Top 5 Best Ice Fishing Augers

Ice fishing is fun and worthwhile, but you must drill ice before doing it. Back in the day, drilling ice took so much time. Thankfully, with so many advancements to fishing gear these days, any ice angler can get the job done in a matter of seconds.

What is an ice fishing auger? For the novice winter fishing angler, an ice auger is an essential gear, right next to your fishing rod, if you want to fish through the ice. It’s a tool anglers use to safely drill several inches of ice to get holes big enough to get the fish out. 

There are generally three types available in the market nowadays: the manual type, the electric type, and the gas-powered type. The electric auger is now the most commonly used among anglers because of its power and convenience. In contrast, some anglers still prefer the manual drill as it's people-powered — no need to rely on batteries that run out or gas that can cause fumes. One type that’s quickly catching on is the drill bit type, an ice auger that can be attached to your handheld or cordless drill.

When choosing an ice auger, you, as the angler, should consider the ice thickness in the place you’re fishing, the hole size you wish to drill (which depends on your target size catch), and the number of holes you see yourself drilling. If you’re new to ice fishing, starting with a hand auger might be the best ice auger option for you. If you plan to ice fish with kids, consider a smaller-size auger to drill small holes for safety. 

There are now so many great and convenient ice fishing auger options available. With this list of the top 5 ice augers for fishing, we hope to help you narrow it down so you can choose what’s suitable for your preference and requirements as an ice angler.

1. ION Electric G2 Ice Auger

This game-changing electric ice auger is expensive, but it’s easy to see why. It’s lightweight and virtually noiseless. It is powered by a cold weather-protected Lithium-ion battery that can drill up to a thousand inches of thick ice on just one charge. It has a reverse option that lets you flush ice down the hole, so you don’t need to bring an ice skimmer to remove shaved ice, allowing you to save so much more time that you can now devote to fishing. It even has LED lighting.

2. Trophy Strike 120V Li-Ion Cordless Ice Auger

This Trophy Strike ice auger model, is a less expensive alternative to many electric augers. It can drill up 86 holes in the ice as thick as 20 inches on a single battery charge, though some users report it is a little slow. Its precision and lightweight more than make up for its slowness. It comes with a 15-inch extension pole for your convenience. It comes equipped with a reverse drive that allows you to smoothly re-open old holes that have been frozen over. Its handles are designed for ease of use, even with ice fishing gloves, making it even more special.

3. K-Drill Ice Auger

If you already have a half-inch cordless drill, you can save much money without compromising power with the K-Drill Ice Auger. This lightweight drill is a step above the manual ice auger. It weighs 5 lbs and is made of aluminum. Its 3-blame system is steel-tipped, allowing you to cut through thick ice effortlessly. Even if you accidentally drop it in the lake, you don’t need to worry as it has a built-in foam which means it will float up should it get loose from the drill. Its power depends highly on the drill you attach to, so ensure you have a reasonably strong drill.

4. StrikeMaster MD-8 Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger, 8-Inch

StrikeMaster is a trusted ice auger brand, so even if this model comes at an affordable price point, you know that it’s still top-notch. This manual auger comes equipped with an ergonomic adjustable handle with soft rubber grips, allowing the angler to use it more comfortably. It comes with a high alloy carbon steel blade and is protected with powder-coated paint, so you don’t have to worry about ice build-up.

5. Eskimo HC40Q10 High Compression 40cc

This propane-powered ice auger is fast becoming a favorite among ice anglers because it is easy and reliable. It runs on 1lb propane bottles — one of which may be enough for a full day out on the ice, so there is no need to refuel even if you plan to drill many holes throughout the day. It uses chipper blades that have no trouble chipping away at the ice. And compared to the gas-powered auger, this propane ice auger does not have any emissions, so it's safe to use inside shelters. With all its great features, though, it does come with two significant disadvantages that spell make-or-break with a lot of ice anglers: its heavy weight and noise.