Just because the snow has started to fly and the lakes are icing over doesn't mean you need to hang up your fishing pole for the season. Bundle up, grab your bait, and head out into the wintry weather to go ice fishing!
Ice fishing can mean different things to different people. Some people take their ice fishing very seriously and are hoping to fill their freezers with delicious perch. Others just head out in hopes of enjoying a peek of some winter sunshine and catching a few fish. No matter their intentions, there are two very different ways to go about ice fishing. You can sit on an upside-down bucket in the middle of a frozen lake, exposed to the blustery winter winds and freezing temperatures. Or you can enjoy the warmth of the inside of an RV that is designed specifically for ice fishing. With retractable wheels and fishing holes built into the floor, it makes for pretty cozy ice fishing accommodations. Just imagine how much longer you'll last on those chilly days, and how many more succulent fish you'll be able to add to your freezer.
Ice fishing RVs have become very popular. They’re made to RV specifications, and many are outfitted with air conditioners, so they can be used during the summer as well. They can also be used as hunting sheds and toy haulers. Most manufacturers offer a variety of models and floor plans to choose from, ranging from 6-30 feet and costing anywhere from $3,000-$30,000. Let's explore some of the most popular ice fishing RVs.
Ice Castle Fish House
The Ice Fish House features a deluxe, double-pulley suspension with retractable wheels so that the RV can be used year round. It can be used as a hunting shack in the fall or as a trailer for your favorite outdoor toys during the other seasons.
The V-shaped King’s Castle, which measures 8 x 30 feet, will set you back about $36,000. The smaller, more modest Scout model is a mere $5,000.
Custom Cottages
A Custom Cottage can be used year round for ice fishing, hunting, and camping. It's constructed of an aluminum alloy frame and shell, making it strong yet lightweight.
Canvas by the Stitch
Canvas by the Stitch is a versatile, year-round RV that weighs in at 900 pounds. Ice fishermen (and women) will appreciate the optional foam coating under the flooring that makes it floatable (good to have on thin ice). This sturdy RV can be pulled through the woods to your favorite hunting spot or ice fishing lake. You can also fill it with your ATVs, lawn tractors, kayaks, and other outdoor toys or equipment. It is rated to haul up to 2,600 pounds.
Salem Ice Cabin
Once you arrive to your favorite ice fishing destination with the Salem Ice Cabin, simply lower it down onto the ice using the power lift system, open the fishing hole doors, and let the fishing begin. These come in a variety of sizes and sleeping arrangements to accommodate your needs. Salem Ice Cabins range from 14 to 20 feet, with show prices from $11,000 to $16,500.
True North Ice Lodge
True North Ice Lodges are available in six different roomy models. With six fishing holes and a 3-burner range with oven, you can catch your fish and eat it too, all within the warmth of this cozy ice lodge. Use the powered lift to lower it to the ice for a comfortable, easy ice fishing experience.
Ice Haven
The Ice Haven from Gulf Stream Coach is a warm, rugged ice fishing RV that features winter-weather insulation and cozy bunk beds. The Ice Haven is 25' 1" long and weighs 5,500 pounds. Standard features include a 20,000 BTU furnace, a three-burner range with oven, and six fishing holes.
Ice Seeker
Ice Seeker is a hard-shell fish house that is built for ice fishing, hunting, or camping. Available in two floor plans with exterior lengths of 20' 2" and 21' 8", they're easy to set up and built to meet your needs. Standard features are an 18,000 BTU furnace, a three-burner range top with oven, and five ice fishing holes.
All Season Sport Trailer
The Original All Season Sport Trailer comes fully equipped with four fishing holes with round covers, a 3-layer enclosure, a 3/4" treated floor, and eight windows. It measures in at 15 1/2' x 6 1/4' and has a V front for extra living space. This trailer starts at just under $5,000.
The Lodge
Enjoy luxurious ice fishing accommodations in The Lodge. This versatile ice fishing RV features A/C (for summertime use), camouflage paneling (for hunting), trailer skis, hole cylinders, and so much more.
