Winter camping and ice fishing are perhaps one of the most popular ways for winter outdoor recreation.
Despite the cold weather and sometimes harsh conditions, winter camping is widespread among experienced tourists, fishermen, and beginners.
Today, in sporting goods stores, it is easy to find the necessary equipment, a reliable tent for fishing, warm clothes, and many other items that will make your hike comfortable and safe in any weather conditions. That is why this time of year is ideal for a variety of entertainment that can make your life brighter and richer, giving you unforgettable impressions and new experiences! And this is in many ways better than sitting at home with the onset of winter and waiting for spring.
Fishing in winter provides you with an opportunity to try your luck in catching big fish and enjoy being alone with nature, take a break from routine, and learn something new.
Here are some popular and beautiful spots to fish and winter camping with spectacular snowy scenery:
Boom Lake, Wisconsin
Lake Boom in Wisconsin is one of the best places for ice fishing in the winter. The main advantages of this spot are the diversity of the underwater world and its convenient location.
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Rhinelander, this lake is easily accessible and ideal for camping and fishing for the whole family.
Boom Lake is full of fish: perch, pike, walleye, and many other species that can be caught.
If you are looking to go ice fishing with the whole family, Boom Lake in Wisconsin is the place to be.
Lake Henry, Idaho
Lake Henry in Idaho is well known to many anglers for the abundance of large fish that can be caught. Therefore, even novice anglers can catch something worthwhile here!
The most common fish caught here are trout and brook trout. The lake is also recommended by the Idaho Fish and Game organization, meaning the area is perfect for ice fishing in the region.
Another benefit of this spot is that you can enjoy winter sports such as ice skating, skiing, and hiking. So gather your friends, bring your winter fishing gear and camping tent, and enjoy all that Lake Henry in Idaho has to offer!
Chambers Lake, Colorado
This more than 250-acre lake is located near Cameron Pass, at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet in north-central Colorado. Chambers Lake is one of the best ice fishing spots in the Rocky Mountains. Anyone ready to go on an expedition will find excellent trout and rainbow fishing opportunities.
The most sought-after species will be lake trout. It is not uncommon to catch lake trout up to 20 inches in length here. Therefore, if you are interested in fishing, this spot is worth visiting!
Lake Bonaparte, Washington
Another good place for ice fishing is Lake Bonaparte in Washington State. It is surrounded by a beautiful evergreen forest, creating a pleasant visual experience, especially in winter when the treetops are covered with white snow. The most common fish species are trout, perch, and kokanee. Lake Bonaparte also holds the record for catching tiger trout.
Due to its distance from the city, visitors can feel secluded here and enjoy magnificent natural scenery and winter fishing.
Mat-Su Valley, Alaska
The Mat-Su Valley is located north of Anchorage. This is a spot where spectacular wildlife combines with world-class ice fishing. High mountains, glacial valleys, and fish-filled waters create a unique environment perfect for experienced anglers.
In the Mat-Su Valley, you can find about 80 lakes suitable for fishing. Many of them can be reached by road. Additionally, the ice fishing season in Alaska is quite long, starting in November and usually lasting until April. Here, you can catch fish, such as king salmon, lingcod, rainbow trout, and arctic ball.
Of course, the winter season in Alaska is a factor that should be taken into account. So, if you are visiting Alaska, be prepared for really low temperatures!
Moosehead Lake, Maine
This is among the best places for ice fishing in the USA. So it’s no wonder why Moosehead Lake in Maine is one of the most popular destinations.
Its ideal location for both winter and summer fishing makes the lake a versatile destination for many anglers.
As the largest lake in the state, Moosehead offers ample fishing opportunities. It is home to many species, including trout, salmon, and toge.
In addition to fishing, the surrounding area of the lake is ideal for camping and various winter activities. From snowshoeing and snowmobiling to hiking and rock climbing, Moosehead Lake is perfect for those looking for fishing and camping.
Lake St. Clair, Michigan/Ontario
Located between Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair is a great fishing destination any time of year. Although it is much smaller than the surrounding Great Lakes, the fishing here is just as good, if not better. With this in mind, the “Heart of the Great Lakes” is obviously among the top spots for ice fishing.
Yellow perch and walleye are the most common winter fish species. However, there are other fish in the lake, so it is impossible to say which one you may eventually catch. You can try your luck with muskellunge, northern pike, and sometimes sturgeon!
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
This is a truly large lake of over 300,000 acres with a variety of fish.
The lake is located at the junction of Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota. Thanks to its underwater world, large areas, and campsites, Lake of the Woods is a popular destination for many anglers during the winter season.
Here, if you’re lucky, you can catch walleye, northern pike, pike, and many other types of fish.
There are resorts near the lake that can be booked by those who want to enjoy the basic amenities while being in nature. However, you can camp in the wilderness as well and experience the beauty of the winter landscape!
