Ice Fishing Shelter Sizing Guide

Market options

Mobility is the key factor. Cabin-style ice fishing shelters are durable, lightweight, and easy to set up quickly. Made of lightweight aluminum with sturdy canvas or rugged polyester covers, they have two zippered doors and clear vinyl windows. These ice fishing shelters range from 1-person ice shelters to group ice shelters that sleep four to six and are wide enough to fish on both sides of the sled.

Flip-over ice shelters are gaining popularity. The base of the house is a sled, so it is easily transported and sets up in minutes. Entrance and exit is through a large zip-front door or by flipping the shelter over. There are one-, two-, and four-man models, as well as cabin sleepers able to accommodate a group of fishing cronies, their cots, sleeping bags, and a heating system (use only heaters approved for indoor use, and use ventilation).

Housing tips

Size matters! Determine how many guys will be using the shelter. Take the manufacturer's suggested occupancy and subtract one person. A 3-person ice shelter may fit three anglers, but is best used as a generous two-man ice fishing shelter.

Portable means quick setup and take-down times in order to have the mobility to relocate when the fish are not biting. There should be room inside for all your equipment: ice augers, fishing sonar & depth finders, heaters, coolers, sleeping bags, chairs, poles, and tackle. Spreading items out on the ice takes valuable time to repack when relocating.

You'll need screw-in ice anchors for extremely lightweight ice shelters. Lakes have little protection from the elements; ice fishing shelters weighing less than 20 pounds could be swept off like a child's kite. However, models that are too heavy lose the mobility feature.

Lightweight aluminum framing and fire-retardant polyester provide reliable construction and protection. Wood and plastic floors limit access to fish. It is best to have more accessible ice. Windows provide lighting and allow for monitoring tip-ups.