Most of the time fishing is a line still and silent, moving only from the ebb and flow of currents under the water. Hours can go by with a couple of nibbles to show for time spent, and landing the biggest fish every other cast is hardly the case. Throughout winter season, ice fishing allows an escape from being trapped indoors and provides a one of a kind adventure and retreat. The alluring opportunity of nabbing a delicious trout, whitefish or perch provides arguably one of the most amazing thing you can do all wintertime. Review our top ten ice fishing list to discover where you can find some of the most effective ice fishing and what to expect when you arrive.
Devils Lake, North Dakota
The state of North Dakota certain knows exactly how to offer this lake. Touting it as “a fishing location unlike anywhere else,” the tourist board boasts that its fish are large, its winter season is long, as well as the substantial size of the lake suggests you can avoid entangling your lines with any overeager fishermen. Get a 3 or 10-day license to fish for big walleye, perch and big pike.
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
The self-proclaimed Walleye capital, and possibly one of the most commercialized are on the list. The Lake of the Woods has the accommodations and sources to transform an ice-fishing trip right into a full vacation, with snowmobiling and cross country skiing for any member of your group who isn’t crazy about sitting on the ice all day. There are also pre-heated fish houses, and also if you opt for a sleeper fish residence, there’s a possibility you can see the Northern Lights.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Vermont is a charming place to visit, with the sort of friendliness you’re more likely to encounter in the South or Midwest. Along with a warm welcome, you can anticipate to discover a healthy and balanced selection of fish in Lake Champlain on its western boundary with New York. Exhibiting pike, perch, bluegill and the periodic walleye, the wintertime fishing period is open from Jan to March 15. Shanty rentals with optional wood stoves inside are readily available for lease, and it’s easy to find gear if you forgot to pack something.
Antero Reservoir, Colorado
A reservoir operated by Denver Water, it’s defined by citizens as a circus on the weekends. If you’re in Denver and want to go ice fishing, you’ll find lots of trophy-sized fish waiting to be captured. Thanks to an abundance of freshwater shrimp, brown trout, rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat, greenback cutthroat, kokanee salmon and brook trout are all in the reservoir. The water can run a little bit shallow so make sure there aren’t any weeds below your rig so you don’t get tangled.
Birch Lake, Alaska
One of the areas “Big Three” lakes, Birch Lake is the excellent area for amateur ice fishers since there are a lots of fish to catch here. Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, arctic char, coho salmon and arctic grayling are present. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources claims this is a good place for introducing little ones and seniors to ice fishing, so if you were considering an area to make ice fishing a family affair, this is your place.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is among the most preferred ice fishing places due to the fact that it is conveniently accessible by numerous surrounding states. The lake borders Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. And also, due to the fact that Lake Michigan is booming all year round, there are numerous features nearby. Marinas, bays and harbors are dotted all along the shore. Enthusiastic ice anglers will discover plenty of places to stay. Lake Michigan provides the opportunity to catch fish like salmon, trout and many more. Whether you’re searching for a trophy or something to cook, Lake Michigan is a wonderful place to go ice fishing.
Fort Peck Lake, Montana
Fort Peck Lake in Montana is massive. There’s more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, depths over 200 feet and more than 50 kinds of fish in the reservoir. It’s the fifth biggest manmade lake in the US, with only one major disadvantage, it’s not close to anything. The closest city has a population of 400 people, and the lake is a half-day’s drive to any major city. Fort Peck’s remoteness becomes part of what makes it so unbelievable. Great fishing and lax regulations mean you can go a complete 24 hours in between tip up checks. This lake isn’t for newbie fishermen, so speak with the locals, pay attention and bring a depth sonar. It’s worth the effort.
Caples Lake, California
Believe it or not, you can ice fish in California, and Caples Lake is a great place to do so. Rainbow as well as brook trout are plentiful in this area, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range near South Lake Tahoe. For efficient lures, use Rapala ice jigs, Megabait Live Jigs, Gold Label Balls O’ Fire eggs, Crippled Herring and worms. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, check out Silver Lake, which is ten miles away.
