Ice fishing is increasingly a sport that people plan and travel to do each winter. For them, there’s no sticking to local lakes when and if they get safe ice. There are no bars to targeting only the species of fish available in their area.

One of the favorite species for on-the-go winter anglers is walleyes. These fish are quite active in winter, making them easy to catch. They are abundant in many areas, often sizeable, and walleyes are crazy tasty as table fare.

So, I checked with my ice fishing friends and members of the Ice Team—tournament ice fishermen who travel and fish for a living—about their top picks for winter fishermen with a case of the wanderlust. Here are their (and my) top four spots.

Lake of the Woods, Minnesota/Ontario

The sheer number of walleyes that Lake of the Woods produces is almost beyond belief. The south shore of the lake is known best for its expansive schools of eater-sized walleyes/sauger that bite all day long, but don’t be surprised if you ice a true wallhanger, too. Though Lake of the Woods is popular, the lake fishes big, so there’s no need to worry about overcrowding and playing bumper shacks.

Devils Lake, North Dakota

Hard-water pro Jason Mitchell says, “Good days at Devils Lake are as good as it gets, anywhere, any time.” Leave your panfish-sized auger at home. Devils is packed with freshwater shrimp and the fish have serious girth. A big hole is needed just to squeeze the fish up through the ice.

Lake Erie, Ohio/Michigan

Lake Erie has one of the best balances of numbers and big fish in the world. Millions of walleyes migrate to the western end of the lake to spawn after ice-out. Fish over 12 pounds are caught regularly when conditions are right, and the lake is fishable (good ice). Erie doesn’t always freeze over; take advantage of years where there’s good ice.

Saginaw Bay, Michigan

Anyone who is a numbers sort of fisherman instead of just after the big ones should consider Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. It can sometimes be like fishing on an off-limits rearing pond. When the bite is on, the fish will bite whatever lure or bait is dropped down, as fast as it can be dropped.

Need a break for a cup of coffee or other reason? Pull your line to make sure that you can down the coffee while it’s still hot. Right now, this walleye factory is likely the best “numbers” location for walleyes across the ice belt, and the average size is rising. Fish over 20 inches are becoming much more common, but most of the catch will be 17- to 20-inchers.

Thinking of trying a new fishing destination or technique this year? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.