13 Best Ice Fishing Lakes In Wisconsin
Wondering where the best ice fishing in Wisconsin is?
Look no further, as this post contains everything you need to know about where to find the best ice fishing in Wisconsin, as well as what kinds of fish can be caught during winter, and what to bring ice fishing.
Wisconsin is known for being one of the best states to go ice fishing in the United States, due to its northern climate, abundance of lakes, and its large fish populations. There are also many ice fishing tournaments and events held throughout the state each year.
As a local, I’ve been to many of these lakes in Wisconsin. Based on this personal experience, I’ve reviewed all the best ice-fishing lakes in Wisconsin to help you decide which one to visit on your next trip.
Best Ice Fishing In Wisconsin
Below you will find a list of the best ice-fishing lakes in Wisconsin, including both big and small lakes. These lakes are perfect for an ice-fishing trip, and some even offer winter ice-fishing tournaments.
1. Boom Lake
WHERE? Rhinelander, WI | BREEDS: Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, and Crappie
Boom Lake is located next to the town of Rhinelander, which has gained the nickname of the “ice fishing capital” due to its great ice-fishing opportunities and because the town hosts several ice-fishing tournaments every year.
Boom Lake is a 365-acre lake that is located just north of the town. The lake is a flowage of the Wisconsin River, which gives it great fishing opportunities. Some of the largest Northern Pike and Walleye of the ice-fishing season are typically caught in this area.
For several years, the lake has been a host of the North American Ice Fishing Circuit tournaments and the town of Rhinelander is a very popular place to stay for anglers who want to go ice fishing.
2. Lake Winnebago
WHERE? Oshkosh, WI | BREEDS: Walleye, Perch, and Lake Sturgeon
Lake Winnebago is the largest inland lake that is entirely in the state of Wisconsin. It is known for its abundance of fish, which makes it an ideal fishing destination.
Ice fishing is a popular winter activity on Lake Winnebago, especially for walleye, perch, and lake sturgeon. The best parts of the lake for ice fishing are the primary break along the east shore, reefs, and rock humps.
One thing to keep in mind about fishing here is that walleye fishing will be best during the mild winter temperatures, as when it gets to extreme cold the walleye tend to stop biting.
3. Dairyland Reservoir
WHERE? Rusk County, WI | BREEDS: Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth
Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon, and Catfish
Dairyland Reservoir is an 1870-acre lake in northwestern Wisconsin. It features 24 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 70 feet. Dairyland Reservoir is also a part of the longer Flambeau River which flows for around 150 miles through Wisconsin.
Since the Dairyland Reservoir is connected to such a large river, an abundance of panfish, bass, pike, and walleye can be caught here. The large amount of fish makes it one of the best lakes in Wisconsin to go ice fishing.
4. Black Oak Lake
WHERE? Vilas County, WI | BREEDS: Panfish, Lake Trout, Bass, Walleye, and Northern Pike
Black Oak Lake is a 564-acre lake near the border of Michigan. The lake is known for being the cleanest and also one of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin.
Even during the winter months, the lake is home to abundant populations of fish so it is a good choice for ice fishing in Wisconsin.
Due to its northern location and the fact that it is a smaller lake, Black Oak Lake freezes up quicker than many other lakes in Wisconsin. Typically, you can go ice fishing by mid-December at this lake.
5. Green Bay Basin
WHERE? Green Bay, WI | BREEDS: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleyes, and Whitefish
Green Bay is a basin of the northern part of Lake Michigan. The Green Bay basin is huge, with an area that stretches for 120 miles. It is a popular ice fishing spot as you can catch some very large fish here, including some big Walleyes.
The lake is a popular spot for ice fishing, but it isn’t an ice fishing lake for beginners. Instead, this is the best option for experienced anglers as the lake is large and the pressure can cause it to have cracks in the ice.
6. Lake Alice
WHERE? Lincoln County, WI | BREEDS: Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, and Perch
Lake Alice is a 1438-acre lake in northern Wisconsin. The lake is great for ice fishing, and depending on the weather it is usually possible to ice fish here by mid-December.
Later in the winter, usually around February, the lake hosts an annual ice fishing tournament called Alice in Wonderland. This family-friendly event gives out prizes for the biggest fish caught in 3 different categories. It is a fun event to bring kids to so that they can see the fun of ice fishing.
7. Green Lake
WHERE? Green Lake, WI | BREEDS: Perch, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern, Lake Trout, Cisco
Green Lake is in central Wisconsin and is home to year-round fishing opportunities. There are plenty of fish in Green Lake, even during the colder months, making it a good choice for ice fishing. In the winter, Green Lake hosts an annual WinterFest, with a variety of winter activities, including an ice fishing tournament called the Big Trout Derby.
8. Long Lake
WHERE? Washburn County, WI | BREEDS: Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass,
Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Trout and Walleye
Long Lake is considered to be Wisconsin’s Walleye capital, and it has become a popular lake for fishing. The 19 miles of shoreline is home to several bait shops, restaurants, and resorts, making it a perfect weekend fishing destination. During the ice fishing season, there have been some trophy-winning Northern Pike caught from Long Lake.
9. Julia Lake
WHERE? Oneida County, WI | BREEDS: Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye
Julia Lake is located near the town of Rhinelander, which is a great destination for ice-fishers to stay at. Julia Lake is very small, at only 241 acres with a maximum depth of 19 feet. The small size of the lake helps it to freeze early, sometimes by the beginning of December. The lake also tends to stay frozen for a few months, making it a good spot for ice fishing.
10. Lake Koshkonong
WHERE? Jefferson County, WI | BREEDS: Walleye, Crappies, Bluegill, Perch
Lake Koshkonong is located in southern Wisconsin. It is one of the most shallow lakes in the state, with a maximum depth of around 7 feet. However, the shallow waters make it so that this lake is one of the very first lakes in Wisconsin to freeze over.
The lake is known for its Walleye fishing. In the winter, there is also a good chance of catching Crappies, Bluegill, or Perch. The best spot to catch these fish during the ice fishing season is from the west side of Stony Point.
11. George Lake
WHERE? Pelican, WI | BREEDS: Musky, Panfish, Bass
George Lake is a 443-acre lake located in Pelican, Wisconsin. The lake is just southeast of the town of Rhinelander and Boom Lake, which is popular for ice fishing. However, George Lake can also provide some good ice fishing opportunities, especially for Musky, Panfish, and Bass.
12. Lake Mendota
WHERE? Madison, WI | BREEDS: Panfish, Perch, Walleye, and Pike
This lake is located just outside of Wisconsin’s capital city, which makes it a convenient lake to visit if you are in the Madison area.
Lake Mendota has a depth of close to 90 feet, so it does typically freeze a bit later than other Wisconsin lakes. Typically it is frozen by late December or early January.
The lake is most famous for its Perch fishing. Many of these fish measure between 8 and 11 inches, but there are also chances to catch some jumbo size ones that are over 12 inches in length.
13. Lake Geneva
WHERE? Lake Geneva, WI | BREEDS: Northern Pike and Walleye
Lake Geneva is one of the most popular lakes to visit in Wisconsin. The lake has many nearby things to do, which makes it a fun place to visit any time of year.
The ice fishing season is short on Lake Geneva, as the lake usually freezes in mid-January and then starts to thaw by the middle to end of February. However, you can catch some good-sized Northern Pike and Walleye here.
Ice Fishing in Wisconsin: What Can You Catch?
Many types of fish can be caught in Wisconsin. Below, you will find a list of the most popular fish to catch during the ice fishing season.
- Bluegill
- Yellow Perch
- Northern Pike
- Walleye
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Crappie
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Whitefish
Wisconsin Ice Fishing Equipment List
When it comes to ice fishing, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the necessary equipment. Below is a list of some important items to consider bringing for an ice fishing trip.
- Ice auger
- Ice scoop
- Fishing rods
- Ice fishing reels
- Sled for your gear
- Tackle and bait
- Waterproof boots
- Warm winter apparel
- Chairs or seats
- A heater
- Ice fishing shelter
- Ice cleats
- Small shovel
- Blankets
Ice Fishing in Wisconsin FAQs
Wisconsin has some of the best ice fishing in the United States. Many inland lakes in Wisconsin are perfect for ice fishing, as well as larger lakes like the Green Bay Basin of Lake Michigan. Additionally, healthy fish populations are abundant in the winter, which makes ice fishing in Wisconsin a great choice.
Yes, both Wisconsin residents and non-residents who are ages 16 and older need a license to ice fish in Wisconsin. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish. Fishing licenses can be purchased online or at one of the Wisconsin DNR Service Centers.
Wisconsin?
During Wisconsin’s ice fishing season, Bluegill and Yellow Perch are the most commonly caught fish species. However, Walleye and Northern Pike can also be caught during the ice fishing season, and are the most popular fish species to try to catch.
When ice fishing in Wisconsin, you will want to make sure to have good, lightweight bait. Some of the best bait for ice fishing in Wisconsin include wax worms, fly larvae, mayfly larvae, maggots, or minnows.
Conclusion: Best Ice Fishing In Wisconsin
The above lakes have the best ice fishing in Wisconsin. The state offers some of the best ice fishing in the entire country, so whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, there is sure to be a perfect ice fishing spot for you in the state of Wisconsin.
Additionally, if you enjoy ice fishing in Wisconsin, you may want to consider taking a trip to the neighboring state to experience the best fishing lakes in Michigan.
More Wandering Michigan Wisconsin
23 Best Things to Do in Superior Wisconsin
7 Clearest Lakes in Wisconsin
The 7 Best Rodeos in Wisconsin to Visit
11 Best Things to Do in Genoa City Wisconsin
15 Things to Do in Oxford Wisconsin
23 Things to Do Around Racine Wisconsin
15 Things to Know Before Moving to Wisconsin
Yurts in Wisconsin: 13 Best Wisconsin Yurts
Green Bay Winter: Ultimate Guide 2025
10 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Madison Wisconsin
