adventure. Known for its rainbow trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon, this lake freezes solid and gives you stunning views of the Rockies while you fish.
Saginaw Bay, Michigan
Part of Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay offers excellent ice fishing for walleye. Michigan winters keep the ice solid, and you can expect to reel in some big catches here. Don’t forget to check out the perch and northern pike too. Locals say it’s one of the best ice-fishing spots in the state.
Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana
Fort Peck Reservoir is one of the best-kept secrets in Montana when it comes to ice fishing. Famed for its monster northern pike and walleye, this place is a must for serious anglers. The reservoir is huge, so you’ll want to bring your GPS to find the best fishing holes.
Silver Lake, New York
This is a great ice-fishing destination in western New York. It’s loaded with yellow perch, northern pike, and trout. The lake freezes over early in the winter, which makes it a great spot for ice anglers looking to get an early start. It’s also a fun place for families to try ice fishing together.
Lake George, New York
Located in the Adirondacks, Lake George is one of the best places in the U.S. for ice fishing. This lake is full of lake trout, perch, and northern pike, with stunning showing the snow-covered mountains surrounding the lake. Don’t forget to pack your ice cleats—the lake’s ice can get slick!
Green Lake, Wisconsin
Famed for its deep, clear waters, the lake is a great spot for ice fishing in Wisconsin. You can catch lake trout, northern pike, and bluegill. The local fishing community is super friendly, and there are plenty of ice-fishing events during the winter months.
Higgins Lake, Michigan
Anglers come here mostly for rainbow trout, perch, and smelt. Higgins Lake is famous for its clear waters and great ice fishing. Freezing early and staying frozen well into the winter, it is an ideal spot for ice-fishing enthusiasts looking to spend some quality time on the ice.
Cascade Lake, Idaho
Cascade Lake is one of the top ice fishing spots in Idaho, especially for perch. Anglers come from all over to catch some of the biggest perch in the country. This lake has solid ice throughout the winter, and the local fishing guides can help you find the best spots to drop your line.
Big Stone Lake, Minnesota/South Dakota
Straddling the border of Minnesota and South Dakota, Big Stone Lake offers some of the best ice fishing in the region. It’s well known for perch, bluegill, and crappie. It features a wide, flat surface, which means there’s plenty of room to set up your ice fishing shack and catch some big ones.
Lake Gogebic, Michigan
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it is a hotspot for ice fishing. Local ice fishing tournaments are a big draw, and you can always find fellow anglers ready to share their best tips and tricks for landing the biggest catch. This lake is packed with jumbo perch, walleye, and northern pike.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee is a must-visit for ice fishing. The lake is filled with lake trout, whitefish, and rainbow trout. It has thick ice and incredible mountain views, so it’s a treat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a giant lake trout—residents say they can grow huge here.
Lake Erie, Ohio
Part of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is a fantastic spot for ice fishing, especially for perch and walleye. Notably, the western basin of the lake freezes first, which gives you plenty of time to fish throughout the winter. However, be sure to check ice conditions before heading out.
Lake Cascade, Idaho
This one is a dream come true for anglers who love targeting perch, but you can also catch rainbow trout and kokanee salmon here. Lake Cascade is a top spot for ice fishing, known for its massive perch. It’s a remote, peaceful place with good views.
Upper Red Lake, Minnesota
Upper Red Lake is one of the most popular ice-fishing lakes in Minnesota, known for its incredible walleye fishing. The lake freezes solid in the winter, giving you plenty of space to set up. Local fishing resorts even offer ice house rentals, so you can stay warm while reeling in some trophy fish!
