10 Best Northern Pike Lakes for Ice Fishing: Top Spots for Your Winter Adventure

Northern pike are one of the most sought-after species for ice fishing due to their size, strength, and challenging nature. If you’re looking for your next adventure on the ice, the following lakes are prime destinations for pike anglers.

Whether you’re a seasoned ice fisherman or a beginner eager to try your hand at catching one of these mighty fish, these lakes provide the perfect combination of pike populations, access, and ice fishing opportunities.

Below is a guide to some of the best lakes across North America where northern pike reign supreme.

1. Lake of the Woods – Minnesota & Canada

Lake of the Woods spans the U.S.-Canada border, offering 65,000 miles of shoreline and various fishing spots. Known for its diverse fish species, including a strong population of northern pike, this lake has become a popular ice-fishing destination.

Why it’s Great:

Lake of the Woods is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America, with ample room for anglers to find their ideal pike fishing spot.

The lake’s cold, clear waters make it an excellent location for pike to thrive, with populations reaching impressive sizes.

The lake offers a variety of depths and structures, from shallow bays to deep underwater drop-offs, perfect for anglers targeting pike.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Focus on fishing near the islands and submerged structures, where pike often hunt for food. Shallow bays and weedy areas are also prime locations during the winter months when pike are closer to shore.

Pro Tip:

Pike tend to be more active during early ice season. Set up tip-ups with large minnows or perch to attract bigger pike, especially during low-light conditions.

2. Devils Lake – North Dakota

Devils Lake is known for its large, fertile waters in the eastern part of North Dakota. It’s a top ice fishing destination due to its consistent pike population and the accessibility of fishing spots across the lake.

Why it’s Great:

Devils Lake is home to a healthy and abundant population of northern pike, making it a favorite among ice anglers. The lake’s shallow areas, often rich in submerged vegetation, offer the perfect hunting ground for pike, which tend to be more concentrated during winter.

Best Spots on the Lake:

The best pike fishing can be found in the main lake basin and its connecting shallow bays. Target areas where the lake’s natural features, like submerged rocks or drop-offs, are prevalent.

Pro Tip:

During the early ice season, pike are especially active. Use large bait or live minnows on tip-ups to catch trophy-sized pike.

3. Mille Lacs Lake – Minnesota

Mille Lacs Lake, located in central Minnesota, is one of the state’s most popular lakes for multi-species fishing.

Its northern pike population is particularly strong. This large lake offers anglers diverse ice fishing conditions, from shallow bays to deeper channels.

Why it’s Great:

Mille Lacs is home to some of the largest northern pike in Minnesota. Known for its clear waters and abundant food sources, this lake provides ideal conditions for both large numbers and trophy-sized pike.

The variety of fishing environments, including sandy areas, drop-offs, and weed beds, makes it a versatile location for ice anglers.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Focus your efforts on sandbars, drop-offs, and weed beds. These areas are hot spots where pike like to hunt, especially in the colder months when they tend to move closer to shore.

Pro Tip:

Fishing at night can increase your chances of landing a large pike. These fish tend to be more active during the evening, so plan your trips accordingly.

4. Green Bay – Wisconsin

Overview:

Green Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan, offers some of the best northern pike fishing in the Midwest. Its cold waters, diverse habitats, and extensive shoreline make it a top destination for ice fishing enthusiasts.

Why it’s Great:

The bay is well-known for its abundance of pike, making it an ideal spot for ice fishing. The diverse landscape, from shallow weedy areas to deeper channels, offers a variety of fishing opportunities depending on where the pike is feeding at any given time.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Shallow, weedy areas are prime pike locations. In addition, try fishing along the edges of the bay and near channels where pike often congregate.

Pro Tip:

Tip-ups with live bait (such as minnows or perch) work particularly well for catching larger pike. Make sure to check them regularly, as pike can strike hard and fast.

5. Lac Seul – Ontario, Canada

Lac Seul is one of Ontario’s premier ice-fishing lakes, offering a pristine environment for northern pike. Known for its crystal-clear waters and remote location, it’s a haven for anglers seeking large pike in a peaceful setting.

Why it’s Great:

This remote lake is home to some of the largest northern pike in Canada. Its waters are rich in nutrients, supporting abundant fish, including trophy pike. The lake’s various inlets, shallow bays, and hidden drop-offs are ideal habitats for these fish.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Focus on shallow waters near the shorelines and inlets, where pike are most active. Look for submerged rocks and points where pike are likely to hunt.

Pro Tip:

Be prepared for remote ice fishing conditions. It’s worth the extra effort to have the chance to catch some of the biggest pike in Canada.

6. St. Lawrence River – New York & Ontario

The St. Lawrence River, which runs along the U.S.-Canada border, offers incredible ice fishing opportunities. Known for its rich biodiversity, it’s a great destination for targeting northern pike.

Why it’s Great:

The St. Lawrence River is a prime location for northern pike due to its cold, fast-moving waters. Pike thrive in this environment, which offers plenty of structures, current seams, and backwaters that are perfect for fishing.

Best Spots on the River:

Fish near channels, backwaters, and current seams where pike are known to gather in winter. Look for areas with submerged structures that provide ideal ambush spots for these predatory fish.

Pro Tip:

Use a variety of depths and experiment with different locations on the river. Pike can be found in both shallow and deeper areas, depending on the current and time of year.

7. Chequamegon Bay – Wisconsin

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Chequamegon Bay offers anglers a chance to target northern pike in an area known for both its fish diversity and scenic beauty.

Why it’s Great:

This bay boasts a healthy northern pike population and offers many fishing opportunities. It’s easy to access and consistently produces large fish during ice fishing.

Best Spots on the Bay:

Look for shallow, weedy areas with plenty of cover. These zones attract pike looking for prey and provide the perfect location for ice fishing.

Pro Tip:

Try larger bait to catch the biggest pike in the bay. Patience is key, as larger pike may take more time to bite.

8. Clear Lake – Iowa

Clear Lake is Iowa’s go-to destination for ice fishing. Despite being smaller than some of the other lakes on this list, it still offers plenty of opportunity for anglers to land northern pike.

Why it’s Great:

Clear Lake has a variety of fish species, but its northern pike population stands out. The lake’s cold, clear waters make it an ideal habitat for pike, and there are numerous shallow areas to explore.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Shallow areas near submerged structures like rock piles or weed beds are ideal for pike during winter.

Pro Tip:

Pike are more active during the coldest periods of the season. Focus on fishing early in the morning when pike are most active.

9. Great Slave Lake – Northwest Territories, Canada

Great Slave Lake is located in the remote Northwest Territories and is considered one of the best places to target trophy northern pike. Its size and location provide exceptional fishing conditions.

Why it’s Great:

The lake’s remote nature means it attracts fewer anglers, which can be a huge advantage for those looking to land giant northern pike. The lake’s cold, clear waters support healthy fish populations, and pike often reach impressive sizes.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Shallow bays and submerged rock formations are perfect hunting grounds for pike. Look for areas with a mix of depth changes and structure.

Pro Tip:

Prepare for remote fishing conditions. If you can access it, the fishing rewards are more than worth the effort.

10. Lake Michigan – Michigan

Lake Michigan offers abundant fishing opportunities, and it’s a great place to target northern pike in the winter months.

Why it’s Great:

The cold waters of Lake Michigan, paired with the abundance of aquatic vegetation and baitfish, provide the perfect conditions for pike to thrive. The lake’s vast shoreline offers multiple ice fishing areas, each with its own unique characteristics.

Best Spots on the Lake:

Focus on shallow waters near the shorelines or harbor mouths where pike congregate in winter.

Pro Tip:

Experiment with different depths to find the best spots as pike move depending on the availability of food and water conditions.

Conclusion

These top northern pike lakes for ice fishing offer something for every angler, from beginner to expert. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful remote lake or a large, well-known body of water, there’s a destination that caters to your needs.

Each location is known for producing strong, healthy pike populations, ensuring you’ll have a rewarding winter adventure. Plan your next ice fishing trip with this list in mind, and remember to prioritize safety while on the ice.

FAQs

1. What’s the best time of year to ice fish for northern pike?

The best time to ice fish for northern pike is typically from late December to February when the fish are actively feeding and closer to shore.

2. What bait should I use for ice fishing northern pike?

Live minnows, large perch, and shad are excellent choices. Tip-ups with live bait are particularly effective for pike.

3. How deep should I fish for northern pike in the winter?

Pike are generally found in shallow waters near structures like drop-offs, submerged rocks, and weedy areas, often between 5 and 15 feet deep.

4. Do I need special equipment for ice fishing northern pike?

Yes, you’ll need a strong rod, heavy-duty reels, and larger bait, along with tip-ups or spearing gear to ensure you can handle the size and strength of the northern pike.