Ice fishing in Wisconsin: What to know & where to go
Before you hit the ice, take a look at this guide to ice fishing in Wisconsin and find out what to know and where to go.
In some parts of the country, winter is a time for indoor activities and keeping warm, but not in Wisconsin; it’s the perfect time for sledding, curling, and all the outdoorsy activities, including ice fishing. Ice fishing in Wisconsin is a time-honored tradition—something that anglers from all over enjoy, thanks to the abundance of lakes around the state (about 15,000).
Since fishing is a year-round activity here, there isn’t a hard date for the ice fishing season to begin. Usually, fishers find themselves hitting the ice between late December through March, of course, depending on just how cold the winter weather has been.
Whether you’re an experienced fisher or are thinking about trying ice fishing for the first time this year, check out this guide to ice fishing in Wisconsin. We included what you need to know, which tools to bring with you, and where you should go for some of the best ice fishing around.
The colder the weather (and the more blustery the wind chill), the thicker and more frozen the ice will be, making it safer for everyone. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), no ice is 100 percent safe ice, but there are a few things you can be sure to do to make sure you have a safer ice fishing experience.
- Never go it alone (isn’t ice fishing better with friends, anyways?) Accidents happen—make sure there’s someone with you just in case.
- The thicker, the safer, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick for fishing, and even thicker still (8 to 12 inches) if you’re bringing snowmobiles or ATVs.
- Dress in layers! To survive Wisconsin winters, we know this isn’t anything new, but it’s still worth mentioning. You can always take layers off if you warm up.
Permits & gear for ice fishing in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, a fishing permit is required for anyone older than 15 or fishers born after 1927. To get a permit, start by visiting Go Wild to register.
Pricing
There’s a discount for first-time fishers or a one-time day pass, which starts at $5. Prices vary depending on what you’re fishing for and where you’re fishing, and there might be an additional fee. Make sure you don’t miss the DNR’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend running on January 17 and 18, 2026.
Tools
In addition to the right permits, a successful ice fishing trip also needs the right tools and gear. Before you even begin drilling into the ice, you’ll need a way to transport all your equipment to your destination. Sleds aren’t just for sliding downhill at your favorite park—they’re the perfect way to get all your gear out onto the ice.
Augers, chisels, and skimmers are basic tools in every ice fisher’s toolbox. These tools set you up for success by drilling the fishing hole and clearing it out to begin. And of course, you’ll need a tip up flag that makes it easy to track when and where the fish are biting so you can reel in your catch.
Other gear and charters
Depending on how long you’ll be fishing for, you’ll also want to consider some type of seating (at the very least a sturdy, trustworthy bucket), or something a bit fancier like a folding chair or bench. For overnight trips or extremely cold weather, many anglers invest in a shanty. This can be as simple as a portable, pop-up-type tent that can be secured to the ice, or something more elaborate (possibly on top of a sled-type base) for easy movability.
Experienced anglers know where to go and what they’re hoping to catch, but for first-time fishers, you can also charter a guide. Great for groups who want to hit the ice together, charters are experts in ice fishing, meaning you’ll be in safe hands. Additionally, having a go-to resource on your trip, charters are a great option for people who don’t own all the equipment mentioned above.
Where to go ice fishing in Wisconsin
Every angler has their favorite spots to go ice fishing in Wisconsin, after all, we are a state that contains multitudes (of lakes). But there are a few spots that seem to be especially popular year after year (we checked it out with the folks who are out there often).
- Apostle Islands (northern Wisconsin) – Throughout the area, Lake Superior is noted for great trout catches.
- Door County (northeastern Wisconsin) – Sturgeon Bay, specifically, is an excellent spot to catch perch and walleye.
- St. Croix (northwestern Wisconsin) – Known for good walleye fishing.
- Lake Geneva (southeastern Wisconsin) – You can find Lakers or walleye.
- Lake Winnebago (east central Wisconsin) – Here, you’ll catch walleye, perch, and white bass.
- Eagle River (northern Wisconsin) – Also known as the ‘Snowmobile capital of the world’, Eagle River is host to excellent ice fishing.
- Boom Lake in Rhinelander (northern Wisconsin) – You’ll find walleye, northern pike, and bluegill.
There is no guarantee how often the fish will bite, but most often, when they do, you’ll find they include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike. Meet you on the ice!
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