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- Best ice fishing shelters: portable and insulated shelters against wind and cold.
- Best ice fishing boots: warm, waterproof footing on the ice.
- Best ice fishing bibs: warmth and safety in one layer.
Gear checklist
Stay warm: a shelter, boots, bibs, and how to dress for winter fishing.
Find and catch fish: short ice fishing rods, cold-resistant line, jigs and a flasher to see fish under you. Also: an auger to drill holes and a skimmer to keep them clear.
Techniques
Jigging (bouncing a lure to imitate prey) is the most common approach; dead-sticking (a still rod with live bait) works on wary fish; tip-ups let you fish several holes at once. Go deeper with vertical jigging in winter, how to locate fish in winter, late-season ice fishing and keeping your line from freezing.
Ice safety
Check thickness before you walk out: a common guideline is at least 4 inches of clear ice to walk on, and much more for snowmobiles and vehicles. Always check local conditions. Carry ice picks and a spud bar, wear flotation, and never go out alone.
