Best Ice Fishing Lakes in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Ice fishing lakes in Minnesota & Wisconsin: walleye, crappie, perch, and panfish with public access. Planning proof, not ice thickness.

Recreation rankings need public-access, beach and launch, depth, and fish-survey data, which currently cover Minnesota & Wisconsin lakes. Water-quality readings themselves span all United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs. LakeQuality covers.

Lakes

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Swimming Boating Boat Ramps Kayaking Ice Fishing Camping

Rank	Lake	County	State	Fish Species	Ice-Free Days	Access
1	Broadwater Bay Lake	Cass	MN	22	215	Public
2	Green Lake	Green Lake	WI	7	—	Public
3	Spider (Ne Lake	Hubbard	MN	13	—	Public
4	Geneva Lake	Walworth	WI	6	—	Public
5	Little Sand Lake	Hubbard	MN	17	224	Public
6	Lac Courte Oreilles Lake	Sawyer	WI	6	—	Public

We do not measure ice

We do not measure ice. Agency minimums (for example Minnesota DNR guidance on clear ice) are not lake-specific readings and are not a safety clearance. Check local ice reports before you go. Ice thickness guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes are best for ice fishing in Minnesota & Wisconsin?

The best ice fishing lakes have public access, healthy populations of popular winter species (walleye, crappie, perch, bluegill, northern pike), and reliable ice formation. Lakes with longer ice seasons and multiple fish species offer the most versatile winter fishing.

When does ice fishing season start?

Ice fishing typically begins in late November to early December, depending on the lake and weather conditions. Always check ice thickness before venturing out, a minimum of 4 inches of clear ice is recommended for walking, and 12 inches or more for vehicles.