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Winter had some time to strengthen its positions but didn’t use that time too well. Ice hasn’t covered that many lakes yet, if any at all, but it’s only December, so there’s some time before the ice fishing season starts. Should this year prove favorable for ice fishing, we’ve prepared a list of the best winter fishing destinations. After the main part, there are Plan B destinations where you can go regardless of the weather’s favor. And, if you need to replenish your ice fishing gear inventory, we are more than ready to help.
Table of Contents
Brainerd, Minnesota
Chambers Lake, Colorado
Anchorage, Alaska
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Biloxi, Mississippi
Venice, Louisiana
Brainerd, Minnesota
Location & Scenery
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, Brainerd rests in the state’s renowned lake region. The land is dotted with over 500 lakes within a 25-mile radius, so rest assured there will be plenty of space for any number of anglers. The city itself is surrounded by an opulent forest canopy and washed by waters of at least three lakes and a river. A picturesque place in summer, it becomes a sight to behold in winter, its vista covered with snow blanket, its waters slumbering in icy embrace. Gull Lake, one of Minnesota’s finest ice-fishing lakes, is a particular highlight with its annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza. However, there are dozens of other lakes in the region equally worthy of your attention.
Best Visit Time
The prime time for ice fishing in Brainerd spans throughout the whole winter: come any time and you won’t regret it. The lakes are typically frozen solid, allowing for safe and numerous ice fishing opportunities. Notably, the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, the largest charitable ice fishing contest on earth, is held on February 3rd, 2024. If you are interested in trying your luck winning one of the generous prizes or just getting to know fellow ice fishermen, make sure to drop by at the beginning of February.
Catch Opportunities
The Brainerd Lakes Area is known for its diverse fish population. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, musky, and tullibee. The area is particularly renowned for its active fish under the ice, so both novice and experienced ice fishers will be in for a challenge.
Local Amenities
Brainerd is one of the most popular places for ice fishing, so amenities are in abundance here. There are several companies offering icehouse rentals and resort lodging, providing everything you need for a successful ice fishing trip. In addition to fishing, the area boasts a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and even trail running, if that is something that might interest you. The city itself offers a range of accommodations, dining options and shops. With its combination of excellent fishing, stunning scenery, and local amenities, it’s no surprise that Brainerd is a top ice fishing destination in the USA.
Chambers Lake, Colorado
Location & Scenery
Located in Northern Colorado, Chambers Lake sits about 40 miles southeast of the town of Walden. This high-altitude reservoir lies in the realm of the beautiful Roosevelt National Forest, so a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and forested shores is guaranteed. At around 250 acres, the lake offers plentiful space for ice-fishing enthusiasts.
Best Visit Time
The lake often stays frozen until at least March, so the season for ice fishing is quite lengthy. It’s still better to come once the ice has had its grasp on the water for a while. The lake is also accessible by snowmobile, which adds to the adventurous atmosphere of the trip.
Catch Opportunities
Chambers Lake is renowned for its diverse fish population. Anglers can expect to catch kokanee salmon and quite a few species of trout, including cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout. Not all of them are equally active during the time, but every one of them has been known to take the bait once in a while. The lake is also home to lake trout, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Local Amenities
In terms of amenities, Chambers Lake Campground offers a convenient base for anglers. There are also several towns nearby, like Rustic and Walden, where you can find accommodations, dining options and shops. Additionally, the lake’s proximity to Roosevelt National Forest means there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy, such as snowmobiling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Anchorage, Alaska
Location & Scenery
We couldn’t compile an ice fishing destinations list without mentioning Alaska, could we? After all, it’s one of the few places that are almost sure to have ice in winter. However, we won’t be so cruel as to send you off in the middle of the freezing wilderness. Anchorage, located in the south-central part of the state, is a city surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, with towering mountains and expansive forests guarding the routes of approach. When it comes to ice fishing, numerous lakes around the city offer an idyllic winter getaway, minutes away from the city’s hotels. The serene environment combined with the thrill of ice fishing makes Anchorage a perfect ice fishing destination.
Best Visit Time
You can visit Anchorage any time from November through February – that is when the ice starts reigning over the lakes. However, this can vary depending on the weather and ice conditions, so January and February are the safest choices. Whereas the ice rarely fails Alaskans, it’s always better to check local reports.
Catch Opportunities
Anchorage offers a diverse range of fish species to catch during your ice-fishing adventure. Anglers can expect to find arctic char, grayling and pike. Landlocked salmon and burbot might also drop by if you are lucky enough. Some services also offer trips specifically for king and silver salmon, so there is plenty of fish in the, well, lakes.
Local Amenities
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, so there are loads of amenities to make your ice fishing trip comfortable and enjoyable. There are several local companies that provide guided ice fishing tours, including gear rentals and instructions. You will have no problems finding accommodation as well. Anything from close-to-town trips to backcountry snowmobile trips to remote lakes is widely available. Besides fishing, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy in Anchorage, such as snowmobiling, skiing, and aurora viewing. Though the chances of you getting unlucky here are next to none, you won’t leave the place bereft of joyous memories anyway.
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Location & Scenery
Moosehead Lake lies in the highlands of Central Maine, circled by cloud-piercing mountains and dense forests. It also happens to be the largest lake in Maine, so there is ample space for all ice fishing enthusiasts who might want to enjoy its bounties. With the snow-covered landscapes guarding the horizon, Moosehead Lake is indeed a stunning winter fishing destination.
Best Visit Time & Notable Events
The prime time for ice fishing in Moosehead Lake is from January to March, when the lake is frozen solid (the season runs through April 30th, though, so don’t make haste). The area hosts several ice fishing events, including the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby and the Annual Moosehead Lake Ice Fishing event, which bring together local and visiting anglers for some friendly competition. If you don’t enjoy the company, you can move to a more secluded area – the lake is big enough for all sorts of anglers. The event starts on February 2nd and ends in two days on February 4th.
Catch Opportunities
The lake houses quite a number of species sought after by ice fishermen. Anglers can expect to hook a togue (lake trout), brook trout, cusk, and salmon throughout the whole winter. The lake also has a thriving population of over 15 species of fish, including landlocked salmon and round whitefish. However, it’s important to stay mindful of local regulations, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the fish population. You might be required to release the catch if it doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, so it’s better to learn them before getting down to fishing.
Local Amenities
Moosehead Lake is a popular destination and thus is well-equipped with amenities. There are several companies that provide guided ice fishing tours that cover everything from drilling holes to renting out equipment. Accommodations range from lodges to cabins, many of which offer stunning views of the lake. As usual, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy if ice fishing starts to tire you out. The nearby town of Greenville offers many dining options and shops, so you won’t want for anything while there.
However, if you are looking for an ice fishing rod, consider having a look at 13 Fishing’s Ice Combo series. It’s a line of affordable ice fishing rods designed to meet the challenges of the winter fishing.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Location & Scenery
Lake Winnipesaukee also lies in the lake region, but that of central New Hampshire this time. Surrounded by three mountain ranges and a handful of sleepy towns, this lake, the largest in the state, spans over 72 square miles with 258 islands dotting its surface. The stunning winter landscapes and the lake’s expansive frozen surface make it an ideal destination for ice fishing.
Best Visit Time & Notable Events
The prime time for ice fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee is from January through March, aligning with the defined ice fishing season for lake trout in New Hampshire. One of the notable events in the area is the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, a family-friendly event with a carnival-like atmosphere and money prizes on the ice in Meredith Bay. This year, it will brighten the ice on February 10 & 11th.
Catch Opportunities
Lake Winnipesaukee offers a diverse range of fish species for ice anglers, with at least seven to aim for. The lake is particularly known for its lake and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, white and yellow perch, pickerel, cusk and black crappie. Some species should be released before they are brought through the ice, landlocked salmon being one such example.
Local Amenities
Lake Winnipesaukee is well-equipped with all sorts of amenities to support your ice fishing adventures. The area boasts several companies offering guided ice fishing tours. Accommodations range from rental homes to cozy inns facing the lake. The surrounding towns offer dining options and shops for all your needs. In addition to fishing, there are other winter activities to enjoy, such as snowmobiling and skiing.
Winter fishing doesn’t have to be about drilling the ice or renting a heated cabin on a frozen lake. Our country is huge: it’s snowing in one part and blazing in another. If you want to change an all-white scenery for one bursting with more vibrant colors, the following destinations are always a safe choice.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Location & Scenery
Biloxi is a charming city located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. The subtropical climate and scenic beaches create a picturesque backdrop for any fishing expedition. Biloxi’s coastal waters are teeming with life, offering many opportunities for both inshore and saltwater fishing.
Best Visit Time & Notable Events
While Biloxi offers year-round fishing, winter months (November to February) can be particularly rewarding. During this time, the waters are less crowded and the fishing action for certain species like trout and redfish heats up. There are numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year, providing an exciting opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to participate.
Catch Opportunities
Speckled trout and redfish are especially abundant during the winter months. Other potential catches include flounder, sheepshead and black drum. For those interested in offshore fishing, larger species such as Red Snapper may also be available.
Venice, Louisiana
Location & Scenery
Located at the southernmost tip of Louisiana, Venice is a year-round paradise for anglers. Known as the “Tuna Town” of the United States, it offers a unique blend of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. The town owes its scenic beauty to vast marshlands, the mighty Mississippi River and the endless expanse of the Gulf of Mexico. If you want your winter fishing trip to be colored blue and not white, this is the place to go.
Catch Opportunities in Winter
Winter months offer the best opportunities to put your hands on yellowfin tuna, a giant of wahoo or the sharp-nosed duo of marlin and swordfish. As such, there will be plenty of opportunities for jigging and trolling (for those tired of guarding a hole in the ice). Inshore, anglers can target speckled trout, flounder and bull redfish.
Check out our other articles on fishing:
- Top 7 Oklahoma Fishing Destinations
- Fishing in Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers
- Mastering the Art of Ice Fishing
- Top 7 Places for Fishing in Texas
FAQs
What are the top spots for winter fishing in the United States?
Some popular winter fishing destinations include Brainerd Lakes in Minnesota, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and the icy waters of Anchorage, Alaska.
When is the optimal time to plan a winter fishing trip?
The best times to visit these winter fishing destinations vary by location. However, generally, the prime ice fishing season runs from late December through February when the ice conditions are safest.
What species of fish are the most popular with ice anglers?
The variety of catch species depends heavily on the location you are fishing in. The most popular fish species for ice fishing are perch, bass, walleye, pike and crappie.
