Ice Fishing in the Twin Cities
Ice fishing is serious business in Minnesota. When the lakes freeze — typically in late November or December — they transform into a winter wonderland of ice houses, tip-ups, and hardy anglers. In 2026, ice-out came especially early: White Bear Lake went ice-free on March 31 at 7 PM, about 12 days ahead of its historical median of April 12, and many smaller Minneapolis-area lakes were ice-free by late March. Forest Lake also went ice-free on March 31. For a lake with a median ice-out date of April 12, that was one of the earliest ice-outs in recent memory. We are still a good three months away from ice-in this year, but the wait for hard-water season will pass quickly once the leaves turn.
What to Expect
On any given winter weekend, you will see permanent ice houses (complete with electricity, heaters, and flat-screen TVs), portable shelters, and the occasional brave soul fishing in nothing but a parka. Crappie, northern pike, and walleye are the primary winter targets.
Best Lakes for Ice Fishing
White Bear Lake is one of the most popular ice fishing destinations in the metro — its wide, shallow bays produce some of the best panfish action in the area. Bald Eagle Lake and Forest Lake are also excellent choices.
Rivers & Waterways
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — When winter freezes the rivers, the St. Croix corridor offers great ice fishing spots for panfish, walleye, and northern pike.