If you live in a cold climate, you know the heart-breaking feeling of the last boat ride of the summer. Once the boat’s been winterized, tied up, and covered, there’s usually a pretty heavy feeling that weighs on you while you drive home. After all, there’s no better feeling than a day out, under the sunshine, reel in hand.

We get it.

But what if we told you that fun on the water doesn’t have to end when the snow flies? Enter ice fishing.

Wondering how to get started ice fishing? Keep reading for our beginner’s guide to ice fishing.

Two boot-covered feet standing next to a hole in the ice, ice fishing concept.

How to Start Ice Fishing

If you’re not sure how to start ice fishing, it’s not as difficult as you may think.

First up, grab some friends. You never want to ice fish by yourself — ever. Why, you ask? Because ice fishing carries a decent amount of risk, as you’re on ice. You don’t want to find yourself in a precarious position alone. However, ice fishing is also a lot more fun with the company.

Next, you’ll want to do some research around your local fishing area to find out where and when you should ice fish. Your local fishing store may be a great reference for this, as will other local ice fishers. 

Choosing the right location can be critical for not only your success but your safety as well. You’ll also want to make sure to choose the right gear. The gear you’ll need for ice fishing looks different than your typical summer setup.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s required to get started.

A man in a coat sitting over a hole in the ice, beginner's guide to ice fishing concept.

The Ice Fishing Gear You Need

When it comes to ice fishing, you’ll need to gather some specific gear to keep yourself warm, safe, and successful.

Here’s our short list of gear you need to ice fish the right way:

  • Ice fishing clothing: When ice fishing, you’re fishing in the cold, right? Make sure you have clothing that will keep you dry and warm. We recommend investing in warm, waterproof boots and wearing a heavy parka and snow pants. You will also need a warm hat and a pair of waterproof gloves — or two, just in case. Dressing in layers is key.
  • An auger: One of the most thrilling parts of ice fishing is digging into the ice itself, which is where an auger comes into play! Look for one around eight inches or so and consider a power auger to make your life easier (but keep the sound it makes in mind.) You don’t want to scare away all your fish). Cabela’s offers a great selection of augers at different price points.
  • Rod and reel: You’ll want a pretty stiff rod for ice fishing, and you can choose your reel weight based on where and what you’re fishing.
  • Traps: Ice fishing traps, or tip-ups, will make your ice fishing life a lot easier. Grab a few tip-ups, and we can promise you you’ll be happy you did.
  • Ice scooper: When fishing, you may need to scoop ice out of the way, so grab an inexpensive ice scooper and keep it in your kit.
  • A long rope and ice pick: Staying safe is absolutely essential when ice fishing. Bring a rope with you on your ice fishing expedition to make sure that you can pull someone out of the water if necessary. An ice pick can also come in handy.
  • Bait: Minnows are likely your best bet when ice fishing, as they’re light and super effective.
  • Ice fishing shelter: This is not absolutely necessary, but it certainly helps make those cold, blistery days a little more bearable. You can pick up a small pop-up shelter for only a couple hundred dollars.
An infographic highlighting the Boatsmart! canada course, safety when ice fishing concept.

Safety Considerations When Ice Fishing

The most important thing to consider when you’re ice fishing is the thickness of the ice you’ll be fishing on.

First, wear a life jacket every single time. You also never want to ice fish on ice less than 4-5 inches thick, and you’ll want to bring a ruler and auger along on every ice fishing journey to continually test the ice.

Falling into water on ice that’s too thin and getting trapped can lead to death — and it doesn’t have to happen. We recommend creating relationships with local ice fishing experts and keeping a strict eye on weather and measurements during the season.

A rack full of life jackets, safety when ice fishing concept.

Apply These Tips from Our Beginners Guide to Ice Fishing and Stay Safe

Trust us here: once you’ve started ice fishing, you’ve unlocked a new, fun, lifelong hobby!

Ice fishing is the perfect blend of adrenaline and marksmanship, and it’s one of the most incredible ways to go fishing. So, as your summer fishing fun comes to an end, turn that frown upside down and consider heading out for some wintery fishing fun!

As a water activity enthusiast, make sure you always prioritize safety. Even though you won’t be boating during your ice fishing adventures, many boating safety principles apply safety when fishing on the ice.

So, along with the tips you’ve read here in our beginners guide to ice fishing, consider taking a BOATsmart! boating safety course so you’re prepared for a safe fishing trip. You’ll also be prepared for boating season when it rolls around again!

Originally published December 2, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevance August 20, 2024.

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