Top 10 Fish to Catch Ice Fishing in the US
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Yellow Walleye
Verified
World Record
25 lb 0 oz
Mabry Harper / 1960
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Mabry Harper / 1960
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Signature Fact
Those glassy eyes pack a mirror-layered retina that lets them hunt in near-darkness-and glow under headlamps.
2
Yellow Perch
Verified
World Record
4 lb 3 oz
William D. Schafer / 1865
Bordentown, New Jersey
William D. Schafer / 1865
Bordentown, New Jersey
Signature Fact
Females extrude a translucent, accordion-like egg ribbon up to 2 meters long, draping over weeds like party streamers.
3
Black Crappie
Verified
World Record
11 lb 5 oz
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Signature Fact
During spawn, males can shift from silvery speckles to almost jet-black while fanning and ferociously guarding saucer nests.
4
Bluegill
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
9 lb 6 oz
Jason Fugate / 2019
Lake Tahoe, California
Jason Fugate / 2019
Lake Tahoe, California
Signature Fact
Males come in three types-nest-building dads, lightning-fast sneakers, and full-on female mimics that steal fertilizations.
5
Northern Pike
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
55 lb 1 oz
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Signature Fact
Unlike most fish, they launch with an S-start burst-arrow-straight acceleration that nails prey with sniper precision.
6
Lake Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
72 lb 0 oz
Lloyd Bull / 1995
Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories
Lloyd Bull / 1995
Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories
Signature Fact
A deepwater "siscowet" morph packs ~35% body fat-so oily 1800s fishermen rendered it for lamp oil.
7
Brook Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
14 lb 8 oz
Dr. W.J. Cook / 1915
Nipigon River, Ontario
Dr. W.J. Cook / 1915
Nipigon River, Ontario
Signature Fact
The all‑tackle world record hit 14 lb 8 oz in 1915-more than a century without being topped.
8
Brown Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 5 oz
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Signature Fact
Brown trout have been filmed snatching low-flying bats off the water-night monsters with a mammal habit.
9
Lake Whitefish
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
10
Burbot
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
25 lb 2 oz
Alvin H. Hanson / 2010
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan
Alvin H. Hanson / 2010
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan
Signature Fact
The planet's only freshwater cod spawns midwinter-forming writhing under‑ice spawn balls that carpet the bottom with eggs.
FAQs
What fish can you catch ice fishing in the US?
Walleye, perch, crappie, and trout are common ice fishing targets.
Is ice fishing productive?
Yes, many species remain active in winter.
What bait works best for ice fishing?
Live minnows, waxworms, and jigs are commonly used.
Is ice fishing safe?
It can be, but ice thickness and safety precautions are critical.
Where is ice fishing most popular?
Northern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
