Minnesota · Winter 2026–27
Find the ice. Book the shack.
Heated fish houses and ice fishing guides on Minnesota’s best lakes, with lake-by-lake ice reports from anglers and outfitters.
How Hardwater Connection works
- 1
Check the ice. Dated reports for each lake, with who posted them.
- 2
Pick your spot. Sleeper houses, day houses and guides, with real availability.
- 3
Book or get matched. Reserve online, or a local outfitter confirms with you directly.
Or tell us your trip and we’ll line it up.
Pilot lakes
Latest reported iceNear Garrison, Isle, Onamia
Mille Lacs
Walleye · Yellow perch · Tullibee · Northern pike
Near Baudette, Williams, Wheeler’s Point
Lake of the Woods
Walleye · Sauger · Eelpout · Yellow perch
Near Waskish
Upper Red Lake
Walleye · Crappie · Northern pike
Near Walker, Federal Dam
Leech Lake
Walleye · Yellow perch · Crappie · Northern pike
Near Deer River, Bena
Lake Winnibigoshish
Walleye · Yellow perch · Tullibee · Northern pike
Somewhere else?
Another lake
Tell us where you want to fish. We add lakes as outfitters join.
Sleeper houses
Overnight fish houses with bunks, heat and holes already drilled. Fish all night without leaving the ice.
Day houses
Heated houses by the day, often with a ride out and back. The easy way to try ice fishing.
Guided trips
A local guide with the gear, the electronics and the spot. Good for first-timers and groups.
Run fish houses or guide trips?
List for free and get trip requests from anglers who already know where and when they want to fish. You pay a commission only on bookings we send you.
Questions
How does booking work?
Search by lake, dates and group size, pick a fish house or guide, and reserve online. Your card is held, not charged, until the outfitter confirms your dates. If an outfitter isn’t taking online bookings yet, send a trip request and we’ll match you.
Do I need my own gear?
Not with a rented fish house. Most rentals include a heater, pre-drilled holes and a ride or plowed road to the house. Many include bait, and guided trips usually include rods and electronics. Your request can ask for exactly what you need.
Are the ice reports official?
No. Reports come from anglers, outfitters and our lake ambassadors, and are dated so you can judge them. Ice changes quickly. Always check it yourself and follow the outfitter’s marked roads.
How much does a fish house rental cost?
It varies by lake, house size and what’s included. Day houses usually cost less than overnight sleeper houses, and guided trips are priced per trip. Outfitters quote you directly when they confirm.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a Minnesota fishing license, and some lakes have special regulations. You can buy one online from the Minnesota DNR.