ND Lake Named One Of The Best Ice Fishing Lakes In USA

Ice fishing. Is it for people with really bad marriages?

As an avid outdoorsman, I have really tried over the years to like ice fishing. I've gone several times and even had a few successful outings. When that bobber slides down that hole, I admit, that is an adrenaline rush, much like when it happens on open water.

The running joke with my friends who don't like fishing in general, especially ice fishing, is that it's for people with bad marriages. Anything to get away from your spouse.

My biggest beef with ice fishing over the years has been how cold you get. Even with my 1600-gram insulated boots, my toes seem to go numb quickly. Not to mention, boredom can set in quickly when the fish aren't biting.

Unlike fishing open water in a boat. You always have scenery to pass the time if the fish aren't biting. I absolutely love open-water fishing. Even the cold doesn't bother me nearly as much when I'm in a boat. We fish from March to the end of October from a boat, typically.

The fact that my son was a hockey player also prevented me from doing much ice fishing over the last 20 years, as I have been following him around the rinks on weekends from youth hockey, to high school, junior hockey, and college.

I know with today's technology and the latest gear to keep you warm, I would probably learn to love ice fishing much like so many North Dakotans, if I just gave it a chance.

In the meantime, I ran across an article from Fisher Booker on the Top 10 Ice Fishing Destinations for 2026.

North Dakota has a lake that made the Top 10 Ice Fishing Destinations in America once again.

That lake is none other than Devils Lake at #4. Last year, Lake Oahe made the top 10 list, coming in at #10. Devils Lake is North Dakota's largest natural lake, and is famous for its Walleye, Perch, and Northern Pike fishing.

We're getting to the home stretch of ice fishing in North Dakota, as temperatures will likely begin to warm in March. Get out and take advantage of your time away from your significant other while you can. Just kidding.

Here are the Top 10 Ice Fishing Destinations in America for 2026.

#1 Brainard, Minnesota

#2 Oneida Lake, New York

#3 Green Bay, Wisconsin

#4 Devils Lake, North Dakota

#5 Lake Granby, Colorado

#6 Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

#7 Henrys Lake, Idaho

#8 Hamlin Lake, Michigan

#9 Lake St. Clair, Michigan

#10 Flathead Lake, Montana