8 Places to Find the Best Ice Fishing in Minnesota

The largest lake in Minnesota, Upper Red Lake covers more than 288,000 acres. It is split into Upper and Lower portions, and if you want top-quality walleye fishing, the Upper portion is the place to go. About 48,000 acres of Upper Red Lake is open to non-tribal sportfishing, and typically carries a slot limit to protect the fishery, so check fishing regulations before you hit the water HERE. Check out any one of the access points in the East, near State Highway 72, and you will find all the ice fishing you could ever want.

Located about 1.5-2 hours from north of St. Paul and you will eventually run into Lake Mille Lacs. The second largest lake in the state covers more than 132,000 acres, stretching all the way throughout Mille Lacs, Aitkin, and Crow Wing Counties. There is superb ice fishing to be found throughout the lake, from the far north to the far south. Mille Lacs Lake features a wide variety of species to be caught, including walleyes, rock bass, northern pike, jumbo perch, muskie, small mouth bass, and tullibee. Need a little help planning your fishing excursion on Lake Mille Lacs Check out these great fishing resources.

Located in St. Louis County, Lake Vermilion is 40,500 acres of pristine scenery world-renowned for its idyllic destinations. Lake Vermillion has everything from muskies to northern pikes to crappie to perches to small mouth bass to bluegills. Ice fishing here is held in high regard by the locals, with good reason: the waters are full, and the area is as majestic as any the state has to offer.

The biggest and most celebrated ice fishing event, the Ice Fishing Extravaganza, is held here in Gull Lake every single January, and every year it is an event that fails to disappoint. Hardwater anglers from all around the globe congregate on Gull Lake to give the waters their best shot. The Brainerd Lake Region, which is popular among fishers, is home to Gull Lake, which is widely considered the best lake in the region. Supported by local towns such as Nisswa and Brainerd, the ice fishing industry is healthy and vibrant at Gull Lake.

Ask anyone who lives in the Lake of the Woods: this is where you head if you have walleyes on your mind. Including more than 65,000 miles of shorelines and 14,000 islands, this lake covers more than 950,000 acres. It is a destination for vacationers and serious fishermen alike, thriving as the home to more than 45 unique resorts.

Low-key but not without its luxuries, Leech Lake is home to one of the world's top walleye fisheries, large perch also permeating the area. You can fish at night too, and if you like either eelpout or burbot, there is plenty to get excited about.

Sharing its waters with Ontario over the US-Canada border, Rainy Lake is akin to walleye heaven. You can lots of mid-size fish here, but there is no shortage of big ones either. Best of all, you can walk away with a major haul at the end of the day too.

Shared with South Dakota, Big Stone Lake is great for catching perch. Reserved and simple, this location is ideal for getting started at the beginning of the season or for closing it out. Relax, kick back, and let the fish come to you!