Ice Fishing Gear Checklist – Sportsman's Inventory

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Ice fishing is simple once you’re set up, but the cold is hard on anyone who forgets something. This list starts with safety gear, then covers cutting holes, fishing, and staying warm.

It works whether you’re walking out to a spot near shore or setting up a shelter for the whole day.

Pack these before anything else. If you only bring one group from this list, bring this one.

01Safety gear

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Ice picks worn around your neckWear them outside your jacket where you can grab them. They help you pull yourself back onto the ice if you go through.
Spud bar or ice chiselStrike the ice ahead of you as you walk. If the bar punches through, turn back.
Throw ropeA rope in a throw bag lets a buddy help you from a safer distance.
Life jacket or float suitA float suit keeps you warm and helps keep you up if you fall in.
Ice cleats that fit your boots
A fishing buddyGo with someone. Tell another person where you’ll be and when you’ll be back.
Charged phone in a waterproof bagCold drains batteries fast, so keep it in an inside pocket.

You’ll drill more holes than you think. Fish move, and the first spot isn’t always the right one.

02Cutting and clearing holes

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Ice augerHand augers are light and cost less. Power augers save your arms if you drill a lot.
Blade guardKeep it on whenever you’re not drilling. The blades are sharp.
Ice skimmer or scoopClears slush and new ice out of your holes.
Sled for hauling gear

Ice rods are short so you can fish close to the hole. Bring a couple set up with different baits so you can switch without retying.

03Rods, tackle, and bait

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Fishing licenseMost states require one for adults. Carry it with you.
Short ice rods and reels
Light lineSmall jigs and spoons move better on thin line.
Jigging spoons and small jigs
Tip-ups for live baitGood for pike and other fish that hit live bait. Check your state’s limit on how many lines you can fish.
Live bait and a bait bucketMinnows and waxworms are common. Some states limit bait types or moving bait between lakes.
Flasher or sonar unitShows the bottom, your bait, and fish moving in.
Pliers and a hook remover

A shelter makes a long day much more pleasant. Even without one, a few small items go a long way.

04Shelter and comfort

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Portable ice shelterBlocks wind and holds heat.
Heater rated for indoor useKeep a vent open whenever it’s running.
Carbon monoxide detectorYou can’t smell carbon monoxide. A detector is cheap protection.
Bucket or folding chair
Thermos with a hot drink
Hand and toe warmers
Headlamp or flashlightDays are short in winter. You may walk off the ice in the dark.

Dress in layers you can open or take off. Sweating on the walk out and then sitting still is a quick way to get cold.

05Clothing

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Wool or synthetic base layersSkip cotton. It stays wet and pulls heat away from your body.
Insulated jacket and bibs
Waterproof insulated boots
Warm hat and neck gaiter
Two pairs of glovesThin ones for handling bait and warm ones for everything else.
Extra socks
Sunglasses or gogglesSun off snow and ice is bright and hard on your eyes.

What people forget

Testing the ice as you go. Ice that looks fine from shore can change as you walk. Keep striking ahead with your spud bar the whole way out, not just at the start.

Where ice is weak. Moving water near inlets, outlets, and bridges can keep ice thin. Cracks, pressure ridges, and dark spots are also warning signs. Stay away from them.

Fresh air in the shelter. A heater in a closed shelter can build up carbon monoxide. Headaches, dizziness, or feeling sick are signs to get outside right away.

Dry clothes in the truck. Pack a full change, including socks and gloves. You’ll be glad to have it after a wet day, even if nothing went wrong.

Put your ice picks around your neck at the truck, not out on the ice. That way they’re on you before your first step.