A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
First ice is officially in! And for avid anglers, there’s nothing quite like a day spent on a frozen Wisconsin lake. If you’re itching to get out on the ice, this north-to-south guide is just for you! Follow along to discover the top five ice fishing spots across the state!
Oneida County
Starting Up North in Oneida County, the first ice fishing spot to add to your list is Rhinelander, known as the Ice Fishing Capital of the World. It’s a must-visit for anyone ready to spend serious time on the ice! Boom Lake, Lake Julia, and Lake George are a few local favorites with shoreline access and lots of room to spread out. Rig up for pike, bass, or panfish. The best part? After a day of hopping between tip‑ups, you’ll find an array of spots in town to warm up, grab a bite, and share those infamous fishing stories.
Lincoln County
Just south of Rhinelander, Lincoln County welcomes anglers as the Gateway to the Northwoods. Two all-time spots, specifically in Tomahawk, are Lake Alexander and Lake Alice, with incredible ice fishing opportunities once the temperatures drop and the bays lock up. And if you are looking to up the ante, keep Lake Alice on your radar. The Alice in Winterland Ice Fishing Tournament is an event you won’t want to miss!
Winnebago County
Home to Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Winnebago County is a true winter playground. Anglers spread out across the vast, frozen Lake Winnebago to target walleye, white bass, and other species. Did you know Lake Winnebago is also famous for its self-sustaining population of lake sturgeon? It’s true, and each February, the legendary sturgeon spearing season transforms the lake into a one-of-a-kind event, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience a uniquely Wisconsin tradition.
La Crosse County
In La Crosse County, Lake Onalaska offers both Driftless scenery and a vast assortment of fish species for anglers along the Mississippi River. This 7,688‑acre flowage, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, is known for panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Throughout the season, watch for local ice fishing tournaments that pop up, in case you’re feeling extra lucky!
Walworth County
Head all the way south to Walworth County for a different spin on winter fishing in one of Wisconsin’s most popular getaway destinations—Lake Geneva. Beneath the frozen surface of Geneva Lake, you’ll find endless opportunities to chase northern pike, walleye, and even trout, all with a backdrop of historic estates. Because of its southern location, ice on Geneva Lake typically forms later and can leave earlier than waters up north, so checking local conditions is key before you go.
This winter, add these Wisconsin ice fishing spots to your must-fish list! And trust us, this is just scratching the surface of what the Badger State has on the line. So what are you waiting for? Come and make some frozen memories right here in Wisconsin. Drill a hole, drop a line, and test your luck. Happy fishing!
Hailey Marien, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
