It’s a secret to no one that Minnesota is home to some of the very best ice fishing. The days (upon days) of below freezing weather can lead to fun on the ice if you are ready to brave the frigid temps. This guide will be the perfect starting point to planning your season of Minnesota ice fishing trips.
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Minnesota Ice Fishing Trips Quick Facts:
- MN Ice Fishing Season: Thanksgiving (up North)-end of March
- License type: Standard MN Fishing License
- Exceptions: You will need to purchase a stamp for lakes with trout
- Spear Fishing: Minnesota allows you to spear for Northern Pike (the state divides its limits and sizes for Pike harvests that is available here)
Top Ice Fishing Destinations in Minnesota
There’s no way I could cover every ice fishing spot in Minnesota (the options are truly endless). However, here are some of my favorite spots in the state of 50,000 lakes.
1. Lake of the Woods
- Location: Northern border of Minnesota and Canada.
Known for its diverse fish populations, Lake of the Woods is a hotspot for catching walleye, sauger, and northern pike. The lake offers extensive guided ice fishing options, where experienced guides provide heated fish houses, transportation across the ice, and even fully equipped meal packages for a comfortable experience.
My Experience:
Over the years I have stayed in several resorts and in my experience the folks that run these resorts and trips are very passionate about making sure you enjoy your trip. I have been given the recent fishing reports and locations to fish.
The resorts I have used most recently were Zippel Bay and Adrian’s Ice Road.
My Zippel Bay trip was a guided day fishing trip for a bachelor party that landed several species and fish! Not to mention it was pretty fun to have a few drinks in the Ice Bar!
Lake of the Woods Fishing Regulations
| Type of Fish | Regulations |
|---|---|
| Walleye and Sauger | Limit of 6 (4 Walleye). Any Walleye from 19.5-28 inches must be released. Only 1 walleye over 28 inches can be kept. |
| Northern Pike | Limit of 3. 30 through 40 inches must be released immediately, and only one Northern Pike over 40 inches may be possessed. |
| Yellow Perch | The bag limit is 20 Yellow Perch per day, with 40 in possession. |
| Lake Sturgeon | Lake Sturgeon cannot be harvested from Oct. 1 through Apr. 23. Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. |
2. Mille Lacs Lake
- Location: Central Minnesota
Situated in central Minnesota, Mille Lacs Lake is a popular ice fishing destination, particularly known for its walleye, perch, northern pike, and tullibee populations. This large lake offers diverse ice house rental options, ranging from basic setups to fully-equipped, heated houses with beds, kitchens, and bathrooms.
My Experience
Over the years I have used accesses on all sides of the lake (Garrison, Red Door, Randys, Castles) and they all are very helpful and safety conscious. This massive lake is commonly referred to as the “pond” and has some of the best walleye fishing in Minnesota and it’s only about an hour away from the Twin Cities.
It is worth mentioning that Mille Lacs walleyes have been a heavily debated and regulated thing in Minnesota. Here is the link so you can be up to date on the current regulations when you venture out.
Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Regulations
| Fish Species | Limits/Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Burbot (Eelpout) | All burbot must be immediately released. |
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | All bass released May 11-24; over 17 inches released starting May 25. Limit of 3 fish in combination. Smallmouth harvest ends Sept. 8; largemouth ends Feb. 23, 2025. |
| Northern Pike | Over 30 inches released. Limit of 3 fish. Spearing ends Feb. 23, 2025. |
| Tullibee (Cisco) | Possession limit of 5 fish. |
| Walleye | 1 fish between 21-23 inches or over 28 inches. |
| Night Fishing Closure | No fishing from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. (May-Aug); midnight – 6 a.m. (Sept-Nov). |
| Exceptions | June 1 – Nov. 30: Only muskellunge/northern pike can be targeted with large lures/minnows. |
| Tagged Fish Reporting | Record and report tag info, fish details, and catch information. |
2. Leech Lake
Located near Walker, Minnesota, Leech Lake is a favorite ice fishing spot known for its walleye, perch, northern pike, and eelpout. The lake’s vast fishing areas and relatively shallow waters make it productive and accessible for anglers of all levels.
My Experience
Leech Lake has several outfitters for your trip, Over the years I have used a multitude but some favorites are Trapper’s Landing, Horseshoe Bay and Acorn Hills.
Several lakes that have been mentioned in this article have public launches but unless you are equipped with your own mobility (snowmobile or tracked SxS) you will probably want to use a resort.
This is not the case for Leech lake, through the past few seasons I have seen on your honor boxes where a local has spent some time clearing a road for the public asking for some money to recoup some gas money.
Leech Lake Fishing Regulations
| Fish Species | Limits/Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Crappie | Daily limit of 5 fish. |
| Sunfish | Daily limit of 5 fish. |
| Walleye | Possession limit of 4 fish, with only 1 fish over 20 inches allowed. |
Information from: MN Department of Natural Resources
4. Upper Red Lake
In northwestern Minnesota, Red Lake stands out as a favorite for ice fishing, especially for walleye and the occasional crappie. With expansive, shallow waters, Red Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities that attract anglers from around the region.
My Experience
Red Lake has a reservation that has fishing that is not available for the Public unless you are a member of the reservation or are guided by one. For someone who doesn’t fit that description you can still fish the lake it just needs to be East of 94 deg. 43′ 12.0″.
Many resorts are available and all are very helpful and careful when monitoring the ice conditions. Some I have used are Rogers, JRs and Beacon.
Upper Red Lake Fishing Regulations
| Fish Species | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Northern Pike | Release all between 30-40 inches. Possession limit is three, with only one over 40 inches allowed. |
| Walleye | From June 15, 2024, to February 23, 2025, daily and possession limit is four. Only one over 17 inches allowed in possession. |
Information from MN Department of Natural Resources
Travel Distances from the Twin Cities
+ a map of my favorite ice fishing trips in Minnesota!
- Lake of the Woods: 6.5 hours.
- Mille Lacs Lake: 1.5 hours
- Leech Lake: 3.5 hours
- Upper Red Lake: 4 hours
My Tips for a SUCCESSFUL Minnesota Ice Fishing Trip
I’ve been ice fishing in Minnesota for over 20 years. Throughout the years, I have visited each and every one of these lakes dozens of times. Here is my best advice as to how I would recommend you spend your ice fishing season in MN.
This will of course depend on weather, ice conditions, and the gear you have available.
Stop 1 (November): Around Thanksgiving Weekend I walk out of a resort (or sometimes use a machine) and fish Walleyes on Red Lake.
Stop 2 (December): After a week or so I move to some of the smaller coves in Leech Lake chasing jumbo perch and walleyes.
Stop 3 (January): By early January, Upper Red Lake has typically safe Ice and Ill take my truck and camper out (near New Years Eve). I also like to travel back to Leech with the camper arrangement in early January chasing eel pout and perch.
Stop 4 (January/February): By now Mille Lacs is ready and ill spend some time there catching trophy walleyes.
Stop 5 (February): Now with a couple months of those lakes I’m ready for my favorite trip of the year Lake of the Woods in February catching as many walleye and sauger as I can stomach. To note Lake of the Woods is a border water where the Walleye season doesn’t close, so if the Ice is Good the fishing is good!
Minnesota Ice Fishing Trips Recap
Minnesota’s cold winters and diverse lakes make it a prime destination for ice fishing. From the vast waters of Lake of the Woods to Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, and Upper Red Lake, each destination offers unique fish species, scenic views, and amenities, including heated ice houses, guided trips, and accommodations.
Whether you’re after walleye, perch, or northern pike, Minnesota’s lakes provide opportunities for anglers of all levels. For the best experience, plan based on ice conditions and fish activity, and consider travel distances to make the most of your trip.
Safety Tip: Always check local ice reports before heading out and follow all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.
More Ice Fishing Resources and Shopping List
Looking for more helpful guides to perfect your ice fishing season? Check out some of our best! + I share all of my favorite ice fishing gear to help you get started. Just click on the pictures to shop!
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