Minnesota Ice Fishing Charters
Minnesota Ice Fishing Charters
Best Ice Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Best Ice Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Ice Fishing in Minnesota
Ice Fishing in Minnesota
It’s easy to see why the ice fishing Minnesota enjoys each year is such a big deal. The Land of 10,000 Lakes spends almost half the year below 32ºF. It also has one of the best mixes of freshwater gamefish in the country, with Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Muskie), Trout, Bass, and more. During the height of the ice fishing season, entire villages can grow on some lakes, complete with plowed roads and streetlights. People really know how to make the most of winter here!
Minnesota Ice Fishing Spots
Cut a hole anywhere and you can pull up a panfish or two. If you want to take things to the next level, here's our bucket list of amazing lakes for ice fishing.
Mille Lacs
As many as 5,000 huts show up here each year. People come for the epic Walleye bite, but the Perch, Pike, and Muskies are great, too. Mille Lacs Lake can get crowded, but fishing here is a rite of passage for any ice fisher worth their salt.
Lake of the Woods
This is the most northern part of the contiguous US, so you get a long season once you set up your hut. Lake of the Woods has a Walleye bite to rival even Mille Lacs. It also has Sauger, Pike, and monster Muskies.
Gull Lake
Gull Lake is home to home of the world’s biggest charity ice fishing competition, Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. An incredible 10,000 people take part in this fun-filled event each year, and you’re welcome to join them!
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is so big, it rarely freezes entirely. It’s is the only place in the state where you can ice fish for Salmon. The lake is best known for its Trout fishing, though, with Brown and Lake Trout in huge numbers.
Red Lake
With a ton of tasty Walleye and easy access from State Highway 72, this is a great spot to visit for a day trip. The Upper Red Lake has the best ice fishing, but the whole lake can be productive.
And So Much More
Big Stone Lake is productive for Perch. Rainy Lake has some wonderful Walleye. Leech Lake is full of both. Honestly, you can find great fish everywhere!
Minnesota Ice Fishing Seasons
The best time to ice fish is in the winter. Alright, you might have guessed that. On average, the best and safest months for ice fishing are January and February, but it depends on the body of water.
The safe season for ice fishing depends on where in the state you are. On the border with Iowa, huts are cleared off the lake by mid-February. In the north of the state, you will find them out until the end of March. On-foot anglers often fish well into April.
It’s also down to depth. Shallow lakes like Mille Lacs freeze a lot earlier and are normally safe by mid-December. Deeper waters like Lake Superior freeze more slowly and aren’t ready until January. Larger lakes also hold more oxygen, keeping the fish active longer into the season.
Ice Fishing Techniques
The basic method is to cut a hole through the ice and jig lures like flash spoons or swimming lures. Finding the right depth is key to bringing in your specific species, as is knowing what the structure is like below. Walleye like easy access to deep water, while Musky and Pike hunt around humps and rocks. Drilling in the right spot is key, so fishing with a guide or an old hand really gives you a head start.
Need to Know
Ice fishing can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions. Stay away from dark ice. Ask the locals where’s safe. Better still, get a guide to show you where and how to fish. A general rule is that 4 inches will hold a person and 10 inches will hold a car. If you have to ask “is this ice thick enough?” you should probably stay away. You can find useful information on the DNR’s website.
Don’t let us scare you off, though! Ice fishing is great fun and a productive way of catching a delicious winter feast. It’s a core part of Minnesota life, so grab your biggest coat and get out there!
Minnesota
4.5
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5
Based on 27,740 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Minnesota
What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Minnesota
Lake Minnetonka was quiet on a mid-week afternoon after Labor Day. The early fall weather was perfect.
5.0
/
5
Lake Minnetonka was quiet on a mid-week afternoon after Labor Day. The early fall weather was perfect.
Patricia N.
Carlsbad, CA
This boat and captain are the real deal,,, knowledgeable,fun, and professional
5.0
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5
This boat and captain are the real deal,,, knowledgeable,fun, and professional
Larry L. J.
Stacy, MN
Fishing morning bring long sleeve and extra outer wear. Warms up as day goes on.
5.0
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5
Fishing morning bring long sleeve and extra outer wear. Warms up as day goes on.
Michael D.
Tamarack, MN
Wear layers. It can be chilly in the morning and warm in afternoon when sun comes out. Bring lots of snacks. Sunblock and shades
5.0
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5
Wear layers. It can be chilly in the morning and warm in afternoon when sun comes out. Bring lots of snacks. Sunblock and shades
ASHLEY M.
Saint Paul, MN
Definitely! This was an afternoon trip so we were unsure if we'd catch any but we definitely did!
4.7
/
5
Definitely! This was an afternoon trip so we were unsure if we'd catch any but we definitely did!
Trina H.
Marshall, MN
Brian is extremely knowledgeable about the lakes he guides on. He is very easy and fun to talk with! He made an ethical decision to not target certain fish as to not harm the fish with the water being as warm as it was, but had us catching fish the whole time we were in the boat! If we didnโt live in Kansas we would use
Brianโs guid services consistently, and we will definitely hire him again next time we are in Minnesota.
5.0
/
5
Brian is extremely knowledgeable about the lakes he guides on. He is very easy and fun to talk with! He made an ethical decision to not target certain fish as to not harm the fish with the water being as warm as it was, but had us catching fish the whole time we were in the boat! If we didnโt live in Kansas we would use
Brianโs guid services consistently, and we will definitely hire him again next time we are in Minnesota.
Jacob W.
Pretty Prairie, KS
Couldn't believe how great the fishing was the end of July and with the temperatures around 90 degrees.
5.0
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5
Couldn't believe how great the fishing was the end of July and with the temperatures around 90 degrees.
Bob L.
Take a guide on a hot day. Especially captain Brian with musky and more guide services. He will put you on the fish.
5.0
/
5
Take a guide on a hot day. Especially captain Brian with musky and more guide services. He will put you on the fish.
Josh F.
Belle Plaine, MN
This is a great family trip for fishing. Book through Brody at Looper Charters!
5.0
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5
This is a great family trip for fishing. Book through Brody at Looper Charters!
ANGIE B. B.
North River, ND
Great time with great views! Bring a sweatshirtโฆit was chilly in the lake!
5.0
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5
Great time with great views! Bring a sweatshirtโฆit was chilly in the lake!
Missy G.
Eagan, MN
Truly big fish are out there but donโt expect catch many. You will have fun catching a lot of fish.
5.0
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5
Truly big fish are out there but donโt expect catch many. You will have fun catching a lot of fish.
Craig B.
Minneapolis, MN
Bring appropriate winter clothing for a trip on Lake Superior, even in July
5.0
/
5
Bring appropriate winter clothing for a trip on Lake Superior, even in July
ANDREW L.
Earlysville, VA
Fun experience! Great way to get out in the water and just enjoy being in the lake during summer.
5.0
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5
Fun experience! Great way to get out in the water and just enjoy being in the lake during summer.
Austin F.
McCordsville, IN
Weather was wonderful plus the views are breathtaking! Plus we caught some nice fish.
5.0
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5
Weather was wonderful plus the views are breathtaking! Plus we caught some nice fish.
Edward K.
Mankato, MN
We camped at Lake Pepin Campground. It overlooks the lake. Get a fishing guide.
5.0
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5
We camped at Lake Pepin Campground. It overlooks the lake. Get a fishing guide.
John J.
Lake City, Minnesota
It was easy to find out about different Captains and simple to book the trip.
5.0
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5
It was easy to find out about different Captains and simple to book the trip.
Talbott M.
Boston, MA
I would highly recommend booking a fishing experience with Muskies And More Guide Service. Captain Brian is wonderful.
5.0
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5
I would highly recommend booking a fishing experience with Muskies And More Guide Service. Captain Brian is wonderful.
Donnie M.
Ontario, CA
It could not have been much better. We had a great weather day and caught a lot of fish. Brody and staff were all pro with us. Even if we did not catch much it would have be great.
5.0
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5
It could not have been much better. We had a great weather day and caught a lot of fish. Brody and staff were all pro with us. Even if we did not catch much it would have be great.
Scott K.
Saint Charles, MN
Bring appropriate clothing for early morning fishing, temperature can drop significantly out on the lakeโฆbring versatile jacket (rain, lined), as it can get windy and rain
5.0
/
5
Bring appropriate clothing for early morning fishing, temperature can drop significantly out on the lakeโฆbring versatile jacket (rain, lined), as it can get windy and rain
Robert C.
Bloomington, Minnesota
Find an experienced Captain with boats suitable for the weather and lake conditions. Wear layers of clothing because you can always take more off but you can't put more on.
4.7
/
5
Find an experienced Captain with boats suitable for the weather and lake conditions. Wear layers of clothing because you can always take more off but you can't put more on.
Kevin N.
Thiensville, WI