Of all the types of fishing, ice fishing may be the hardest one to explain to the uninitiated. Going out on a frozen lake in the coldest temperatures does seem a little out there! But actually, ice fishing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding forms of fishing.
It allows you to get all the way out to the centre of the lake without a boat, to bask in real silence and connect with the world, and to lure in the kind of catch you wouldn’t be able to get any other way.
If you're just starting out on your ice fishing journey, no matter what your experience level in open water, here are a couple things to keep in mind:
Bring an experienced companion along.Even if you’re an open water expert, ice fishing is a different beast entirely and it’ll be easier to pick up the nuances if you have someone who knows the terrain.
Select the right clothing.The weather is what really sets ice fishing apart, and you simply won’t be able to enjoy it if you’re not comfortable. So make sure you dress accordingly, and keep in mind that sitting out there on the ice will be colder than walking through snow or cold weather.
Ice Fishing Gear You'll Need
The basics for the right gear for ice fishing is relatively simple: cold weather clothing, tackle and bait, and something to help you drill a hole in the ice safely. But that’s just the bare minimum.
If you want to do things right, here’s what you will need:
Specialist ice fishing jigging rod This is a smaller version of the traditional rod and reel, stretching no longer than 3-feet in length with a light action and a spinning reel. A specially designed ice fishing rod will be better suited to withstanding cold water, and will be less visible.
Live bait container
Terminal tackle such as line clippers, fish grabbers, and sinkers, etc.
Ice augur and skimmer
A Sled to carry your ice fishing equipment
Bucket, chair or ice shanty for you to perch on
Ice Fishing Techniques You Should Know
If you’re looking to up your ice fishing game, it starts by knowing which species will respond to what technique and how to find them:
Rainbow trout will often prefer bait that is only a few feet below the surface.
Panfish such as bluegills and perch can be found consistently in the winter, but shouldn’t be underestimated. Use thin 2-pound test lines small hooks and small bait such as small shiners.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass will be lethargic, and move slowly beneath the ice, but will respond to jigging and occasionally, a well-placed bait.
TACKLE TAMER TT-2
The Tackle Tamer neatly stores and organizes all sizes and lengths of leaders, including steel. The hooks are aligned in a single horizontal row for easy access and view. All size...
ST. CROIX TROUT PACK
Constructed with newly engineered SCII carbon fiber, and SCVI reinforcements, that is both stronger in flexural strength and lighter than its previous formulation.
Built with...
SEVIIN GF SERIES
Every ounce of the GF Series was designed with the serious baitcast angler in mind. Starting with a precision machined brass drive-train that’s supported by a five stainless steel ...
ST. CROIX PREMIER CASTING ROD
remium quality SCII carbon.
Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames.
Kigan Master Hand 3D top with SiC ring on musky model...
The Best of the Best Just Broke New Ice
Get improved resolution, reduced noise, clearer images and better target separation with the LiveScope™ Plus Ice Fishing Bundle LI. It includes a 9-inch EC...
STRIKER EVOLVE RAIN JACKET
From violent thunderstorms with whipping wind and rain to hot and humid climates with intermittent rain showers, the Striker eVolve Rain Jacket has you covered. A 3-poin...
STRIKER EVOLVE RAIN BIB
Lightweight yet durable, the eVolve Rain Bib features knee-high zippers that allow getting in and out quickly a breeze. Articulated seat and legs provide much-needed moveme...
Aspire Rain Bib
The Aspire Rain Bib is a premium level waterproof rain bib, offering a unique combination of breathability and water resistance not usually found in lightweight rain wear. Utilizin...
Aspire Rain Jacket
The Aspire Rain Jacket is a premium level waterproof jacket, offering a unique combination of breathability and water resistance not usually found in lightweight rain wear. Util...
Torrent Rain Bib
The Torrent Rain Bib was designed for anglers that need to stay dry and comfortable all day, no matter the conditions. This suit features EquiDry technology that is 100% waterproo...
Torrent Rain Jacket
The Torrent Rain Parka was designed for anglers that need to stay dry and comfortable all day, no matter the conditions. This suit features EquiDry technology that is 100% wate...
Grumpy Goliath Goby
The Goliath Goby represents Grumpy's latest goby imitation bait that not only looks like the real thing, but also tastes like the real thing! Grumpy has spent months perfecting...
The Fin-S fish original fork tail minnow has been a part of Lunker City since the beginning. The first by design as a soft "fork tail Fish" for Texpose rigging and jigging. This lure doesn't quit w...
GREAT LAKES SPOONS COPPER BACK
Great Lakes Spoons design and manufacture all of their fishing lures from the best materials available. Their lures are hand built to a higher standard creating an ex...
GARY YAMAMOTO YAMASENKO
The Senko is a staple in the fishing world. The original soft-plastic stickbait comes in sizes ranging from 3 inches up to 7, and it has become the #1 choice of anglers ever...
The Mini Streak Spoons are the smaller size in the Silver Streak series and are designed for aggressive action at all trolling speeds. Mini Streak Spoons are great for summer trolling for walleye, ...
BERKLEY CHOPPO
Delivering explosive topwater action, the Berkley Choppo is one of the best chuck and wind baits that any angler whether you're a seasoned veteran or a leisure fisher can have in the...
EAGLE CLAW BALL HEAD JIGS
The Eagle Claw Ball Head Jigs are made with Eagle Claw 570 Round Bend Aberdeen Jig hooks and feature lead heads. Featuring American made hooks comprised of cold forged ste...
KEITECH EASY SHINER
The 3" Easy Shiner has a wide-wobbling rolling action that drives predator fish wild! The finely cut tails cause the bait to swim perfectly at even the slowest speeds. The Easy ...
MEPPS AGLIA
The Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner is the original French spinner. Mepps Aglia is extremely popular with fishermen world-wide because it will catch just about any freshwater fish, and many ...
BERKLEY ESSENTIAL ROUND BALL JIG
Designed with input from the Berkley Pro Staff, Berkley Round Ball Jigs are sharp, strong, and engineered for reliable performance - fish after fish. Available in t...
GAMAKATSU OCTOPUS HOOK
Gamakatsu’s most versatile hook, the Gamakatsu Octopus Hook has long been known for its durability and strength. The Octopus hook comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors and...
Sign up to the Angling Sports Newsletter to be the first to know about new product releases, real-time updates about the fishing industry, exclusive offers and limited time deals.
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.