A Look at Some of the Best Ice Fishing Spots in the World

Alongside a snowboarding or a skiing adventure, it’s not uncommon for people to explore other activities to enjoy during their stay. Sometimes injury can lead to a much-needed break from the slopes, while weather conditions can also throw a spanner in the works. Thankfully, ice fishing is the perfect replacement.

Fishing is a fantastic activity to enjoy anyway, particularly as it enables us to be in the fresh air and feeling active as we chase the next big catch. Ice fishing, in particular, provides a particularly unique escape. While you can see icy fishing conditions in documentaries like Ice Fishing Hardcore and through games by Pragmatic Play and Reel Kingdom with a strong fishing theme, such as Bigger Bass Blizzard: Christmas Catch, experiencing this somewhat extreme fishing technique in the flesh is well worth it.

The opportunity to catch a trout or a perch is there, while the extreme conditions while sitting on top of frozen water makes for a thrilling escapade.

Of course, if you’ve never done ice fishing before, then it’s probably best to team up with a local guide or someone in the know. Here are some well-known ice fishing spots that offer people who can help, alongside the opportunity to be combined with a snowy adventure on the slopes.

Birch Lake in Alaska is the Perfect Spot to Learn

Alaska is an icy location that is filled with natural beauty. A go-to destination for so many outdoor adventures, Birch Lake is also extremely in-demand with newcomers to the sport of ice fishing.

A great place to learn everything about it, you’ll have the opportunity to catch everything from rainbow trout and chinook salmon, to coho salmon and artic grayling. The diverse species of fish in this huge lake makes for an exhilarating fishing trip. While the conditions can become extreme in Alaska, Birch Lake is still a fantastic location to learn the basics.

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota Offers Great Accommodation

For people wanting to experience ice fishing for more than a day, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is filled with a wide range of accommodation options. A respected destination within the ice fishing community, if you’re in need of a break from popular nearby resorts like Afton Alps and Lutsen Mountains, then Lake of the Woods is well worth looking into. There are warm and welcoming cabins to stay in, while you can even make the most of other activities like snowmobiling while you’re there. Some people are even lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights, too.

Montana’s Fort Peck Lake is Extremely Rural

A location that is particularly popular for fly fishing, Fort Peck Lake is also perfect for a serious session of ice fishing. Not only is it huge and offers people with plenty of spots to choose from in the process, but there are over 50 species of fish to catch, while tip-ups can be shared around this huge location, although each angler is limited to six. The opportunity to catch is certainly there in this glorious but rural location.

Lule River in Sweden is One of the Best Spots Around

Located near the Norwegian border and not too far away from some excellent skiing and snowboarding destinations, Sweden’s Lule River is perfect for a spot of ice fishing. A river that is populated with trout and salmon, the winter months provide a layer of ice that makes for the perfect session of ice fishing. These extreme conditions certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted, though, but landing a big catch there will certainly provide some memories of a lifetime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the winter outdoors space, focussing on skiing and snowboarding. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.