8 Walleye Hotspots You Must Try This Ice Fishing Season

If you’re an ice fishing enthusiast, targeting walleye during winter is an exciting challenge.

Due to their size and taste, these fish are prized catches. However, choosing the right hotspot is key to maximizing your ice fishing season.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best walleye hotspots across North America, all with reliable ice fishing opportunities.

1. Lake Erie, Ohio

Lake Erie is one of the most popular walleye hotspots in the U.S. Its walleye population thrives, making it an ideal destination for ice fishing. The lake spans over 9,900 square miles and offers various fishing locations.

While you can find walleye in almost every part of the lake, the Ohio waters are especially productive during winter.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

Lake Erie’s walleye population is consistently high, and the fishing is accessible to both beginners and seasoned anglers. Early winter months, from December to February, are the best times to target walleye.

The lake’s western basin, especially near Sandusky Bay and Catawba Island, is known for productive fishing spots.

Fishing Tips:

• Use jigging spoons or live bait like minnows for the best chances of success.
• The key to success here is patience. Walleye can be finicky, but they’re worth the wait.
• Check ice thickness before heading out, as conditions can change quickly.

Fun Fact:

Lake Erie is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes, which helps keep the water warm enough to support a year-round walleye population.

2. Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

Devil’s Lake in North Dakota is another must-try destination for ice fishing enthusiasts. It is known for its strong walleye population, and its large size (over 160,000 acres) means you can explore various areas to find the perfect fishing spot.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

Devil’s Lake is particularly famous for its consistency in producing walleye both in the summer and winter months. The lake is teeming with fish, and its shallow waters make it easier to locate schools of walleye.

The best time to ice fish here is between December and March, but the month of January often provides some of the most productive fishing days.

Fishing Tips:

• Look for walleye near drop-offs, as they tend to congregate in these areas.
• Jigging with heavy lures or using minnows on a tip-up is a tried-and-true method for success.
• Be cautious about ice conditions. While the lake’s shallow nature makes it relatively easy to navigate, make sure to check the ice daily.

Fun Fact:

Devil’s Lake offers over 50 miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and fish in peace.

3. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay, located along the western shores of Lake Michigan, is a prime walleye fishing destination.

This area is known for its abundant walleye population, with some large specimens often found in the deeper parts of the bay.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

Green Bay is particularly known for its massive schools of walleye during the winter months. The bay’s rich ecosystem and connection to Lake Michigan create the perfect environment for walleye to thrive.

The best ice fishing spots are near the bay’s shallow areas, where walleye tend to gather in schools.

Fishing Tips:

• Green Bay has deep and shallow areas, but for ice fishing, the shallower sections offer the best action.
• Crankbaits and jigging spoons are great choices for attracting walleye.
• It’s best to fish early in the morning or late afternoon when walleye are most active.

Fun Fact:

Green Bay is famous for its massive walleye population, with many fish reaching over 10 pounds during the winter months.

4. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota

Mille Lacs Lake is a well-known fishing spot in Minnesota. It offers year-round opportunities for anglers. During the winter, Mille Lacs becomes a hotspot for ice fishing, attracting walleye anglers from all over the country.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

Mille Lacs is considered one of the best walleye lakes in the U.S., and it’s no surprise why. The lake has an abundance of walleye, and the fish here grow large due to the nutrient-rich water.

During the winter, fishing is especially good as walleye gather in deeper areas, making them easier to target.

Fishing Tips:

• Use larger minnows to attract larger walleye.
• Target drop-offs, as walleye prefer deeper waters during the colder months.
• Look for areas near rocky structures or underwater humps for a productive day of fishing.

Fun Fact:

Mille Lacs Lake has over 132,000 acres of water, offering plenty of space to find your perfect fishing spot.

5. Lake of the Woods, Minnesota (and Canada)

Lake of the Woods is located in the U.S. and Canada and is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye.

This massive lake—over 1,700 square miles—offers plenty of options for seasoned and novice ice anglers.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

Lake of the Woods is rich in fish populations, and the walleye here grow large. Whether you’re fishing in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll find productive spots for ice fishing.

Popular fishing areas include the main lake and the many islands, which provide ample opportunity to find schools of walleye.

Fishing Tips:

• Jigging with live minnows is a top tactic for walleye here.
• Keep an eye on the ice thickness—Lake of the Woods has many different sections with varying conditions.
• Consider hiring a local guide for the best experience in this vast lake.

Fun Fact:

Lake of the Woods has more than 14,000 islands, creating countless fishing opportunities.

6. Lake Ontario, New York

Lake Ontario’s diverse ecosystems make it a top choice for walleye anglers. The lake’s wide range of habitats—from deep, cold waters to shallow bays—offers a variety of fishing experiences, especially during the ice fishing season.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

The walleye population in Lake Ontario thrives in its cool, deep waters. The areas near the eastern shore, especially near the Niagara River, are particularly popular for ice fishing.

The combination of accessible fishing spots and abundant fish makes Lake Ontario an appealing destination for ice anglers.

Fishing Tips:

• Use jigging with soft plastics or live bait to attract walleye.
• Early mornings and late evenings tend to yield the best catches.
• Watch for strong currents, especially around the Niagara River areas.

Fun Fact:

Lake Ontario has an estimated shoreline of about 712 miles, making it one of the most diverse lakes in terms of fishing spots.

7. Saginaw Bay, Michigan

Saginaw Bay, part of Lake Huron, offers incredible ice fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye.

This bay is known for its large walleye population and is considered one of the best places to catch walleye in the winter months.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

The bay has a high walleye density and relatively shallow waters, making it an excellent spot for ice fishing. The bay is especially known for its trophy-sized walleye, and the winter fishing conditions allow anglers to target large fish.

Fishing Tips:

• Look for walleye near the bay’s weed beds and drop-offs.
• Live minnows and jigging spoons are the preferred baits for attracting walleye.
• Fish in the early morning or late evening for the best results.

Fun Fact:

Saginaw Bay’s walleye population has been thriving in recent years, making it one of Michigan’s top ice fishing spots.

8. St. Lawrence River, New York

The St. Lawrence River offers a unique ice-fishing experience for walleye anglers. The river’s cold, clear waters are home to a healthy walleye population, and its unique geography provides varied fishing spots.

Why It’s a Top Spot:

The St. Lawrence River is rich in nutrients, which supports a large walleye population. Ice fishing here can be a little more challenging due to the river’s current, but it’s well worth the effort for those who enjoy the thrill of fishing in dynamic conditions.

Fishing Tips:

• Use larger minnows and jigs for the best results.
• Focus on areas near drop-offs or underwater structures for the best chances of success.
• Always check ice thickness before venturing out, as conditions can vary across the river.

Fun Fact:

The St. Lawrence River flows through both the U.S. and Canada, creating a unique cross-border fishing experience.

Conclusion

Ice fishing for walleye is one of anglers’ most exciting winter activities. From the depths of Lake Erie to the vast waters of Lake of the Woods, there are countless hotspots to explore this season.

Each location offers something unique, from large trophy catches to consistent fishing opportunities. So, get out there, drill your holes, and start making memories—your next big walleye catch is waiting.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to ice fish for walleye?

The best time to ice fish for walleye is usually early in winter, from December to February. Walleye are more active and easier to catch during these months.

2. What equipment do I need for ice fishing walleye?

To stay warm, you’ll need a quality ice auger, a sturdy ice fishing rod, tip-ups, lures or minnows, and appropriate winter clothing.

3. How can I tell if the ice is thick enough for fishing?

Always check local ice conditions before heading out. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick for safe fishing. When in doubt, consult with local guides or authorities.

4. Are there any specific baits I should use?

Live minnows, jigging spoons, and soft plastics are great options for attracting walleye. Choose based on local preferences for the area you’re fishing.