Three Ways to Make Ice Fishing Easier on Your Feet

Ice fishing is an addicting activity, providing you have the clothes and gear to help you spend long windows of time on a frozen lake. (Simon Matzinger/)

Even in the warmth of a heated hut, ice fishing can still be an uncomfortable pursuit. Temperatures cold enough to lay down ten inches of boilerplate on a lake surface will quickly take their toll. But once you have the shelter and basic gear taken care of, it’s time to think about investing in a few of the creature comforts that make ice fishing both safer and more enjoyable. Here are a few accessories to consider.

Ice Cleats

Turn any pair of boots into ice-gripping machines with a pair of cleats. (Yaktrax/)

When a cold front with high wind scours the snow off the ice pack, footing can be treacherous. Increase your traction with a pair of slip-on ice cleats. Some brands are adjustable for a universal fit, while others require sizing to your specific footwear.

Heated Socks

If you want to keep your feet especially warm, you can’t go wrong with electric socks. (GLOBAL VASION/)

A pair of battery-operated socks will make you a more productive angler by extending your time on the ice. Look for stocking-length socks with a rechargeable battery system so that you always have a pair ready to go when the walleye or pike bite heats up.

Arctic Boots

If you want to keep your feet dry, as well as warm, a one piece, insulated, over-the-calf boot is the only way to go. (Muck Boot/)

Not just any old boot will do for ice fishing. To sit for long hours in an ice hut, you need a serious pair of insulated boots that are still comfortable enough to hike in. A pair of flexible, neoprene-insulated muck boots will keep you warm, dry, and mobile in temperatures far below freezing.