Top Ice Fishing Destinations in Northern Michigan

Michigan is home to over 11,000 lakes, making it a prime destination for fishing—in the summer and winter! Ice fishing in Northern Michigan is highly popular, due to the region’s cold temperatures and fish-filled lakes. Of course, with so many areas and lakes to choose from it can be difficult for any visitor to figure out which lake to drop down in. 

Luckily, our complete guide to ice fishing in Northern Michigan will help! In this guide, we’ll detail the top destinations to visit for the best holes to hop. Even more, we’ll help you find cozy accommodations that’ll add some warmth to your trip. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about northern Michigan ice fishing. 

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Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan: The Top Destinations 

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Let’s not waste any time—you're ready to jig! Here are the top destinations for ice fishing in Northern Michigan. 

Little Traverse Bay

Not surprisingly, Little Traverse Bay is one of the premier ice fishing destinations in northern Michigan. The popular bay draws anglers from across the midwest and offers over 45 square miles of fishable waters. Not to mention, a legendary reputation for yielding impressive yellow perch and lake trout, too.

The bay's accessibility sets it apart, with Harbor Springs' municipal waterfront offering well-maintained access points where anglers can easily transport their gear from vehicle to ice.  Several additional public launches dot the shoreline, providing multiple entry options depending on weather conditions and fish movement patterns. Local expertise suggests using small minnows or wigglers on a lightweight tackle for perch, while lake trout enthusiasts find success with larger jigging spoons tipped with cut bait. 

Safety is paramount on Little Traverse Bay, where local bait shops and the Harbor Springs Outdoor Center provide regular ice condition updates and maintain detailed thickness maps throughout the season. 

The area's excellent amenities enhance the fishing experience, including several permanent warming structures maintained by local fishing clubs and the charming downtown Harbor Springs restaurants that welcome anglers seeking warmth and sustenance after a day on the ice. 

Crooked Lak

Crooked Lake has earned its reputation as one of northern Michigan's most welcoming ice fishing destinations. Thanks to its extensive shallow areas, which rarely exceed 15 feet in depth, it particularly appeals to families and newcomers to the sport. 

These manageable waters create ideal conditions for targeting abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch. At the same time, the lake's deeper channels and weed edges harbor aggressive northern pike and sought-after walleye. 

Experienced anglers recommend targeting panfish during the prime dawn and dusk feeding periods, using light action rods equipped with small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. The lake's pike and walleye become particularly active in the hours before sunset, responding well to tip-ups baited with golden shiners or medium-sized sucker minnows. 

Visitors benefit from the lake's robust support system, with Pickerel Lake Party Store and Conway Corner Store offering comprehensive tackle selections, live bait, and local fishing intelligence. The lake's proximity to US-31 ensures easy access, while multiple public launch sites provide convenient entry points for setting up fishing operations. 

Burt Lake

Burt Lake commands respect among Michigan's ice fishing community as one of the state's most productive inland waters. It boasts over 17,000 acres of fishable waters that consistently yield trophy-caliber catches.

Anglers regularly land specimens exceeding 8 pounds in the lake's remarkable walleye fishery, which has built its reputation. Even more, the lake’s healthy northern pike population produces numerous fish in the 36-inch class throughout the winter season. 

The occasional encounter with prehistoric lake sturgeon, which can reach lengths over 50 inches and provide an unforgettable fight through the ice, adds to the lake's allure. Savvy anglers focus their efforts on the lake's northern bays, particularly around Maple Bay and Colonial Point. 

These bays, with their underwater structures and gradual drop-offs, provide ideal ambush points for predatory fish. The lake's less-trafficked eastern shoreline offers peaceful fishing opportunities, with several natural coves providing shelter from prevailing winds and consistent action for those willing to venture away from popular access points. 

The annual Burt Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, typically held in mid-January, brings the local fishing community to life as hundreds of participants compete for impressive cash prizes and bragging rights. The Burt Lake Preservation Association organizes this event, which has become a beloved winter tradition that highlights the lake's exceptional fishery and fosters camaraderie among ice anglers from across the region.

Douglas Lake 

For a serene winter fishing experience, look no further than Douglas Lake. This lake offers ice anglers a refreshing contrast to northern Michigan's more heavily trafficked waters, with its 3,400 acres of crystal-clear water nestled among snow-draped pines and rolling hills. 

The lake's relatively limited public access points naturally thin out winter crowds, creating perfect conditions for those seeking solitude while pursuing the lake's abundant smallmouth bass, which remain surprisingly active during winter months, along with schools of jumbo perch and platter-sized bluegills. 

Local experts suggest focusing efforts on the lake's eastern basin, where a series of underwater humps and shelves create prime holding areas for fish, particularly during early morning and late afternoon periods. Success often comes to those who drill multiple holes along these structures, working methodically with small jigs tipped with waxworms for panfish or larger minnow-tipped presentations for bass. 

The peaceful setting frequently rewards patient anglers with more than just fish, as bald eagles soar overhead and white-tailed deer venture onto the frozen lake at dusk. The surrounding state land creates a stunning backdrop of undeveloped shoreline, particularly beautiful during sunrise when the winter sun paints the snow-covered landscape in pastel hues.

Walloon Lake 

Last but not least is a Michigan legend when it comes to lakes, and ice fishing. Walloon Lake is a testament to northern Michigan's winter beauty, its crystal-clear waters frozen beneath a blanket of snow and surrounded by stately homes that once hosted Ernest Hemingway's early adventures. 

The lake's exceptional clarity allows ice anglers to sometimes spot fish moving beneath their feet, creating an intimate connection with species like lake trout that cruise the deep basins, aggressive northern pike patrolling the weed edges, and schools of quality-sized bluegill and perch that congregate in the sheltered bays. 

More importantly, the lake hosts a rich fishing culture, which is evident in the small villages of fishing shelters that emerge each winter. This is where multiple generations gather to share hot chocolate and fishing stories, particularly during the popular Walloon Lake Ice Fishing Tournament that brings the community together each February. 

Local families have developed time-tested techniques for success. They often target the lake's famous lake trout in the early morning hours before switching to panfish as the day progresses. 

Tips for Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan 

If you're new to fishing, the first thing you should know is that every person over the age of 17 who drops a line into the lake to bait and hook fish needs to have a fisherman's license. This does not include the annual "Free Fishing" weekend that the state offers, scheduled for February 15-16 in 2025. 

Fortunately, getting a fishing license in Michigan is simple outside of this free weekend. You can buy your license in many stores across the state or print it at home online. Of course, being licensed isn’t the only rule or regulation you should know before you head out onto the ice. To be sure to avoid any trouble with Michigan’s DNR, here are a few other rules to abide by: 

• Be aware of species-specific bag limits (e.g., walleye, perch, pike).
• Limits may vary by lake and season.
• Some species have minimum or slot size restrictions (e.g., walleye, bass).
• Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines for each body of water.
• Shanties must have the owner’s name, address, and phone number visible.
• Shanties must be removed by March 15th or earlier if ice conditions deteriorate.
• Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day, but certain species (like trout) may have restricted times.
• Only use legal baitfish purchased from licensed dealers.
• Avoid transporting bait from one body of water to another to prevent invasive species spread.
• Anglers can use up to three lines per person.
• Each line can have no more than six hooks or lures.
• Release any fish that do not meet legal requirements immediately.
• Use proper techniques to minimize harm to released fish.
• Carry ice picks, a rope, and a flotation device.
• Always check ice thickness (minimum of 4 inches for foot traffic).
• Certain species may have closed seasons (e.g., lake sturgeon).
• Some areas may be designated as fish sanctuaries.
• Report tagged fish and invasive species to the DNR.
• Follow all conservation guidelines to protect local fish populations.

The Final Word: Ice Fishing in Northern Michigan 

Now on to one of the most crucial parts of planning for any trip: where to stay. After a cold and long day on the ice, there’s no better place to cozy up for your getaway than OTIS. OTIS is Harbor Spring’s premier boutique hotel that offers visitors a mid-century aesthetic for a trip to remember. 

From our equally comfortable and beautiful rooms to a variety of options for food and drinks…OTIS will soon be considered your home away from home for northern Michigan getaways. Begin planning your ice fishing in Northern Michigan getaway by reserving your room at OTIS today.