Minnesota has a little bit of everything for everyone. Ice fishing is a popular recreational activity for residents and visitors alike. Thousands flock to Minnesota’s many frozen lakes in hopes of catching big fish.
If you’re not sure where to go ice fishing in Minnesota, read on to discover the seven best lakes.
Upper Red Lake
Red Lake in Minnesota is divided into two sections, with Upper Red Lake being one of them.
Upper Red Lake is popular for ice fishing in Minnesota. There are several resorts along the lake where you can fish and buy bait and tackle. Upper Red Lake is technically part of Red Lake, Minnesota, which is divided into two sections, Upper Red Lake and Lower Red Lake. The total size of the entire Red Lake is 427 square miles. While ice fishing on Upper Red Lake, you can catch perch, walleye and crappie. There are also several ice fishing cabins to enjoy your visit.
Lake of the Woods
Both Minnesota and Canada have Lake of the Woods, which has more than 14,000 islands.
Lake of the Woods is a beautiful lake in Minnesota and Canada. It is more than 70 miles long and 59 miles wide at its widest point. This lake has over 14,552 islands and a massive 65,000 miles of shoreline. Although not entirely in the United States, it is the sixth largest freshwater lake in the country, after the 5 Great Lakes. This stunning lake offers anglers plenty of opportunities to fish. You can find panfish, snapper, lake trout, lake sturgeon, sauer and muskellunge while ice fishing.
Lake Minnetonka
At nearly 15,000 acres, Lake Minnetonka is a popular fishing spot.
Lake Minnetonka is beautiful and has a rich history. Its area is 14,528 acres with 125 miles of coastline. This large lake has a few islands, including Big Island and Crane Island. Its first settlers were indigenous people who migrated to the region in 8000 BC. Settlements continued to come and go with a strong emphasis on hunting and fishing. Today, fishing remains a popular sport and pastime on the lake. The lake is full of green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, bass, yellow perch, yellow bull, common carp and blackfish.
Lake Phalen
Lake Phalen is an urban lake in Minnesota in the suburb of Maplewood. It is the largest lake in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and drains into the Mississippi River. About 500,000 visitors come to this beautiful lake and the surrounding park each year. Not only is it peaceful and beautiful, but the lake is also full of fish, perfect for anglers who want to spend some time on the water. Even when temperatures drop and the lake freezes over, anglers can still fish Lake Phalen, especially for bass and smallmouth bass.
Lake of the seagulls
Ice fishing is especially popular at Gull Lake, which offers fish house rentals.
Gull Lake is located in Cass County, Minnesota. This 9,947-acre lake is a popular fishing spot with a diverse population of fish and aquatic life. Gull Lake is 15.3 miles long and 3.3 miles wide. Its average depth is 30 feet and its maximum depth is 80 feet. You can ice fish during the winter months and catch species of bass and panfish. However, this lake is particularly known for being well stocked with walleye. Ice fishing is so popular that there are several ice fishing rental companies along Gull Lake, such as Fish House Rentals.
Rainy Lake
At 50 miles long and 30 miles wide, Rainy Lake can vary in depth, but it’s a great ice fishing getaway.
Rainy Lake is a perfect ice fishing getaway in Minnesota. Its surface is 360 square miles and its 50 miles long and 30 miles wide. The depth of the lake varies greatly, but its maximum depth is 160 feet. Rainy Lake is beautiful and a perfect place to fish. You can fish from the shore or on one of the many islands in the great lake. Rainy Lake offers winter activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The best part about ice fishing on Rainy Lake is that you don’t have to plan or go it alone. There are several fishing charter companies around the lake.
Lake Vermilion
Ice fishing on Lake Vermilion is popular with anglers looking to catch perch, bluegill and bluegill.
Lake Vermilion is located in Saint Louis County, Minnesota. It was originally called Lake Onamanii-zaaga’iganiing. The original name means “the evening sun dyeing the water a reddish color”. Lake Vermilion is 24 miles long and 10.38 miles wide. The average depth of the lake is 25 feet, while the maximum depth is 76 feet. Lake Vermilion is known for its large supply of walleye. Ice fishing is especially popular for perch, bluefish and bluefish. You don’t have to fish outdoors either, you can rent a warm and cozy cabin or shelter.