Want to try ice fishing but not sure where to go? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The best places for ice fishing aren’t just cold. They’re cozy, calm, and full of surprises.
Imagine that you wake up to a frozen lake. Step into a warm fish house. Drop a line and pull up lunch straight from the ice. Sounds wild? It’s real. From Minnesota to Finland, these icy spots turn winter into something magical.
New to ice fishing? Or want a quiet weekend outdoors? This list shows you the best places for ice fishing, no cold feet, just fresh catches.
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Ice Fishing Vacation Packages
Ever dreamed of waking up by a frozen lake? Of walking into a warm fish house and pulling dinner straight from the ice? These ice fishing vacation packages make it happen. Minnesota and Finland both offer great ice fishing. These places welcome beginners, families, and serious anglers, too.
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
I still remember my first trip here. Our guide said, “You won’t need to lift a finger except to reel ’em in.” He wasn’t kidding.
- Cyrus Resort and Ballard’s Resort both offer complete packages. You get a cozy place to stay. They’ll take you to heated fish houses. Bait, fish cleaning, and meal plans are all included.
- Prices (2025):
- 2 nights, 1 day fishing: around $280–$310 per person
- 4 nights, 3 days fishing with 11 meals: $730–$988 per person
- Families get discounts. Midweek trips cost less than weekend trips.
Eagle Lake Inn, Maine
This peaceful spot is run by OMM Outfitters. They offer semi-guided trips. Gear, shelter, bait, and hot lunches are all included. You fish. They handle the rest.
- Price: $570 per person
- That includes 2 nights’ lodging, 3 meals a day, and one guided fishing trip.
- Want more winter action? Ask about coyote hunting add-ons.
Big Moose Camp, Ontario
This place is perfect if you want to fish day and night. Imagine a warm hut on the ice, a cozy cabin by the lake, and tip-ups all set up.
Costs (2025):
- $250 for two nights
- Three nights for $325
- $400 for four nights for a group of six or more
- You’ll get a hut with a stove that keeps you warm. The holes are already made. If you want, you can even fish at night with solar lights.
Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)
This one’s for folks chasing adventure and maybe the Northern Lights. The Arctic GM Ice Fishing Experience is simple, fun, and family-friendly.
- Price: 89 EUR per adult, 69 EUR per child
- You get all gear, warm clothing, a guide, pickup, snacks, and even a lakeside barbecue.
What These Packages Usually Include
Most vacation bundles in the best places for ice fishing come with the good stuff
- Heated fish houses or ice huts (sometimes called ice shacks)
- Fishing gear and bait
- Lodging (from rustic cabins to luxury resorts)
- Transport to and from fishing spots
- Meals or meal plans
- Fish cleaning and packaging
- Guided instruction
Some even throw in extras like snowmobile rides, hot tubs, or spa time for non-anglers.
Booking Tips
- Prices usually vary by group size and day of the week.
- Book early—winter weekends fill fast.
- Bring your fishing license and dress in warm layers.
- Double-check what’s included (some offer meals and gear, others don’t).
- Most packages let you upgrade to luxury cabins or longer stays.
Top 15 Best Places for Ice Fishing in the World
Looking for the Best Places for Ice Fishing? This list has everything you need, whether you want trophy fish, beautiful views, or a warm hut on the ice. From little-known lakes to big festivals, here are 15 places where you can fish in the cold.
1. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, USA
2. Jigokudani, Nagano, Japan
3. Eleven Mile Reservoir, Colorado, USA
4. Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA
5. Lake Cascade, Idaho, USA
6. Caples Lake, California, USA
7. Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada
8. Muskrat Lake, Ontario, Canada
9. Golden, British Columbia, Canada
10. Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, Canada
11. Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Quebec, Canada
12. Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
13. Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
14. Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada
15. Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, USA
This huge lake is on the border between Canada and Minnesota. There are a lot of walleye, perch, and northern pike in it. Heated ice shacks and plowed roads make it easy to access. Locals even bring their snowmobiles and grills. Go between December and March for nonstop action.
Jigokudani, Nagano, Japan
This quiet mountain spot offers rainbow trout and native char. While you fish, snow monkeys bathe in hot springs nearby; it’s a wild mix of nature and fun. January to March is prime time. Rentals and local guides make it easy for people who come to visit.
Eleven Mile Reservoir, Colorado, USA
Set high in the Rockies, this lake is all about trout and kokanee salmon. The cold air is crisp, and the mountain views are stunning. There’s even a winter fishing tournament. January is when the real bite begins.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA
Known as the “Ice Fishing Capital of the World,” this town lives up to the hype. Dozens of lakes hold perch, bluegill, and walleye. Shacks, gear rentals, and warm bars make it easy to spend a whole weekend on the ice.
Lake Cascade, Idaho, USA
This lake is famous for jumbo yellow perch. Anglers from all over the U.S. come to take a shot at a record catch. The town is small but welcoming. Visit between late December and early March.
Caples Lake, California, USA
Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this lake is calm and quiet. You’ll find rainbow trout and mackinaw hiding under the ice. The scenery feels like a postcard. January and February are your best bet.
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada
This prairie lake is cold, windy, and full of big fish. There are always walleye, pike, and burbot in your lines. Even though it’s a bit far away, the drive is worth it. People in the area fish from January to March.
Muskrat Lake, Ontario, Canada
This lake is full of options: pike, trout, and even the rare sturgeon. It’s great for solo anglers or families looking to try something new. There’s even a local tournament each winter. Things really start to happen in February.
Golden, British Columbia, Canada
Mountains surround this quiet town, and the lakes are loaded with trout and char. It feels like you’re fishing in a painting. Bring your camera and some hot cocoa. January through March is prime time.
Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, Canada
This cottage country favorite offers ice bungalows, cozy lodges, and plenty of fish. Pike, trout, and perch are the main catch. It’s the kind of place where families return every year. Go between January and early March.
Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Quebec, Canada
Each winter, this little town builds a village on the ice. Heated cabins line the frozen river. You’ll catch tomcod, meet friendly locals, and maybe join a winter carnival. It lasts from the end of December to the middle of February.
Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Want to catch a big walleye? This lake is where you want to be. People who fish here take ice fishing very seriously. You can see snowmobiles, sonar, and even cameras that work underwater. The season starts in December and lasts until March.
Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
This deep lake is home to massive lake trout and whitefish. The town nearby has rentals and guides, so you don’t need to bring much. January is cold, but the fish are biting.
Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Families love this lake. It’s safe, easy to access, and full of action. You’ll catch perch, pike, and the occasional big walleye. Warm shacks are available. Visit anytime from December through March.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada
This is one of the coldest and wildest spots on the list. But also one of the most rewarding. Monster trout swim under the ice here. Bring a guide, bundle up, and go between January and April.
The best places for ice fishing aren’t just about fish; they’re about stories, peace, and pure winter joy. You might fish for perch in Idaho. Or try for trout in Japan. Every place has something special to offer.
When Is the Best Month for Ice Fishing?
The best month for ice fishing depends on where you are, but January and February are usually the top picks. These months bring thick, safe ice and active fish in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re planning a trip to one of the best places for ice fishing, this is when you’ll want to go.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect through the season:
Early Season (Late December–Early January)
Once the ice hits 4 inches thick, you’re good to go. At the start of the season, the fish are hungry and want to know what’s going on. They haven’t seen a lot of lines yet, so they bite quickly, especially in shallow water. It’s like being the first person to buy a donut at a new shop: everything is hot, fresh, and ready to eat.
Middle of the season (January to February)
This is the best time. The lakes open up, the ice is solid, and the fish go deeper. You’ll find better access and a higher chance of landing bigger fish. Many of the best places for ice fishing shine during this window.
Late Season (Late February–March)
Fishing stays good as days get longer and the water warms a little. Fish become more active. But be careful, ice conditions can change fast. Always check safety reports.
In some colder places, March can also be a great time to fish. The weather is milder, and there’s more daylight, which makes your trip more fun and comfortable. Some of the best places for ice fishing stay safe into March. Canada and parts of northern Europe are great examples. You can still catch fish and enjoy the ice late in the season.
For most places, mid-January through late February is the best time to go ice fishing. But if the ice holds, March can be as rewarding. Always check local ice reports before heading out.
Final Thought
The best places for ice fishing offer more than fish. They bring fresh air, quiet views, and stories to share later. Want to relax? Book a cozy cabin. Want a thrill? Try night fishing under the stars. Ice fishing can be calm, fun, or full of action; it’s your call.
Most spots hit their peak in January and February. But some keep going strong through March. Check the ice, grab warm clothes, and go.The ice is ready. The fish are hungry. And your next great winter trip might be waiting one hole away.
