Top US and Canadian Ice Fishing Destinations Guide

Have you ever tried ice fishing? It’s an incredible experience. Ice fishing allows you to absorb nature’s beauty, chasing the adrenaline of a catch while surrounded by stunning landscapes that will take your breath away. Whether you like to fish alone or make an event of it with a group of friends, it’s an experience you should not miss out on.

Grab your fishing rod, your ice spud, and hand auger, as here at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, we’ve hand-picked five of the best ice fishing spots in North America that you can visit this winter.

Top Ice Fishing Lakes in America

Lake Habeeb, Maryland

We start our recommendations at this fantastic ice fishing destination in the foothills of Evitts Mountain in Maryland. Fed by the Rocky Gap Run, this human-made lake formed after the Army Corps of Engineers dammed it in 1970.

With an array of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass to fish for, you can take in the spectacular views of the state’s Rocky Gap State Park… if you get the chance between catches.

Kick back after a long day of fishing at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort, BW Premier Collection, in nearby Flintstone, Maryland.

Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

As the largest lake in Wisconsin, it’s no surprise Lake Winnebago makes it on our list of top ice fishing locations. Lake Winnebago dimensions measure an incredible 30 miles by 10 miles, so there are plenty of ice fishing spots to go around.

Located nearby are several lakeside cities, including Oshkosh and Neenah. Lake Winnebago is a prime ice fishing spot for catching Walleye and Saugers are they swim beneath your feet.

Be sure you warm up every evening at the Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel in Neenah.

Castle Lake, California

When you picture California, you don’t automatically think of ice fishing a frozen lake, do you? However, located in the heart of the Trinity Mountains, Lake Castle freezes over in this part of Northern California.

Just west of Mount Shasta and Mount Shasta City lies a popular summertime lake usually bustling with speed boats and paddleboarders. However, in the peak of winter, this becomes a ‘hot’ ice fishing destination.

Once you’ve spent the day hooking Brook and Rainbow Trout, enjoy the nightlife of Mount Shasta City while staying at the Best Western Plus Tree House.

Top Ice Fishing Lakes in Canada

Lake Simcoe, Ontario

Heading north of the border, we’re traveling next to Ontario to ice fish, one of Canada’s elite frozen lakes. Lake Simcoe is home to several ice fishing competitions and was nicknamed ‘Ouentironk’ by early native residents, meaning “Beautiful Water”.

With over 270 square miles of ice to choose from, Lake Simcoe is an excellent source of freshwater Pike, Lake Trout, and Perch. So huge is Lake Simcoe; it encompasses two separate islands and has over fourteen rivers and creeks that feed into it.

Don’t miss your chance to try ice fishing this beautiful Canadian lake by staying at the Best Western Plus Orillia Hotel in Orillia, Ontario.

Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan

No ice fishing trip to Canada would be complete without visiting Saskatchewan, the province with over 100,000 lakes. However, we’ve picked out Last Mountain Lake, just northwest of Regina, as our favorite Saskatchewan spot to go ice fishing.

Last Mountain Lake is over 11,000 years old and is home to several ice fisherman favorites, including Burbot, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. It is also the largest natural lake in Saskatchewan, only outsized by the artificially created Lake Diefenbaker.

Enjoy the winter festivities in Regina every evening when you stay downtown at the Best Western Plus Eastgate Inn & Suites.