Ice Fishing
Reel in Your Ice Fishing Adventure
Tackle another season of ice fishing with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, your foremost ice fishing headquarters. Whether you’re a beginner or you spend more time on the ice than you do in your bed, we’ve got everything you need to outfit your next hard-water adventure.
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Ice Depth
Ice thickness guidelines according to the Canadian Red Cross
11 Tips for Safe Ice Fishing
For a safe and enjoyable time on ice, prepare well in advance and follow these 11 safety tips when you ice fish.
Stay on Thick Ice
Know how deep the ice is before you do anything. Anything under 4" is too shallow to fish on. If you’re fishing in groups, the ice should be 6" thick or thicker. With snowmobiles, 10", cars at least 12" and pickup trucks over 12".
Dress for the Weather
Layering helps to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove the layers based on the weather conditions. Loose-fitting layers will help insulate your body by forming air pockets of warm air between your layers.
Bring Plenty of Water and Food
It’s crucial to stay hydrated and nourished when ice fishing. Make sure to bring extra in case of emergency.
Don’t Just Seek Shelter – Bring It!
Portable ice shelters allow you to go where the fish are, keeping you warm and comfortable. Look for ice shelters that are ventilated and made from durable waterproof material.
Don’t Travel on Ice at Night
Do your activities during the day to avoid risk of falling into a hole or through thin ice at night. Follow regional guidelines and info on local ice conditions for whichever body of water you plan to fish on before heading out on the ice.
Be Aware of Currents and Tides
Places with either or both do not always have consistently thick ice.
Avoid Any Open Holes in the Ice
Wear a cold protection suit and a flotation device just in case – whether on thick ice or the shore.
Don’t Drink and Fish
Leave alcohol at home. Besides the dangers of fishing while intoxicated, alcohol can cool your body, leaving you more susceptible to hypothermia.
Don’t Fish Alone
Whenever possible, bring at least one friend to go ice fishing with or let your friends and family know the details of your ice fishing plans.
Bring Rescue Equipment
You will need plenty of gear such as ropes, ice picks, a first aid kit, a satellite communicator with GPS, a flashlight, and your mobile phone in a waterproof container to ensure the best chance of saving a life when fishing.
Gear Checklist
No matter how you get out on the ice, your gear is what keeps you there. Download our printable checklist to make sure all the essentials make it into your pack.
Resources
Includes license information and schedule of fees, draw and season dates, and area-specific regulations.
Ask a Prostaff
Jeff Matity Saskatchewan
Jason Matity Saskatchewan
Gord Pyzer Northern Ontario & Manitoba