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Lake of the Woods tops the list of best ice fishing spots in the USA

January 17, 2023 by Molly Brenneman

LAKE OF THE WOODS, Ore. — Lake of the Woods isn’t just near the top of a pass in Oregon’s Cascade Range. It also tops a list of best ice fishing spots in the United States.

Online fishing enthusiast website fishingbooker.com lists Lake of the Woods at the top of its “Top 9 Ice Fishing Destinations in the US for 2023.”

His recent article ranking Lake of Woods #1 notes, “Fish don’t hibernate and neither should you.” FishingBooker claims to be the world’s largest platform for booking fishing trips, and when it compiled a list of the best ice fishing destinations in the country for this year, Lake of the Woods topped the list.

The US Forest Service (USFS) lists ice fishing as a recreational option in its Lake of the Woods station information.

FishingBooker notes that the Klamath County lake “occupies 1,000 acres” (officially listed as more than 1,100). He wrote: “Crowned by tall forests, the lake also has a stunning view of the snowy Cascades. But in addition to the scenic setting, the lake is famous for its incredible fishing opportunities. The Lake of the Woods is home to of a wide variety. of fish species, but trout, rockfish, perch, salmon and bass are the main targets here. Yellow perch in particular are keen to bite.”

In Oregon, fishing licenses are valid from January 1st through December 31st, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) licensing staff will answer questions at 503-947-6101. While the state has several options for fishing licenses, its annual fishing license costs $44 for state residents and $110.50 for nonresidents, clarifying: “A resident is defined as a person who has resided in Oregon for at least six months immediately prior to applying for a license, tag, or permit.”

The USFS notes that nearby Mount McLoughlin, at nearly 10,000 feet, is another attraction for the resort located 40 minutes from Klamath Falls and 45 minutes from Medford, Oregon. Lake of the Woods is at an elevation of 4,949 feet.

FishingBooker wrote that, “In addition to fishing, the area has numerous resorts and events. Nature lovers can continue to admire the wildlife by bird watching. Families can spend quality time ice skating. Meanwhile, those who want to have a cup of hot drink in a cozy armchair can check into one of the many fantastic accommodations.”

Their list of the 9 best ice fishing destinations in the US for 2023 includes:

  • Lake of the Woods, Oregon
  • Bonaparte Lake, Washington
  • Henry’s Lake, Idaho
  • Sheridan Lake, South Dakota
  • Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
  • Boom Lake, Wisconsin
  • Shores and Islands, Ohio
  • Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
  • Moosehead Lake, Maine


  • Frozen forest lake, vertical 25.1.2020

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    Filed Under: Ice Fishing

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