What to bring ice fishing
A packing list for a guided day or a hut rental. Your outfitter will tell you what they supply, so ask before you buy anything. Links go to Online Outfitters, a Canadian outdoor store run by the same people as this site.
Wear
Even in a heated hut you'll spend time outside getting there. Dress for the ride, not the hut.
- Insulated winter bootsYour feet are on the ice all day. Rated, waterproof, and roomy enough for good socks. Shop insulated winter boots
- Insulated bibs or a float suitBibs keep your core warm on the sled or in the truck. A float suit adds buoyancy. Shop insulated bibs or a float suit
- Ice picksWorn around your neck, within reach. Cheap, light, and worth having on every trip. Shop ice picks
- Ice cleatsWind-polished ice is slippery. Slip-on cleats save a lot of falls. Shop ice cleats
- Wool socks, toque, and mittsBring a spare dry pair of everything. Wet gloves end days early. Shop wool socks, toque, and mitts
Fish
Most hut rentals include rods and bait. Ask your outfitter what's supplied before you pack it.
- Short ice rods24 to 32 inches for jigging in a hut. Bring two if you can. Shop short ice rods
- Jigging spoons and jigsA small box of spoons and jig heads covers walleye, perch, and trout. Shop jigging spoons and jigs
- Tip-upsWhere they're allowed, a tip-up lets you fish a second line. Check the limit for your zone. Shop tip-ups
- Flasher or sonarShows fish coming in under you. Some guides supply one. Shop flasher or sonar
Haul
Doing it yourself instead of a full-service hut? This is the extra kit.
- Ice augerHand augers work for a few holes. Power augers if you move around a lot. Shop ice auger
- SledFor dragging gear from the truck or the drop-off point. Shop sled
- Headlamp and hand warmersShort days, cold hands. Both weigh nothing. Shop headlamp and hand warmers