The Best Ice Fishing Lakes

Ice fishing allows anglers to reach areas of a lake or pond that are inaccessible during other seasons, such as deep water or areas far from shore, without a boat. Many fish species, such as walleye, perch, and northern pike, remain active during winter and are often easier to catch under the ice due to their predictable movements and feeding habits in cold water.

Frozen lakes are quiet and serene, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Ice fishing is often a group activity, where friends and families gather on the ice. Some anglers set up heated shelters or ice shanties, creating a cozy environment to share stories, food, and drinks.

Ice fishing requires specialized skills, gear, and patience. Drilling holes, setting up tip-ups or rods, and monitoring fish activity under the ice adds an exciting and rewarding challenge. Walking or snowmobiling out onto a frozen lake feels adventurous. The experience of catching fish through a hole in the ice, while battling the elements, adds to the thrill.

For many, ice fishing is a cherished tradition passed down through generations, providing an opportunity to connect with family, nature, and culture. The following lakes show up consistently as the best U.S. ice fishing lakes:

Devil’s Lake, North Dakota
Fort Peck, Montana
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Lake Champlain, Vermont & New York
Lake Gogebic / Lake Michigan, Michigan
Saginaw Bay, Michigan

Which State Has the Best Ice Fishing?

The “best” state for ice fishing depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s trophy fish, variety, or an all-around ice-fishing culture. If you’re after the overall experience, Minnesota and Wisconsin are often top choices due to their accessibility and vibrant ice-fishing culture. However, if you’re seeking a unique or remote adventure, Alaska and Maine are fantastic options.

Here are some standout states known for exceptional ice fishing:

Alaska Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: For true wilderness and adventure, Alaska is unbeatable. Try Lake Louise or Matanuska Valley lakes.
Fish to Catch: Arctic char, rainbow trout, burbot, and northern pike.
Bonus: Spectacular scenery and a chance to combine fishing with wildlife spotting.

Maine Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Known for its pristine, remote lakes, including Moosehead Lake.
Fish to Catch: Landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and bass.
Bonus: Unique species like cusk (burbot) and beautiful snowy landscapes.

Michigan Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Surrounded by the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes.
Fish to Catch: Walleye, perch, bluegill, northern pike, and even steelhead and salmon in some areas.
Bonus: Lakes like Houghton and Saginaw Bay are ice-fishing hotspots.

Minnesota Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota offers countless options for ice fishing, including Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, and Leech Lake.
Fish to Catch: Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill.
Bonus: Strong ice-fishing culture with heated ice houses and community events.

North Dakota Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Devils Lake is one of the most famous ice-fishing spots in the U.S.
Fish to Catch: Perch, walleye, and northern pike.
Bonus: Incredible perch fishing and fewer crowds than in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

South Dakota Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Lakes like Lake Oahe and Waubay Lake are prime locations.
Fish to Catch: Walleye, perch, crappie, and bluegill.
Bonus: Abundant wildlife and wide-open spaces.

Wisconsin Ice Fishing

Why It’s Great: Home to iconic lakes like Lake Winnebago, where sturgeon spearing is a unique winter tradition.
Fish to Catch: Walleye, northern pike, crappie, and even lake sturgeon.
Bonus: Vibrant ice-fishing communities and abundant public access.

Where’s the Best Place to Go Ice Fishing?

To go ice fishing safely, the ice on the lake must be thick enough to support your equipment, vehicle if using, and weight. Here are general guidelines for ice thickness:

Ice Thickness Safety Guidelines:

2 inches or less: Stay off the ice—it’s not safe for any activity.
4 inches: Safe for walking and ice fishing with minimal gear.
5 to 7 inches: Safe for snowmobiles or ATVs.
8 to 12 inches: Safe for small cars or light trucks.
12 to 15 inches or more: Safe for medium-sized trucks.

Safety Tips:

Early (New) Ice is Stronger: Clear, newly formed ice is generally stronger than old, white, or slushy ice.
Avoid Moving Water: Be cautious near currents, inlets, outlets, or springs, as the ice may be weaker in these areas.
Carry Safety Gear: Bring ice picks, a rope, and a flotation device in case of emergencies.
Test as You Go: Use an ice auger or chisel to test the ice thickness as you move.
For safe ice fishing, a minimum of 4-inches of clear, solid ice is required. Always prioritize safety and check local ice conditions before heading out.

What Part of a Lake Is Best for Ice Fishing?

Deep Holes:

Why It’s Great: In mid to late winter, fish like crappie, perch, and lake trout move to deeper areas where oxygen and food are more plentiful.
How Deep? Look for basins or holes that are 15 to 40 feet deep, depending on the lake and species.

Early Ice: Under the in Shallow Areas:

Why It’s Great: Early in the season, fish like northern pike and bluegill may be active in shallower water because it has good oxygen levels and cover.
Tips: Fish closer to shore during early ice, but move deeper as the season progresses.

Flats:

Why It’s Great: Broad, shallow flats with scattered vegetation or structure can hold fish during early ice when oxygen levels are high.
Best Species: Perch and bluegill often forage here.

Near Drop-Offs:

Why It’s Great: Many fish species, like walleye, perch, and crappie, gather near underwater ledges or drop-offs where shallow water transitions to deeper water.
How to Find It: Use a topographic map, fish finder, or sonar to locate these structures.

Near Inlets and Outlets:

Why It’s Great: Moving water carries nutrients and attracts baitfish, which attract larger fish.
Caution: Ice near inlets and outlets can be thin due to water movement, so be extra careful when fishing these areas.

Points and Humps:

Why It’s Great: Points, land that juts into the lake, and humps, underwater rises, concentrate fish because they interrupt the water flow and create feeding opportunities.
Best Species: Walleye, perch, and lake trout often patrol these areas.

Weed Beds:

Why It’s Great: Weeds provide shelter and oxygen, attracting baitfish and the larger predators that feed on them, such as northern pike, bass, and bluegill.
Best Depth: Typically in 6 to 12 feet of water, depending on light and oxygen availability.
Tips: Look for healthy green weeds, as brown or dying weeds may not hold as much fish.

Tools to Help:

Sonar/Fish Finder: Can help pinpoint fish and locate structure.
Topographic Maps: Essential for identifying drop-offs, humps, and flats.
Drill Multiple Holes: Spread out to test different areas and depths until you find fish.

Where Is the Ice Fishing Capital of the World?

The Ice Fishing Capital of the World is often considered to be Walker, Minnesota, located on the shores of Leech Lake. This area has earned the title due to its rich ice fishing history, large ice-fishing community, and abundance of fish species.

Why Walker, Minnesota?

Leech Lake: One of Minnesota’s largest and most popular fishing lakes, Leech Lake is home to walleye, northern pike, perch, crappie, and bass—making it a prime ice-fishing destination.

Long History of Ice Fishing: The region has been a top ice-fishing spot for generations, and the town hosts several well-known events like the Leech Lake Ice Fishing Derby, which draws thousands of ice fishers each winter.

Ice Fishing Infrastructure: Walker offers services and amenities specifically geared towards ice anglers, including guided ice fishing, ice house rentals, and heated shelters.

Other Contenders:

Lake of the Woods, Minnesota: This area, often referred to as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” is another popular ice-fishing hotspot, particularly for anglers seeking trophy fish.

International Falls, Minnesota: Located near the Canadian border, this area offers fantastic ice fishing in the winter months, with trophy walleye, northern pike, and other species.

What Is the Most Common Fish to Catch While Ice Fishing?

Simon Trask, the senior editor of Lake Hub, goes ice fishing most often to catch panfish, pike, and walleye. The most common fish caught while ice fishing can vary depending on the region. These species are the most common targets across many ice-fishing regions, making them the go-to choices for most anglers.

The species that anglers typically target and catch most often during the ice fishing season:

Bass — Largemouth & Smallmouth

Why It’s Common: Though not always as active in winter, both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found under the ice in deeper waters.
Best Locations: Deeper lake sections, drop-offs, and submerged structures.
Fun Fact: Bass are more challenging to catch through the ice, so they are prized for their fight.

Bluegill — Panfish

Why It’s Common: Bluegills are abundant in many lakes and are active even in colder water, making them a top target for ice anglers.
Best Locations: Shallow to mid-depth areas, especially near submerged vegetation.
Fun Fact: Bluegills are great for beginners since they’re relatively easy to catch and put up a fun fight.

Crappie

Why It’s Common: Crappies are popular for their tasty meat and can often be found in schools under the ice. They tend to bite well during the winter months.
Best Locations: Mid to deeper waters, especially near submerged structures.
Fun Fact: Crappies are known for their schooling behavior, so if you find one, you may find a lot more in the same spot.

Northern Pike

Why It’s Common: Northern pike are abundant in many lakes and are a thrill to catch due to their size and strength.
Best Locations: Shallow bays or near weed beds.
Fun Fact: Pike are often targeted by setting up tip-ups with live bait under the ice.

Perch — Panfish

Why It’s Common: Yellow perch are plentiful and can be found in almost any ice-fishing lake. They are also known to school up in large numbers, increasing your chances of catching a bunch.
Best Locations: Shallow to mid-depth areas, near weed beds or drop-offs.
Fun Fact: Perch are often caught in schools, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby.

Trout — Rainbow, Brown, Brook

Why It’s Common: In colder regions, trout are abundant in many lakes and can be caught through the ice, particularly in early winter when they are closer to the surface.
Best Locations: Deep, cold lakes with plenty of oxygen and food sources.
Fun Fact: Trout are often caught with smaller lures or bait and tend to put up a good fight.

Walleye

Why It’s Common: Walleye are a favorite among ice anglers due to their strong fight and excellent taste. They tend to be more active during low-light periods, like dawn and dusk.
Best Locations: Deeper waters, near drop-offs, and humps.
Fun Fact: Walleye are often more challenging to catch than other species, making them a prized target.

Region-Specific Variations:

Minnesota/Wisconsin/Upper Midwest: Walleye, northern pike, perch, and crappie.
Northeast U.S.: Trout, especially lake trout, along with bass and perch.
Northern Canada: Walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and Arctic char.
South: Some anglers may catch species like bluegill, bass, and catfish on rare occasions, but ice fishing is generally more popular in colder regions.

What Is the Best Bait for Ice Fishing?

Simon Trask usually ice fishes with small jigs. The best bait for ice fishing can vary depending on the species you’re targeting, but generally, both live bait and artificial lures are used. Here’s a breakdown of the top baits for different fish species:

Artificial Lures

Why They’re Great: Lures can mimic the movement of baitfish or invertebrates, making them effective even when live bait is not available.

Ice Fishing Rattles or Vibrating Lures

Best For: Walleye, pike, bass.
Why It Works: These lures often make noise or create vibrations that attract fish, particularly in murky or deep water.

Jigs — Soft Plastics or Hair Jigs

Best For: Perch, crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
Why It Works: Jigs allow you to control the movement, and adding a soft plastic grub or a wax worm on the hook can enhance the appeal.
How to Use: Jigging motions that mimic a fish or insect struggling are most effective.

Jigging Spoons

Best For: Walleye, pike, lake trout, and perch.
Why It Works: The flash and vibration of a jigging spoon attract fish, especially when jigged up and down to mimic a struggling prey.
Popular Color: Silver, gold, or bright neon colors are popular in clear water, while glow-in-the-dark colors work well in low-light conditions.

Lipless Crankbaits

Best For: Bass, pike, walleye.
Why It Works: Crankbaits are great for covering more water when searching for fish. Their vibrations can catch the attention of predators.

Live Bait

Why It’s Great: Live bait mimics natural prey and can attract fish more effectively, especially for species like walleye and northern pike.

Mealworms

Best For: Bluegill, crappie, and perch.
Why It Works: Mealworms are easy to use and appeal to a variety of panfish species.

Minnows — Live or Dead

Best For: Walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and bass.
Why It Works: Minnows mimic the natural diet of predatory fish. Northern pike, walleye, and lake trout, in particular, are drawn to minnows under the ice.
How to Use: Use minnows, whole for larger fish, or cut into chunks for smaller fish.

Redworms

Best For: Perch, sunfish, and other panfish.
Why It Works: Redworms are commonly used for their wriggling action and ability to attract small to medium-sized fish.

Shiners

Best For: Pike, walleye, and larger predator fish.
Why It Works: Shiners are an excellent bait choice for larger fish, offering a natural look and movement in the water that draws in big predators.

Soft Plastics

Best For: Perch, crappie, and other panfish.
Why It Works: Soft plastics such as small worms, tubes, or grubs can be used on jigs to add extra appeal. They imitate small insects or small fish.