Ice Fishing License Guide (2026) — Requirements, Permits & State Rules

Do you need a fishing license for ice fishing? Yes — ice fishing requires the same fishing license as open-water fishing in every US state. But there are additional rules about shelters, tip-ups, and season dates that vary by state. This guide covers everything ice anglers need to know.

Ice Fishing License Requirements

Your regular state fishing license covers ice fishing. There is no separate “ice fishing license” — if you have a valid annual, daily, or lifetime fishing license, you’re covered to ice fish.

What You Need	Required?	Notes
State fishing license	✅ Yes	Same as open-water fishing
Trout/salmon stamp	State-dependent	Required in some states for trout through ice
Ice shelter registration	Some states	See table below
Additional ice fishing permit	❌ No	No state requires a separate ice permit

Top Ice Fishing States — License & Rules

Minnesota

The #1 ice fishing state in America — over 4,500 fishable lakes freeze each winter.

Item	Details
License needed	Minnesota angling license ($25 res / $55 NR)
Season	Varies by lake; typically Dec – March
Shelter registration	Required — register at DNR (free)
Lines per angler	2 lines maximum
Key species	Walleye, crappie, northern pike, perch
Free ice fishing day	MLK weekend (Jan)

Michigan

Two peninsulas surrounded by Great Lakes — world-class ice fishing.

Item	Details
License needed	Michigan all-species license ($26 res / $80 NR)
Season	Typically Dec – March (varies by zone)
Shelter registration	Required — must display registration number
Lines per angler	3 lines or tip-ups
Key species	Walleye, perch, bluegill, pike, lake trout
Free ice fishing day	February weekend

Wisconsin

“America’s Dairyland” is also America’s best panfish through the ice.

Item	Details
License needed	Wisconsin fishing license ($20 res / $65 NR)
Season	Generally Dec – early March
Shelter registration	Required — register with DNR
Lines per angler	3 lines or tip-ups
Key species	Panfish, walleye, pike, lake sturgeon (spearing)
Free ice fishing day	January + June weekends

New York

Adirondacks and Finger Lakes offer excellent ice fishing.

Item	Details
License needed	New York fishing license ($25 res / $50 NR)
Season	Varies by zone; Dec – March typical
Shelter registration	Not required
Lines per angler	Up to 5 tip-ups + 2 hand lines
Key species	Walleye, perch, pike, trout (depending on water)

Other Ice Fishing States

State	License Cost (Res)	Lines Allowed	Shelter Reg?	Key Species
Ohio	$25.00	6 tip-ups	Not required	Perch, walleye, crappie
Pennsylvania	$22.97	5 lines	Not required	Perch, crappie, trout
Iowa	$22.00	3 lines	Required	Walleye, bluegill, crappie
Illinois	$15.00	3 lines	Not required	Crappie, bluegill, channel cat
Indiana	$23.00	3 tip-ups	Not required	Bluegill, crappie, perch
South Dakota	$28.00	4 lines	Required	Walleye, perch
North Dakota	$16.00	4 lines	Required	Walleye, perch, pike
Montana	$31.00	—	Check locally	Perch, pike, trout
Nebraska	$33.00	2 lines	Not required	Walleye, perch, crappie
Colorado	$36.08	4 rods (varies)	Not required	Trout, kokanee, perch
Maine	$25.00	5 lines	Required	Salmon, trout, pickerel
New Hampshire	$25.00	6 tip-ups	Not required	Trout, pickerel, perch
Vermont	$28.00	8 lines	Required	Perch, pike, walleye
Connecticut	$28.00	6 tip-ups	Not required	Trout, panfish, pike
Kansas	$27.50	2 lines	Not required	Walleye, crappie (select lakes)
Wyoming	$27.00	6 lines	Not required	Trout, perch
Idaho	$25.75	5 lines	Not required	Perch, trout

Ice Shelter / Shanty Regulations

Many states require you to register your ice fishing shelter (also called a shanty, hub, or fish house):

States Requiring Shelter Registration

State	Registration	Cost	Requirements
Minnesota	Required	Free	Name, address, license number on exterior
Michigan	Required	Free	Registration number displayed on exterior
Wisconsin	Required	Free	Name and address on exterior
Iowa	Required	Free	Name and address visible
Maine	Required	Free	Must be removed by deadline
Vermont	Required	Free	License number on exterior
South Dakota	Required	Free	Name and address
North Dakota	Required	Free	Name, address, phone

Shelter Requirements in All States

All shelters must be removed by deadline — typically mid-March (varies by state)
Portable shelters (pop-ups) may have different rules than permanent houses
Night fishing shelters must have reflective tape or lights in most states
No trash left on ice — pack out everything
Check ice thickness — 4″ minimum for foot traffic, 8–12″ for vehicles

Free Ice Fishing Days

Several states offer winter free fishing days specifically for ice fishing:

State	Winter Free Dates	Notes
Minnesota	MLK Weekend (Jan)	3-day weekend
Michigan	February weekend	Sat–Sun
Wisconsin	January weekend	Sat–Sun
Maine	February Presidents’ Day	Mon
New Hampshire	January	One day
Vermont	January	One day

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license for ice fishing? No — your regular state fishing license covers ice fishing. No separate ice fishing permit exists.

Can I use a summer fishing license for ice fishing? Yes, as long as it hasn’t expired. If your state uses a calendar-year system and your license expired Dec 31, you’ll need a new one for January ice fishing.

How many lines can I use while ice fishing? It varies by state — from 2 lines (Kansas) to 8 lines (Vermont). Most states allow 3–5 lines or tip-ups. See the state tables above.

Do I need to register my ice fishing shelter? In about 8 states (Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maine, Vermont, South Dakota, North Dakota), yes. It’s free in all states.

Is a trout stamp required for ice fishing? Only if you’re targeting trout in a state that requires a trout stamp. Check your state’s endorsement requirements.

Can kids ice fish without a license? Same rules as open-water fishing — children under 16 (in most states) can fish without a license. See our age requirements guide.

Find your state’s exact license pricing on our state pages, or buy your license at Walmart before heading out on the ice.