Ice Fishing in Minnesota

17 Best Lakes for Ice Fishing in Minnesota

It’s no secret that Minnesota is home to some of the best fishing lakes in the country. In fact, the state is referred to as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Whether you’re looking for a place to catch trophy-sized fish or simply enjoy a day of leisurely fishing with friends, Minnesota has a frozen lake for you. Here are the best ice-fishing lakes in Minnesota.

There are a few things to keep in mind when ice fishing. First, be sure to check the ice thickness before venturing out. The lake can have variable ice conditions, so it’s always best to be safe and check the ice before heading out.

Also, be sure to dress warmly. Ice fishing can be a cold-weather activity, so be sure to dress in layers. Finally, be sure to bring all the necessary equipment. Ice fishing requires special gear, such as an ice auger, ice fishing rod, and reel, and bait.

DayTripper is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. I never promote things I haven’t vetted myself.

The Best Lakes for Ice Fishing in Minnesota

Upper Red Lake

Upper Red Lake is located in Northern Minnesota, and it’s one of the largest lakes in the state. It’s a popular destination for both ice fishing and open-water fishing, and it’s home to a variety of fish species.

The lake is approximately 14 miles long and 3 miles wide, and it has a maximum depth of over 15 feet. It’s a popular lake for ice fishing in Minnesota because of its size and great spots for fishing.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Upper Red Lake include walleye, northern pike, and perch. There is also a variety of other fish that can be caught, including Largemouth Bass, Lake Sturgeon, Crappie, Bluegill, and Sunfish.

Upper Red Lake is a great place to go for outfitters and rentals.

Overall, Upper Red Lake is a great ice-fishing lake. The fish are biting and the scenery is beautiful. If you’re looking for a great place to go ice fishing, Upper Red Lake is definitely the place for you.

Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is another popular fishing lake in Minnesota. The lake is known for its large population of muskie, walleye, and northern pike. The average size of fish in the lake is also quite large, making it a great place to catch trophy fish.

The lake is approximately 764 thousand acres and it has a maximum depth of 210 feet. The lake has 3,339 miles of shoreline. Its situated all the way up on the United States-Canadian Border.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake of the Woods are Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Lake Sturgeon, Muskie, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch.

Lake of the Woods has everything you need for fishing, from hiring a guide to renting an ice house. There are a couple of great outfiters to choose from. I recommend River Bend Resort or Zipplebay.

For those not in the area, there are plenty of places to stay. You can stay at Zipple Bay State Park. Or if you’d like indoor accommodation, try the AmericInn by Wyndham.

Lake Winnibigoshish

Lake Winnibigoshish, known to the locals as Lake Winni, is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and pike. Located in the north-central part of the state, this large lake is a popular destination for anglers of all levels of experience.

Lake Winnibogoshish’s 56 thousand acres and has a max depth of 69 ft, but it averages out at 15 ft. There is 69.8 miles of shoreline.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake Winnebigoshish are Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike.

Lake Winnibigoshish outfitters and resorts can supply you with ice fishing gear, including an ice house. Make sure to check out Becker’s Resort or High Banks Resort on Lake Winnie.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is another large lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The average size of fish in the lake is also quite large, making it one of the best places to catch trophy fish.

The lake is located in the heart of Minnesota’s North woods, and the surrounding area is absolutely beautiful during the winter months. 

Gull Lake is 2,225 acres in size with a max depth of 23 ft. Its average depth is only 10 feet making it a great shallow lake to fish at. There are 12.8 miles of shoreline.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Gull lake is Bluegill and Northern Pike. They also stock the lake with Walleye since 2005.

There are some great outfitters for Gull Lake if you are in need of fish houses. Check out Cragun’s Resort.

Lake Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs Lake is the second largest lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and muskie. Know for their Fishing tournaments every February.

Mille Lacs Lake is 128 thousand acres in size, with a max depth of 42th, the average is closer to 28 feet. There are 92 miles of shoreline.

Walleye, Northern Pike, and Rockbass are some of the popular fish.

The Brainerd Lakes Area is not in short supply of ice fishing rental companies. Some of the best ones are Lybacks Ice Fishing, and Wilderness Warmth Ice Fishing Rentals.

The Brainerd area is a lot of fun to explore. If you are looking for a place to stay o more things to do when you are not fishing, check out 38 Things to do in Brainerd MN.

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and muskie. Located just west of Minneapolis, it’s close to a lot of great amenities, making it a great lake for a quick trip.

Lake Minnetonka is 14,528 acres in size with a max depth of 113 feet. The average depth is only about 30 feet. There are 133.31 miles of shoreline.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake Minnetonka are Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch.

For city folks, there are some great Ice House rentals available on the lake. REL Fishing offers All Inclusive House Rentals services.

Lake Phalen

Lake Phalen is another popular lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass.

Lake Phalen is 197 acres in size with a max depth of 91 feet. There are 3 miles of shoreline making it one of the smaller lakes on the list. Buts proximity to the Twin Cities, makes it a popular spot.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake Phalen are Walleye and hybrid Muskellunge, with White Bass and Channel Catfish.

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota and is known for its large population of northern pike.

This beautiful lake is located in the heart of Minnesota’s North Woods and is known for its clear waters and abundant fish population. Lake Vermilion is a favorite spot for ice fishermen and is known for its excellent fishing.

Lake Vermillion is 410 acres in size with a max depth of 55 feet. There are 2.2 miles of shoreline.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake Vermillion are Northern Pike, but there are also bullhead, Largemouth bass, and yellow perch. 

If you are in need of ice fish rentals, check out Everett Bay Resort. 

Big Stone Lake

Big Stone Lake is another large lake in Minnesota and is known for its high-quality population of walleye, and yellow perch. This lake is known for its excellent fishing, and it’s a great place to spend a day out on the ice.

Big Stone Lake is almost 12 thousand acres in size with a max depth of 16 feet, the lake’s average is closer to 11 feet. There are 120 miles of shoreline.

Some of the most popular fish to target on Lake Vermillion are Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill.

If you’re new to ice fishing, don’t worry – the lake is very user-friendly. There are plenty of ice fishing guides and rentals available, so you can easily get started. If you are in need of bait, or ice fishing equipment even an ice house, check out Arties Bait and Tackle.

And, if you’re looking for a challenge, there are also plenty of big fish to be caught in Big Stone Lake.

silhouette of two persons sitting while ice fishing on an iced covered body of water at dawn
Photo by Hert Niks on Pexels.com

Leech Lake

Leech Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, sunfish, and black crappie. 

This lake is known for its excellent fishing, and it’s a great place to spend a day out on the ice.

Lake Vermillion is 110 thousand acres in size with a max depth of 150 feet. It averages out at 18 feet in most places. There are 232.6 miles of shoreline.

If you are in need of gear, make sure to check out Big Rock Resort. They’ll take care of all your outfitting needs. 

Lake Bemidji

Lake Bemidji, located near the town of Bemidji is another popular lake in Minnesota. This lake is known for its excellent ice fishing, and it’s no wonder why.

You’ll find a large population of walleye, northern pike, and bluegill.

Lake Bemidji is 6,420 acres in size with a max depth of 76 feet. It averages out at 18 feet in most places. There is six public access to the lake.

There are also plenty of ice fishing lodges and guides in the area, so you can get all the help and information you need to make your ice fishing in Minnesota trip a success.

Check out Northern Walley Adventures for great outfitting, guides, and more.

Lake Elmo

When it comes to ice fishing, Minnesota is one of the best states in the country. And when it comes to ice fishing in Minnesota, Lake Elmo is one of the best lakes.

Lake Elmo is another popular lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, and northern pike.

Lake Elmo is 256 acres in size with a max depth of 140 feet. It averages out at 31 feet in most places. There are 4.1 miles of shoreline.

If you’re looking for a great lake to go ice fishing, Lake Elmo is definitely worth checking out.

Lake Pepin

Lake Pepin is near Lake City Minnesota sitting on the Mississippi River. It is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and muskie. 

Anglers also love Lake Pepin because it is a beautiful lake. It is surrounded by bluffs and has a lot of trees. The scenery is just beautiful.

Lake Pepin is 25 thousand acres in size with a max depth of 60 feet. It averages out at 21 feet in most places. There are 117.4 miles of shoreline.

If you’re looking for a great ice-fishing lake in Minnesota, Lake Pepin is the perfect destination!

Lake Owasso

Lake Owasso, located in Ramsey County is another popular lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, northern pike, and bluegill. 

This beautiful lake is perfect for ice fishing in Minnesota and is sure to provide you with a great day out on the ice.

The lake is located just outside of the Twin Cities and is easily accessible.

Lake Owassois 374 acres in size with a max depth of 31 feet. It averages out at 11 feet in most places. There are 5.7 miles of shoreline

Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet, located in Hennepin County is a popular spot in the Twin Cities. This picturesque lake is located in the heart of Minneapolis and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.

It is known for its large population of northern pike, and bluegill.

Lake Harriet is 341 acres in size with a max depth of 87 feet. It averages out at 29 feet in most places. There are 2.7 miles of shoreline

Prior Lake

Prior Lake, is located in the southwest portion of the Twin Cities. It is known for its large population of Black crappies and Bluegill.

This is a great lake for those that want to get away, without having to get too far away from the cities. 

Prior Lake is 386 acres in size with a max depth of 50 feet. There are 6.2 miles of shoreline.

Lake Waconia

Lake Waconia is another great ice-fishing lake in Minnesota and is known for its large population of walleye, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

It’s just west of Minneapolis near Waconia, making it easy to get to. There is plenty of structure to the lake making it a great one for fishing!

Lake Wacconiais 3,080 acres in size with a max depth of 37 feet. There are 10.9 miles of shoreline.

Are you ready for Ice Fishing Season?

The State of Minnesota has some of the best ice fishing in the country. You’re bound to find the perfect place for great fishing.

Similar Posts