Hit the road for big trout, other species at these ice-fishing destinations

Destination angling is a huge part of the fishing experience. For many, it offers the opportunity to explore new areas and experience some different fishing.

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to travel to a slew of different fishing destinations. Many of these have occurred throughout the open water season, but I’ve also traveled to a number of incredible ice destinations.

For me, the best part of destination angling is the fish. I love to chase basically anything that swims.

Each fish species has a unique set of characteristics that require us to uncover the specific nuances of what makes them tick. Dialing in these patterns, seasonal movements, and tactics is important to our overall success.

In terms of ice fishing, destination angling takes a few different forms. For some, it means renting a hard shack on a popular lake like Minnesota’s Red, Mille Lacs, Leech, or Lake of the Woods. For others, it’s something a little more involved, like traveling by snowmobile to far-off remote lakes.

When picking a destination, perhaps the biggest decision is determining what you want to target. Many areas are known specifically for individual species.

Take perch, for example. You’d be hard pressed to find better destinations than Devils Lake in North Dakota or Cascade Lake in Idaho. The same can be said for places like Green Bay when it comes to targeting whitefish.

For me, my favorite species to fish and travel for are trout. Not only are they exciting to fish for, but the destinations are arguably second to none.

Truthfully, there are so many interesting places that hold trout. Whether you want something close to the city center or something in the middle of nowhere, there are options for targeting different species of these salmonids.

MORE ICE FISHING COVERAGE FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Examining the finer details of tip-up fishing

Patrick Durkin: Homely, but tasty, burbot gaining respect

Jeremy Smith: Perch action thriving again this winter on Minnesota’s Lake Mille Lacs

In terms of lake trout, northwestern Ontario is a top location. The region is chock-full with lakers and has a number of lodges that cater to ice fishermen. There are opportunities for both quantity and quality, so you can pick your poison.

For those who want to remain stateside, Montana’s Fort Peck Reservoir is an incredible lake trout fishery. The reservoir holds a lot of fish in the 10- to 20-pound range, as well as the opportunity for plus-sized pike and walleyes. On a good day, you can expect five to eight trout per person, per day.

When it comes to stocked trout like rainbows, browns, and brookies, there are numerous different regions across the Ice Belt. Some of the more well-known fisheries include Wisconsin’s Milwaukee and Racine harbors.

Both are top areas for monster browns and rainbows. Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay is another great spot for brown trout and splake, as well as coho salmon and whitefish.

Anglers be warned, there’s a bit of a learning curve when targeting trout through the ice. They aren’t your typical target. It requires the right mix of gear and expertise to find success.

It’s worth going with a guide or experienced buddy to show you the ropes for a day or two before venturing out on your own. An important reminder: Many of these destinations are what you might call… unconventional. Having the skills and self-sufficiency, as well as some more seasoned anglers, is important to operate safely.

Regardless of where you go, traveling to new areas is a great way to leave your comfort zone and learn something new. In all honesty, a lot of the knowledge gleamed from these travels can be put into practice on your local lakes as well.

I recently returned from a five-day ice fishing mission based out of Wekusko Falls in north-central Manitoba. Not only was it an incredibly beautiful locale, but we had some unbelievable fishing for walleyes, pike, burbot, and rainbow trout.

Where is your next hard-water travel destination?