Top 5 Best Ice Fishing Shelters

Ice fishing may seem like an extreme sport to the uninitiated. Still, with so many cold weather conveniences available to the modern angler, it can be a cozy wintertime activity for the entire family. One such modern convenience is the invention of the ice fishing shelter. Also referred to as an ice fishing hub, ice fishing tent, or ice fishing hut, the modern ice fishing shelter is portable and collapsible — great for traveling some distance and if you don't want to spend money on fish house rentals. Unlike the permanent ice fishing house or ice shanty, you don’t need to procure a license for it unless you’re planning on leaving it unmanned (meaning, you expect all occupants to be more than 200 feet away from it at one point during your fishing trip).

Portable ice fishing shelters come in different variations, depending on your budget and need. Depending on your cold weather tolerance, you can choose insulated or non-insulated types. If you’re fishing with a big group, a pop-up ice hub shelter may suit your needs. If you’re a solo ice angler or duo, a flip-over with a decent amount of fishable space and a sled is a good choice as it is easier to assemble and pack. Many ice fishing families go for the pop-up as it can be a hub shelter for other outdoor activities.

With so many ice fishing shelter options available for the ice angler, it can be hard to choose the best one. In this guide, we’ve sourced the top 5 best-rated ice fishing shelters favored by most ice fishing experts and enthusiasts.

1. Eskimo Outbreak Series

Eskimo is one of the best ice fishing shelter brands, and they’ve come up with an ice fishing tent range for various needs. There are six in the series, ranging from 2-person shelters to ones that can fit up to 9. It is a fully-insulated pop-up hub equipped with Stormshield fabric for total protection against cold weather and strong winds. It has a wide footprint and trip-proof doorway — providing safety and comfort for your entire group. It’s also made for tall people with lots of headroom. While it’s easy to set up, packing up is tricky according to users. It can also be quite expensive, but if you’re keen to invest in a long-lasting shelter with lots of fishing space, this one’s for you.

2. Eskimo Evo Series

The Evo Series is Eskimo’s hybrid flip-over/pop-up ice shelter for solo or duo ice anglers. They are sled-based, allowing easy transport, and come with insulated top and back panels propped up by fiberglass pole pieces to keep things lightweight. Despite looking snug on the outside, it’s quite spacious inside. It has chairs and storage pockets to store your fishing reel and rod inside conveniently.

3. Clam Nanook XL

The Clam Nanook XL is a portable ice shelter with a self-contained sled, perfect for solo and duo anglers with more money to spare. Aside from its easy assemblage, users love it for its warmth, even without heaters. That’s because it has  90g of insulation per square meter. It has two built-in chairs and a tub for plenty of fishing gear and other pieces of ice fishing accessories. Another great convenience the Clam Nanook XL offers is easy access with its two doors and windows for ventilation.

4. Thunderbay Ice Cube Series

The Thunderbay Ice Cube Series is an affordable alternative to the portable ice shelter available on the market. It doesn’t have insulation, so you’ll have to bring your heater. Thanks to the wide skirting that prevents drafts, it can keep heat well. It is lightweight, so you can easily carry it around your backpack. It’s also easy to set up for three anglers. It has a 90 x 90 fishing area width and 80-inch height, so it’s relatively spacious. While it is prone to condensation, it remains steady even in windy conditions.

5. Clam 6890

The Clam 6890, also known as the Clam Portable Pop-up Shelter, is known for its immense size and easy assemblage. While the insulated shelter can accommodate up to six people at a time, you don’t need all hands on deck to set it up. Most users report that even one person can set it up in seconds. Many also claim that you don’t need a sled to haul it because it’s portable and offers easy transport. It is pretty hefty, so a sled may not be such a wrong choice. It has a big fishable area, clocking in at 89 square feet. Its six-sided design makes it feel even more spacious. It is a fully insulated shelter, made with 600 total denier fabric and a thermal skin that helps keep heat within and reduces the chances of condensation. It also takes ventilation quite seriously, furnished with six windows, six vents, and two doors. Finally, this top-of-the-line ice house has triple-layered corner pockets to keep and protect your ice fishing gear.