Some of the best ice fishing around the Midwest is right here in North Dakota and within an hour of Minot, there are several bodies of water where you can drill a hole and start jigging.
Ice Fishing
You will have a reel-y good time! Minot has fishing year-round, including the winter months. Ice fishing can be done at almost every fishing spot around Minot, with an abundance of fish, do not forget warm clothes for a day full of fishing.
Disclaimer: Ensure you are up to date on all the current accessibility, ice formation, and ice density by visiting the North Dakota Fish and Game ice safety information page.
UPPER SOURIS WILDLIFE REFUGE | 30 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Lake Darling is home to many species of fish and at the Upper Souris Wildlife Refuge. Lake Darling and the Souris River are both popular year-round fishing locations, including winter ice fishing, for pike, walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass.
RICE LAKE | 30 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Rice Lake is located inside Ward County and contains large northern pike. With an access point at the north end for the perfect ice fishing spot.
BUFFALO LODGE LAKE | 40 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Buffalo Lodge Lake is in McHenry County, with 1,395 acres of lake to fish Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Prime location for all your ice fishing needs, with the deepest point in the lake being 12 feet in depth.
CARLSON LAKE | 40 MINUTES FROM MINOT
North – Anglers can reel in northern pike and small perch while fishing at North Carlson. With the max depth at less than 25 feet, this round lake is equipped with an access point on the northeast side, for all your ice fishing gear.
South – Bluegill numbers are increasing inside the South Carlson Lake and the northern pikes are smaller in this part of the lake. Head over to the north point of the lake to find a premier access point.
SCOOBY LAKE | 40 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Fishing access can be found on the northeast side of the lake. Scooby is home to both perch and walleye in all seasons. Get your winter gear on and catch some big ones.
FORT STEVENSON | 50 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Fort Stevenson has two marinas, Garrison Bay Marina and De Trobriand Bay Marina, both easily accessed even during the winter months. Fort Stevenson is known as the “Walleye Capital” of North Dakota. Fort Stevenson also offers fish cleaning facilities.
LAKE AUDUBON | 1 HOUR FROM MINOT
Lake Audubon has many access points depending on which direction you are coming in from. This body of water is deepest near Totten Trail. You will find all kinds of fish year-round, walleye, smallmouth bass, and even pike.
LAKE SAKAKAWEA | 1 HOUR FROM MINOT
Lake Sakakawea is the third-largest man-made reservoir in the nation, nearly 368,000-acres, there is miles of lake to providing premier fishing. Lake Sakakawea is home to walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Anglers can find a full-service marina, marina convenience store, and fish cleaning stations, for convenience even during the colder months.
DES LAC NATIONAL FOREST | 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Des Lac National Forest has three places located throughout the National forest in which one can fish. Fishing areas include Des Lacs Reservoir, Middle Des Lacs Lake, and the Des Lacs River. Des Lac National Forest located just 1.9 miles from Kenmore. All in which are accessible during ice fishing season.
CROSS RANCH STATE PARK | 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES FROM MINOT
The Cross Ranch State Park is located along seven miles of the last free-flowing, undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. Anglers can find walleye, pike, and bass in the waters.
NORTHGATE DAM | 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES FROM MINOT
The Northgate Dam offers excellent fishing for trout, walleye, bluegill, and small and big mouth bass. Water access includes multiple points for access.
LAKE METIGOSHE AREA | 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Upon the northern United States and Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is featuring lots of places to get your gear out on the ice. Try your luck at hooking once of the several species of fish year-round, including bluegill, crappie, pike, and walleye.
BOTTINEAU WINTER PARK | 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Bottineau Winter Park offers an array of winter activities including ice fishing. Bottineau Winter Park has been named, “The Jewel above the Prairie”.
LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK | 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES FROM MINOT
Located in the Lewis and Clark State Park is the Lewis and Clark Marina. Two piers are available, gas-pump and septic pump full service, for convenient ice fishing year-round.
