15 Best Winter Fishing Destinations in the U.S. (Including Top Ice Fishing Spots)

For anglers seeking the ultimate winter adventure, the best winter fishing destinations across the U.S. offer everything from sunny coastal bays to snowy mountain streams. These best winter fishing destinations combine scenic beauty with outstanding angling opportunities, whether you’re chasing saltwater trophies or freshwater trout. And if you love frozen lakes, some of the top ice fishing destinations in the northern states will keep your line tight all season long.

To help you plan your next trip, Power Queen have rounded up fifteen destinations that shine when temperatures drop. From mild-weather coastlines to icy inland lakes, there’s a winter hotspot waiting for every angler.

1. Tampa, Florida

Winter and Florida go hand in hand—especially if your idea of winter involves sunshine, light jackets, and world-class inshore action. Tampa Bay stays productive year-round, but cooler months bring especially steady bites.

Expect Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper. Sheepshead crowd bridges and pilings, and offshore spots offer Grouper and Amberjack for anglers willing to run deeper.

When you’re done fishing, unwind at Busch Gardens, get up close with ocean life at the Florida Aquarium, or explore Tampa’s many museums and waterfront hangouts.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A subtropical getaway without the summer crowds, Hilton Head is a winter delight. Mild weather, clean beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe make it an attractive fishing base.

Local waters hold Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sea Bass, and Weakfish. But the real winter celebrity is Redfish—or “Spot-Tail Bass,” as the locals call them. Sheepshead lurk around nearshore structure, and Bluefish and Black Drum show up often enough to keep things exciting.

• The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival (Feb 19–25)
• The Annual Gullah Celebration
• Wildlife viewing in every direction

3. The Outer Banks, North Carolina

A bit cooler and wilder, the Outer Banks are perfect for anglers who love surf fishing and quiet beaches. Barrier islands stretch for miles, delivering a rugged winter backdrop and serious fishing potential.

Expect Red Drum, Flounder, Bluefish, and plenty of Speckled Trout in the sounds. Offshore action exists but can be weather-dependent; hardy anglers chase Bluefin Tuna and sometimes King Mackerel.

Winter here is also peak festival season. From Christmas events at Nags Head Church to the Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival (Dec 20–21) to New Year’s Eve celebrations in Manteo, there’s no shortage of seasonal fun.

4. Gulf Shores, Alabama

With 23 miles of shoreline from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores delivers one of the Gulf’s best cold-season fisheries.

Winter inshore fishing is hard to beat: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Whiting, Pompano, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Flounder all show up in good numbers. Look for deeper pockets along the surf and river mouths.

For non-fishing days, explore Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge or tour historic Fort Morgan. Winter temperatures are comfortable—perfect for slow mornings, beach walks, and sunset seafood dinners.

5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Ready for a change of scenery? Head inland to the Smokies. Gatlinburg offers cozy mountain charm, crisp air, and some of the best winter trout fishing in the East.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds 2,000+ miles of streams, including the East Prong of the Little River and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Expect Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout depending on elevation. The winter catch-and-release season (Dec 1–Mar 31) means you’ll be using artificial lures or flies only.

When you’re off the water, explore the country’s largest arts-and-crafts community, enjoy boutique shopping in The Village, or warm up at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

6. Eugene, Oregon

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest sits Eugene—an angler’s paradise with iconic rivers like the McKenzie and Willamette running through it. Winter may bring cold air, but it also brings serious fishing opportunities.

You'll find Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho (Silver) Salmon, Cutthroat, Rainbow Trout, and winter-run Steelhead. The McKenzie River in winter is especially peaceful, framed by towering evergreens and fog-covered water.

Off the river, explore national forests, coastal viewpoints, or farm-to-table restaurants downtown. Winter in Oregon is moody, scenic, and unforgettable.

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7. Lake Fork, Texas

Texas doesn’t do winter quite like the northern states—at least not at Lake Fork. Known nationwide for producing trophy Largemouth Bass, this lake draws anglers all year, but winter is prime time for big fish.

As water cools, Crappie gather around structure, Catfish move near riverbanks, and White Bass often school in deeper ridges. If you want a chance at one of those legendary Lake Fork giants, winter is your window.

Once you’ve had your fill, Dallas is only 80 miles away. Catch a Mavericks or Stars game, explore music venues, or tackle a creative DIY session at Upstairs Circus.

8. Monterey Bay, California

Monterey offers classic California charm: rugged coastline, marine life everywhere you look, and mild winter days perfect for fishing.

Winter waters bring in Dungeness Crab, Squid, and deep-water Sanddab. Offshore reefs can produce Halibut, and Surfperch become active close to shore by January and February.

Holiday season here feels magical—ice skating by the bay, Christmas on the Wharf, and beautifully decorated streets throughout December.

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado

If your ideal winter fishing trip includes snowy peaks and crystal-clear rivers, Colorado Springs is tough to beat. Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it offers high-quality freshwater fishing in every direction.

The South Platte River is loaded with Rainbow Trout. Brown Trout thrive in Monument Lake, while nearby reservoirs like Eleven Mile State Park are hotspots for Lake Trout. High-elevation streams hold Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee Salmon run in Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Beyond fishing, you can try ice climbing, explore Pike National Forest, soak in Manitou Springs, or ride horseback through the Garden of the Gods.

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More Top Ice Fishing Destinations Across the U.S.

If your winter plans lean more toward hard-water fishing, the upper Midwest delivers some of the top ice fishing destinations anywhere in the U.S. Here are a few additional destinations worth adding to your list:

Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes

Minnesota is a true paradise for ice anglers, with more than 10,000 lakes turning into frozen playgrounds during the winter months. From Minneapolis, you’re only a short drive from some of the region’s most iconic winter fisheries.

Gull Lake

Famous for its Ice Fishing Extravaganza, draws crowds with strong numbers of Walleye and Northern Pike.

Leech Lake

Home to the Eelpout Festival, a great spot for Walleye and burbot (eelpout).

Lake of the Woods  

Straddling the border between Minnesota and Canada, this massive fishery is legendary for its:

• Sleeper fish houses where you literally sleep on the ice
• Heavy winter populations of Walleye and Sauger

Mille Lacs Lake
Known for trophy fish and a long tournament season, Mille Lacs draws winter anglers targeting:

• Walleye
• Northern Pike
• Smallmouth Bass

Wisconsin: A Winter Wonderland

Wisconsin’s ice-fishing culture runs deep, and its lakes light up with activity throughout the season.

Lake Winnebago

The sturgeon-spearing tradition here is legendary, often producing record-size lake sturgeon. The lake also supports strong populations of Whitefish and Walleye.

Lake Geneva
Michigan’s stretch of the Great Lakes plus its long list of inland lakes makes it a dream destination for winter fishing.

• Bluegill
• Perch
• Other panfish species

Michigan: Great Lakes Ice Fishing

Saginaw Bay
Each year, ice shanty towns emerge across the bay as anglers chase its famous winter Walleye. Perch and other panfish round out the action.

Houghton Lake
Michigan’s largest inland lake hosts the annual Tip-Up Town USA festival. Anglers can expect:

• Northern Pike
• Bluegill
• Crappie
• Plenty of family-friendly winter events

Whether you prefer southern sunshine, mountain streams, or frozen lakes, the U.S. offers winter fishing experiences for every style, skill level, and species. Grab your cold-weather gear, pick your spot, and explore the best winter fishing destinations and top ice fishing destinations across the country.

When winter waters are icy and trout are holding deep, getting the most out of your trolling motor is crucial. But cold temperatures can take a toll on battery performance.

Learn about common Cold Weather Trolling Motor Battery Problems Every Angler Should Know to keep your motor running smoothly and stay on the water longer.

And if you’re ready to upgrade your setup, don’t miss our Black Friday Battery deals with discounts up to 58%—exclusive offers on best lithium battery for trolling motor!