As winter blankets North Dakota in snow, avid anglers eagerly anticipate the magic that comes with the freezing temperatures – ice fishing season.
Bring on the hard water!
From the expansive waters of Devils Lake to the intimate setting of Antelope Lake, each destination on our list provides a unique experience for anglers of all interests and skill levels.
Bundle up, grab your gear, and head out on an ice-fishing adventure in the picturesque landscapes of North Dakota. The state will even allow you to try it without a license during its annual Free Ice Fishing Weekend, typically planned close to Near Year’s.
Just be sure to take the proper precautions when heading out there. The ice may not be as thick as you think.
To be fair, with so many options, narrowing down the best is challenging. If the lake has safe ice and is open for fishing, drill a hole and give it a try.
But some lakes stand out above the rest, so give the following a shot.
Devils Lake
Devils Lake is a standout among North Dakota’s premier ice fishing destinations. Renowned for its size and prolific fish populations, this lake provides epic fishing for anglers seeking perch, walleye, northern pike, and white bass.
Located in the town of the same name, Devils Lake is about 90 minutes west of Grand Forks.
The lake’s a massive body of water and offers plenty of underwater structure for catching trophy-sized fish.
Be sure to explore areas like Sixmile Bay, Creel Bay, Minnewaukan Flats, and the Pelican Lake Causeway for some of the best ice-fishing adventures Devils Lake has to offer.
Devils Lake is renowned for trophy perch, walleye, and pike, all on the same trip.
One thing you notice after getting a few fish on Devils Lake is how fat they are.
Large populations of freshwater shrimp accelerate perch growth and provide trickle-down forage for larger game fish. Big perch = colossal pike. Every once in a while, you can get into some nice white bass.
There are access points all around the lake and plenty of accommodations and bait shops in the city of Devils Lake and elsewhere. Spend time researching the resorts if you’re looking for a fishing cabin or guided trip.
More: Complete Guide to Fishing at Devils Lake
Lake Sakakawea
As one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Sakakawea offers a fantastic, if overwhelming, ice fishing experience.
Stretching over 178 miles across western North Dakota, this Missouri River impoundment has an abundance of walleye, perch, and northern pike.
Target the area around Van Hook Arm or Tobacco Garden Creek for the best sites to drill a hole.
The sheer size of Lake Sakakawea ensures that there’s always a secluded spot for those seeking a quieter, more solitary fishing experience.
You’ll find significant numbers of 20-inch walleye here. There’s also epic pike fishing that is only going to get better because of a maturing population with an excellent average size. Pike exceeding 15 pounds are becoming more and more commonplace.
The yellow perch fishing here is phenomenal. There are some great perch spots around the Van Hook Arm. Head there for a day of catching perch and walleye.
There are several towns around the lake, so you should find all the amenities you need.
Lake Audubon
Lake Audubon meets Lake Sakakawea at US Hwy 83. The east side is Audubon, and the vast west side is Sakakawea.
Perch, northern pike, and walleye thrive in the clear waters of Lake Audubon.
During warm weather, this is also a top bass water. Through the ice, though, bass are more sluggish than those other species.
Some of the best spots for ice fishing on Lake Audubon include the Audubon Bridge area and the bay near the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, where strategic positioning can yield impressive catches. Search for underwater structure, of which the lake has plenty to offer.
Try your luck at the Turtle Lake Ramp area on the north side or near the Nelson Bay Fishing Access on the south shore.
Head out on the ice and set your lines in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Come back here in the spring for some of the best smallmouth fishing around.
Stump Lake
Tucked away in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region, Stump Lake is a hidden treasure for ice fishing enthusiasts. This smaller lake sits just east of Devils Lake.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Devils Lake overflowed into Stump Lake and flooded the area, depositing brush and trees throughout the lake. You’ll also find a lot of rock piles, but the lake is light on weed beds.
Along with all the natural structure, sunken roadbeds, stock ponds, old farm equipment, and buildings are scattered along the bottom.
Good spots to get on the ice include Stump Lake Park on the east shore and Tolna Bay on the west side, about three miles north of Tolna.
Lakota is about 15 miles north of the lake for basic supplies and services, and there are several bait shops in the town of Devils Lake, about 45 minutes away.
Lake Darling
Lake Darling is in the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, about an hour northwest of Minot. The lake teems with northern pike and walleye and has a healthy perch population.
The lake’s center holds deeper water, while shoreline areas will attract fish patrolling the shallows.
Perch are often found throughout the water column and can provide epic days on the ice. Check with a local tackle shop for current hot spots.
Check the current regulations to ensure you’re not fishing in the wrong areas. Ice fishing access by foot is allowed in designated areas.
Minot has all the amenities and lodging you’ll need. Stop by a tackle shop in town for updates on ice conditions and current hot spots.
Antelope Lake
Antelope Lake is a must-visit destination. This peaceful spot is tucked away in the Turtle Mountains and makes a great fishing escape.
You can target perch, walleye, and northern pike in the lake’s clear waters, with the western and southern shores offering promising ice-fishing grounds.
Ice fishing at Antelope Lake is not just a sport; it’s a community affair.
Anglers often gather in small clusters, sharing stories of their best catches and tips for a successful day on the ice. The camaraderie among anglers creates a warm contrast to the cold surroundings, forging bonds over a shared passion for the sport. It’s an excellent time to meet fellow anglers.
Sweetbriar Lake
Sweetbriar Lake, a half hour outside of Bismarck, transforms into an ice fishing paradise each year as the temperatures drop and ice fishing enthusiasts descend upon its frozen surface.
The lake is known for its perch and walleye fishing, but don’t sleep on the pike and crappie.
Sweetbriar is relatively shallow, perfect for targeting the abundant crappie in the lake. Finding panfish among plentiful submerged structure is usually easy enough here.
Target the weed beds along the shoreline with mealworms or wax worms for fast perch action.
Local businesses cater to the ice fishing community, providing essential gear, hot beverages, and even heated shelters for those looking.
Lake Ashtabula
Lake Ashtabula is a reservoir formed by the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River, a little over an hour west of Fargo.
The lake’s diverse underwater terrain provides ample opportunities for ice anglers to target walleye, perch, and northern pike.
Be aware of moving water and possible weak ice spots.
Popular ice fishing spots include the area around Dam Point and the narrows between the lake’s upper and lower reaches.
Walleye are the main focus here, though the perch fishing is fantastic. Hook a minnow to a jig and slowly jig it in 5 to 10 feet of water.
There are several lodges in the area to stay, and local tackle shops are equipped with everything you’ll need. Restaurants dot the site as well.
Jamestown Reservoir
Situated near Jamestown, Jamestown Reservoir is a favorite among local anglers and close enough for a day trip from either Fargo or Bismarck.
This reservoir is known for its quality walleye and northern pike fisheries, making it a sought-after destination for ice fishing enthusiasts. Crappie, perch, sunfish, and bass round out the potential catches.
Strategic locations for ice fishing include the deeper waters around the island and the submerged humps scattered throughout the reservoir.
With 45 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of spots to get out on the ice. Some popular starting points include boating access areas at Jamestown Reservoir Marina and 5 Mile Corner on the eastern shore and West Landing across the reservoir.
The city of Jamestown along I-94 has everything you’ll need, along with plenty of lodging and dining. Tackle shops are always a great place to ask for current hot spots on the lake.
Catch More Fish
Read my simple how-to guide to ice fishing techniques and safety tips.