Ice fishing is one of the great things to do for fishing enthusiasts. Just because lakes are frozen that you can no longer do some fishing. Here are the Top 20 Ice Fishing Lakes in the USA where you can go to continue your fishing spree.
Silver Lake, California
What makes them the best?
They are the oldest fishing retreat and happen to be the best spot which is known to be the Golden State when it comes to ice fishing. This secluded lake is seated at 7,000 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains making it a great site.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Expect to catch some huge Trout that can extend up to 20 inches long. It’s going to be a great catch for you When you go ice fishing here, You can also get some Cuthroat and Brook so you can have a variety of catches.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
What makes them the best?
If you happen to be around this State: you can go to this lake since it is known to be the premier ice fishing location. You can always travel if you live far away so that it can be your next ice fishing destinabon and roam around the place as well.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
There are many fish species to catch from this lake since ifs one of the best fisheries around North America. Prepare to catch some Perch: Bluegill, Walleye. and some Northern Pike. You can fish on yqour own or you can have a fishing guide to help you out
Devils Lake, North Dakota
What makes them he best?
With more than 200.00 acres in size. this is one of the largest bodies of water around North Dakota. It’s included in the top 5 ice fishing lakes in the LIS so you can make sure that you will not get disappointed.
What type of fish can you cath at the lake?
Since it’s known to be the Perch Capital Of the World. you can be guaranteed to have a Perch on your bait weighing more than two pounds. There are also a lot of Walleyes. Northern Pikes. and White Bass.
Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana
What makes them the best?
What makes it be on this list is because some people just don’t like to fish in a crowd. So this makes it a perfect getaway for you if you’re one of them. There are no nearby big cities so you can do some ice fishing in peace.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
When it comes to the fishes: you can catch them in abundance, There are Walleye. Pike. Northern Pike, Trout and Sauger You might even catch some trophy catch from there without the need to fight from the crowd.
Lake Washington, Minnesota
What makes them the best?
During the Winter, there are a lot of fishermen Who go to this lake as their ice fishing destination, It is 11487-acre and popular because Of its proximity to Minneapolis. its a fishing hotspot for locals and tourists alike. especially in winter months.
What type Of fish can you at the lake?
You can expect to catch some Bigmouth Buffalo, Crappie. Bluegill, Black Bullhead Norüern Pike. Largemouth Bass. Yellow Bullhead. Walleye. as well as Yellow Perch. With a lot Of fishes to catch, you will get excited when something bites on your bait to See what you Will have for dinner.
Strawberry Reservoir, Utah
What makes them he best?
Its where fishes reproduce faster than the algae that’s why it makes it popular. It’s the best place to guarantee that you will get to catch something. Since the water will be frozen during the winter times, ifs best to go here as there is an abundance of fishes to catch.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Known to be Utah’s Best Trout fishery, you can catch some Rainbow T routs, Cutthroat. and Kokanee Salmon here, 24 inches Trout can be caught regularly so it will make your catch to be picture perfect.
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
What makes them the best?
Lake Winnebago is the top fishermen destination since its the largest lake in Badger State, You Can catch huge fishes around so you Will enjoy the Winter Spearing season as well. It can be an exciting event that you will surely enjoy.
What types of fish can you catch at the lake?
Catch some Walleye. Perch. and White Bass in this area. Prepare yourself from possibly catching a heavy-weight fish that you might need a couple Of fellow fishermen to hold it just to strike a pose.
Oneida Lake, New York
What makes them the best?
Not because you are living in the city means that you can’t enjoy ice fishing in a lake nearby. The Oneida Lake is just near North Syracuse so you can still experience it during the winter months.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Ice fishing around this lake will be a blast as you can catch some Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: perch: Crappie. and Walleye. Locals know their way around the area so if you’re not from NYC. better ask for some advice.
Lake Gogebic, Michigan
What makes them the best?
It is the Winter Wonderland for fishermen who like to go ice fishing . This lake is located in the upper Peninsula of Michigan. You can also ride a snowmobile which makes it a great winter experience,
What type of fish can you cath at the lake?
You can catch some Perch which is the legendary thing about ice fishing in this lake. it can be a great experience todo ice fishing in this area especially if you like the idea of riding a snowmobile to get to the location where Perch is abundant.
Bass Lake, Deer River, MN
What makes them the best?
Bass Lake is an ice angler’s dream destination wherein you can enjoy the ice fishing experience better. There is a stunning number of fishes that has a huge size. Although they only keep the medium sizes and let go of the large ones to ensure that they can pass their genes on their off springs.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Bluegills are often found in this lake so you can have this to be your trophy on this ice fishing trip.
Lake Erie, OH
What makes them the best?
If you like the excitement of doing ice fishing in crowds, then this is a great destination for your next fishing trip. Its popular so you can expect to have around 4:000 anglers around. The lake is the perfect Spot to catch an awesome fish that you can imagine.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Walleyes and Perch are the main catch around this lake. The prime spots can be at 20 to 30 feet of water when you plant to catch an award- winning Walleye.
Lake of the Woods, MN
What makes them the best?
Lake of Woods is the largest inland freshwater lake in the US after the Great Lakes, That is why fishermen go to this place for ice fishing since can expect the abundance of fishes swimming in this lake.
What type of fish can you at the lake?
Being recognized as the Walleye Capital of the World means that it’s popular for Walleye of course. But the lake offers more than that since you can also catch some Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: Northern Pike: Lake Trout, Sturgeon: Muskie: Sauger Rock Bass: and Crappie,
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
What makes them the best?
Ice fishing is fairly new to New Jersey but Lake Hopatcong makes it a greatdestination for fishermen who like to have a different adventure. You can just make sure to avoid ice thinner than 4 inches to make your ice fishing safe and fun.
What type of fish can you cath at the lake?
The lake Offers a variety Of fishes such as Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Bluegill. Perch. and Pickerel. Lt will be worth your while upon catching any of these fish variety so that you can strike your pose before anything else.
Deep Creek Lake, PA
What makes them the best?
The thickness Of ice matters When it comes to ice fishing The park director Will allow fishing as long as the ice is 5 inches thick to ensure the safew of fishermen. With having safety first before allowing anyone, makes it one of the best destinabons to do your thing.
What type Of fish can you at the lake?
There are abundanttypes of fish to catch here which are the Troup Crappies. Bluegill, and Bass. You can make sure that you will have great chances Of scoring some huge catch at the end Of the day.
Pactola Reservoir, Deadwood, SD
What makes them he best?
Located in the Black Hills Of South Dakota, this is also every angler’s dream location. The reason why it’s popular is that you can have more chances of hooking a trophy fish around here as you do ice fishing.
What type Of fish can you at the lake?
Catch a huge Lake Trout here so that you can have your trophy fish on your next ice fishing trip. It will be a selfie40rfry experience once you have to pose with your catch.
Birch Lake, Alaska
What makes them the best?
This is the best destination since not only you can get to travel further but you can also do some serious ice fishing. The Birch lake is part of the Big Three When it comes to ice fishing in Alaska.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
There are plenty of Rainbow Trout: Coho Salmon: Chinook Salmon, and Arctic Char, The regular sizes are around 10 to 13 inches, While the larger ones are from 16 to 20 inches.
Antero Reserve, Colorado
What makes them he best?
Antero Reserve can be crowded as the winter month approaches. It is one of the most popular reserwoirs around wherein you can do some ice fishing Not the way Of trying to be one in nature since there Will be a lot Of people around Who want to also make their winter catch.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, as well as freshwater shrimp can be found in this reservoir. If you want to finally have your trophy size catch this winter, this is the best place to catch it
Little Bay de Noc, Gladstone, MI
What makes them he best?
Call it an ice fishing paradise since you can go there When the winter starts and it remain frozen longer, You Will enjoy your ice fishing right away since the protected waters of the bay freeze sooner.
What type Of fish can you at the lake?
Catch some Walleye. Northern Pike and a lot of Perch. You can even catch some massive varieties. There are many award-winning catches around this bay area so you can have memorable ice fishing this winter,
Mile Lacs Lake, Minnesota
What makes them the best?
If you cannot wait for the winter to be in full bloom. then it’s the best place to go since the winter seems to start earlier in these waters, Compared to other states in the LIS. you can have your early ice fishing trip in this lake.
What type Of fish can you at the lake?
Catch several types of fishes like Walleye. Rock Bass. Northem Pike. Jumbo Perch Muskie. Smallmouth Bass. and Tullibee. It’s a great way to do your ice fishing since this is their home so you can make sure to catch them here.
Higgins Lake, Michigan
What makes them the best?
Ice fishing in Higgins Lake is one of the fishermen’s dreams since it has deep waters which means more fishes to be caught. They are ready to take the bait to any anglers that will come along the area. However, you may need to already visit around January since the ice slowly develops on this deep lake.
What type of fish can you catch at the lake?
Perch, Panfish, and Trout can be caught around this area. Although. you may also catch other types of fishes since it’s deep water.
If you are looking for a specific location like Ice fishing in Alaska then we have another guide on our site that targets specific areas of the USA, also the winter months not for you we have other tips when to go fishing when it’s not too cold.