Best Lakes for Ice Fishing in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of Utah Stories.

Now that we’re deep into the winter season, everyone is looking for socially distant outdoor activities to get out of the house. Thankfully, living on the lake makes this feat easier. From cold-weather camping to snow skiing, there’s no shortage of winter activities when you reside in a remote location. 

For those who love fishing in the summertime, a popular winter variation of this sport is ice fishing. If you aren’t familiar, ice fishing involves choosing a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the lake (using power tools called augers or manual devices), and waiting for a bite. Regardless of your location, there’s bound to be an ice-fishing lake near you. Here are our top picks for the best ice-fishing lakes in the country.

Lake Michigan

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Somehow, Lake Michigan always appears on a list of “top lakes” in many respects. It’s no wonder why. For one, this Great Lake is one of the country’s largest lakes, bordering multiple states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.

Lake Michigan also boasts spectacular views with its beachy shoreline. When it comes to ice fishing, Lake Michigan is undoubtedly one of the country’s top ice-fishing lakes. Its many marinas, bays, and harbors offer plenty of options for anglers to set up camp. For spectacular views, while you wait to reel in a walleye or whitefish beneath the ice, look no further than Lake Michigan.

Lake Champlain

Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Region.

This iconic lake is a top fishing spot in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Lake Champlain is home to plenty of walleye, yellow perch salmon, and lake trout with hundreds of shoreline miles. In fact, the lake is so long that there are different hotspots for various fish species. 

Port Henry and Champlain Bridge are popular spots for catching salmon and lake trout, while you’ll have luck reeling in white perch and bluegill at Bulwagga Bay. Due to this location’s long winters, you can fish here through mid-March. 

If these criteria aren’t enough to sell you, Lake Champlain is also home to the alleged lake monster, Champy. To make your permanent residence on one of the top ice-fishing lakes, check out our listings on Lake Champlain.

Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

Photo courtesy of DevilsLakeND.com.

If you’re looking for one of the best ice-fishing lakes for social distancing, Devil’s Lake takes the cake. With 100,000 acres of frozen water, this large body of water has plenty of space for every angler. 

Minnewaukan Flats, Cactus Point, and Rocky Point are some popular spots. Although it’s known as the “perch capital of the world,” you can also catch a variety of fish of surprisingly large sizes. Many anglers report coming home with a perch, pike, and walleye all in one fishing trip! 

The region’s long winters offer a perfect opportunity to fish for multiple weekends. Just keep in mind that Devil’s Lake isn’t for beginners. Fishing here requires a license, so be sure to get your credentials sorted before planning a trip! 

Lake Washington, Minnesota

Photo courtesy of The Active Times.

With a depth of 50 feet and spanning 1,487 acres, Lake Washington is one of the largest lakes in southern Minnesota. It’s a popular fishing destination in summer and winter, and anglers flock to locations like Baker’s Bay, Squirrel’s Point, and Crystal Bay to reel in the seasonal catch. 

Specifically, it’s a great place to catch crappie, black bullhead, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Although fishing enthusiasts flock to Lake Washington from everywhere, it’s especially beloved among nearby Minneapolis residents. This winter, Lake Washington is definitely worth the journey.

Silver Lake, California

Photo courtesy of Snowshoe Magazine.

California didn’t earn its reputation as the “Golden State” by coincidence. With more clear days than rainy days on average, the state home to Los Angeles and San Francisco is practically synonymous with sunshine. As such, it may come as a surprise that California is home to one of the best ice-fishing lakes. 

Silver Lake, California, is the best of both worlds. Gorgeous in summer and winter, it’s an incredibly scenic spot situated at Carson Mountain’s base. The lake is known for catching large fish — some anglers have reportedly caught trout up to 12 pounds, 30 inches long. It’s also home to one of the oldest fishing retreats in the nation, the Silver Lake Resort. If you live out west, Silver Lake is certainly worth the trip.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Photo courtesy of The Working Mom’s Travels.

Located in the 60-acre McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. As the runner-up for Iowa’s second-largest natural lake (second to Big Spirit Lake), there’s plenty of space for anglers all winter long. When you’re not sitting on ice hoping to catch bluegill or crappie, you can also check out the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities at this park. Plus, you can stay for the annual wind kite festival to witness some colorful skies over the frozen water.

Moses Lake, Washington

Photo courtesy of Kevin Roylance Photography.

Although winters in the Pacific Northwest are sometimes too mild to produce the best ice-fishing lakes, Moses Lake is a prime destination for anglers when it does freeze over. It’s especially popular for perch fishing, as a vast population typically shows up each winter. There’s plenty of public access to this large, man-made lake, making it easy to find an ice- fishing spot. If you’re a Seattle resident, ice fishing at Moses lake is the perfect winter day trip. 

Have you tried ice fishing this winter? If so, let us know what you think!

The Many Wonders of Lake Champlain, VT

Just missing out on the title of the eighth wonder of the world, the breathtaking 271,000-acre Lake Champlain does achieve the distinction of the eighth largest naturally occurring body of water in the United States.

But Lake Champlain’s size isn’t the only thing about the lake that’s amazing. With beauty that is far too astonishing for just one state, the lake extends into both New York and Vermont for a total of 600 miles of awe-inspiring shoreline.

And while we are sure the “New York side” of Lake Champlain is lovely, we think the Vermont side deserves a special spotlight.

Where History Was Made

Photo courtesy of WAMC.

Named after French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the lake has played a significant role in American history.

It was the site of many Revolutionary battles, including the seizure of forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1775, shortly after the war for independence began.

Lake Champlain was also the home of America’s first naval fleet, which under the direction of General Benedict Arnold, helped prevent British troops from advancing into the southern colonies.

However, in 1777 the British regained control of the lake and maintained that control until the war’s end.

After independence was won, the “Vermont side” of Lake Champlain operated as an independent republic, relying heavily on Canadian trade until 1791, when it became the fourteenth American state.

By 1810, the Champlain Valley was home to more than 140,000 people.

The War of 1812 saw more fighting on Lake Champlain’s shores, and in 1814 it was the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh, which helped pave the way to peace negotiations and the war’s end not long thereafter.

Today, Lake Champlain’s war-time significance has been honored by three naval ships that bear its name: USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) and USS Lake Champlain (y. 1918-19).

Around and About Lake Champlain

Photo courtesy of Vermont.org.

Today, throughout the Lake Champlain region and into the nearby Green Mountains, residents can enjoy hands-on excursions, in-depth tours of historic sites and visits to the area’s many galleries and museums.

Filled with more than 90 species of fish, Lake Champlain is a thriving fishing destination, one that consistently ranks among the top bass fishing lakes in the country with largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass species all present in the lake.

Apart from fishing, visitors and residents alike enjoy boating, kayaking, yachting and sailing along the lake’s full length of 125 miles.

Private sailing cruises, boat tours, and ferry rides are also popular activities, inviting participants to take in as much of Lake Champlain’s breathtaking scenery as possible.

Off the water, there is plenty more to do, like taking a trip to the Vermont National Guard museum, where patrons can admire artillery and War-era artifacts from the area’s many battles.

Or for Lake Champlain-area foodies, take the Burlington Edible History tour!

The unhurried two-mile walk features five restaurants specializing in farm-to-table fare, much like the foods enjoyed during the early days of the city.

Your Home on Lake Champlain

222 McNeil Cove
222 McNeil Cove on Lake Champlain, VT.

Regardless of whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or more of an indoor observer, Lake Champlain has something for everyone, including prime lake real estate.

With properties in both New York and the Queen State, the lake is an approximately $178 million real estate market, offering between 300 and 400 listings at any given time.

This market is broken down by geographic area with inventory located in the Grand Isle area, the Swanton area, the Addison area and in the Burlington area.

As a whole, Lake Champlain reported an average home price of $628,402 in Summer 2019, but owning a piece of Lake Champlain is attainable for every budget.

In fact, 60% of the lake’s Addison area home listings are priced below the market average. Similarly, 29% of home inventory on Lake Champlain-Burlington is below market average, and the lake’s Grand Isle area features 70% of its lake home inventory priced below this average.

In the Swanton area of Lake Champlain, 90% of homes for sale are priced below $628,000.

Become a full-time resident or enjoy this lake’s natural and historical wonders as a part-time weekend warrior. Click HERE to learn more about Lake Champlain, VT.