Best Ice House Accessories

When spending the day on the ice, having the right ice house set-up is important so that you can have an enjoyable experience. But what exactly are the best accessories for your ice house? ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN Pro Staff, Jason Mitchell, highlights what ice house accessories he likes to use to customize his set-up and elevate his ice fishing experiences.

jason mitchell holding a fish

Jason Mitchell—ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN Pro Staff

Jason Mitchell is an industry-leader in both ice and open-water fishing. He enjoys fishing for a variety of different species in the Midwest. He has been a partner with ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN for over 10 years. 


Choosing the right ice house comes down to a few different factors including how you plan to get to your fishing location and how many people you’ll be fishing with. The Clam Jason Mitchell Legend XT Flip-Over Shelter is an ideal choice for those looking for a one-man ice house that’s lightweight and easy to pull across the ice on foot.

1. Fish Finder

Whenever you’re ice fishing—early, mid, or late season—a fish finder is a must-have ice fishing accessory. It’s important to note the electronics are fragile, so be sure they're properly stored before going out on the ice. 

2. Emergency Throw Rope

A throw rope is especially important when fishing during the early season, but safety should always be top-of-mind. It’s a good idea to invest in quality ice fishing jackets and bibs that feature float-assist technology too.

3. Ice Fishing Skimmer & Chipper

Another essential ice house accessory is an ice fishing skimmer and chipper. This is important to keep your hole clear and prevent ice from building up around your line.

4. Portable Heater

Ice shelter fabric technology has come a long way in preventing heat from escaping and keeping anglers warm, but on cold, windy days, Jason makes sure to pack a portable heater and extra one-pound tanks.

5. Bucket

A bucket has many uses when out on the ice from holding fish to added storage.

6. Shovel

Keeping a shovel in your ice house is important to help with banking up snow to block the wind or if you find yourself stuck in the snow. Plus, with an ice house shovel, you’ll be able to collapse the handle with a push of a button for compact storage.

7. Batteries

Aside from additional batteries to power your auger, it’s a must to have a reliable Lithium battery too. These are great power sources for charging your cell phone, Go Pros, or other electronic devices.

8. Rod Holders

If you’re deadsticking, you’ll want to have reliable rod holders mounted to the tub.

If you plan to tow your ice house with a side-by-side or snowmobile, it's crucial to attach runner kits to the sled. These runner kits are designed to protect the sled of your fish house from damage. Also, when customizing your ice house for towing, it's important to consider weight distribution. Avoid adding excessive weight, especially when pulling the house on foot during the early season when mobility is key for finding and staying with the fish.

Make the most of your ice fishing experience, with some of the best ice house accessories that are trusted by our Pro Staff Angler, Jason Mitchell. If you have additional questions about how to customize your ice house, stop by your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with a Fishing Expert. 

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