Get Ready for Ice Fishing Season Now: The Ultimate Preseason Checklist

October 8, 2025

Every year it’s the same story: the first real cold snap hits, the lakes start to lock up, and suddenly every angler in town is scrambling to find their gear. The auger won’t start, the heater smells like propane and regret, and the fish finder’s battery is long dead.

Sound familiar?

This year, let’s do it differently. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or live for the hardwater, now’s the time to get ready for ice fishing season. A few hours of prep before the freeze will save you a lot of frustration — and maybe even a few missed fish — later on.

Here’s a preseason checklist to make sure you’re ready when that first safe ice forms.

1. Start with Rod and Reel Maintenance

Your rods and reels have probably been sitting since late spring, collecting dust and maybe even a bit of rust. Give them some attention now.

Strip off old line and spool up fresh. Old mono weakens, and even braid can get faded and frayed.
Clean your reels. A little warm soapy water and a soft brush will remove gunk. Add a drop or two of reel oil to the moving parts.
Inspect the guides on your rods for cracks or burrs — a tiny nick can cut your line in an instant.
Wipe down the handles and give the blank a quick check for damage.

Good gear deserves good care, and the last place you want to find out something’s broken is 10 miles out on the ice.

2. Organize Your Tackle (and Sharpen Those Hooks!)

There’s nothing more satisfying than cracking open a clean, organized tackle box. Before the season kicks off, dump everything out and start fresh:

Sharpen your hooks. A dull hook is a missed fish. A few strokes with a file can make a huge difference.
Replace rusty hardware — hooks, split rings, swivels.
Sort by species or presentation. Keep your small tungsten jigs separate from your larger spoons or blade baits.
Take inventory. Write down what you need to restock before shelves start emptying in December.

This is also a great time to clean and label your lure boxes — you’ll be glad you did when you’re digging for that one hot color in -20°C weather.

3. Sled Maintenance: Your Ice Highway Workhorse

Your sled (or toboggan) takes a beating every winter, but it’s easy to overlook until something breaks.

Check the runners and skis for cracks or deep wear. Replace if needed — they’re cheap insurance.
Inspect the hitch and make sure the pins, clips, and bolts are all tight.
Test storage compartments, bins, and straps. If you use bungee cords or ropes, make sure they’re not dry-rotted.

A quick tune-up now means you won’t be dragging your sled home by hand when something snaps mid-lake.

4. Snowmobile or ATV Maintenance

If you use a machine to get to your spots, treat it like the vital tool it is.

Charge or replace the battery — cold weather kills weak ones fast.
Check belts, fluids, and filters. Top off oil and coolant, and inspect for leaks.
Look over the track or tires for cracks or worn spots.
Test the lights and brakes. Visibility and control matter even more in winter.

Run your machine for a few minutes before your first trip. If it won’t start now, you’ll have time to fix it — not freeze over it.

5. Clothing and Cold-Weather Gear

Staying warm isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety and endurance. Dig out your gear and see what needs attention.

Inspect boots. Check soles, seams, and liners. Add waterproofing if needed.
Gloves, hats, and base layers. Make sure everything’s clean, dry, and ready.
Try it all on. If something doesn’t fit right, fix it now, not when you’re halfway across a frozen lake

A good pair of boots and proper layers can turn a miserable day into a memorable one.

6. Electronics and Power

Nothing’s worse than setting up over a prime spot only to realize your flasher or fish finder is dead.

Test all electronics — flashers, cameras, GPS units, even your power banks.
Charge your batteries and bring extras.
Inspect cords and connectors for fraying or corrosion.
Update software or maps if your device supports it.

If you run a lithium battery setup, store it at a half-charge in a warm spot until you’re ready to hit the ice.

7. Heaters, Augers, and Other Essentials

Time to fire up the heavy hitters.

Test your heater. Make sure it lights cleanly and burns steady. Check hoses for cracks and fittings for leaks.
Sharpen your auger blades (or replace them if they’re beat). For gas augers, test-start the motor and inspect spark plugs and fuel lines. For electric, charge the batteries and check connections.
Stock up on small essentials — ice scoops, safety picks, and rope. These little things can make or break a trip.

If you’ve ever had an auger die halfway through drilling a hole, you know how much you’ll appreciate having done this ahead of time.

8. Portable Hut Prep

Before you hit the lake, set up your portable hut in the driveway or backyard. It’s the easiest way to catch problems before they catch you.

Inspect the fabric for rips, tears, or mildew.
Check zippers and seams for wear or broken stitching.
Inspect the hubs and poles for cracks or bent joints.
Practice setup and takedown. It’s a lot easier to do once in the yard than in a blizzard.
A quick dry-run also gives you a chance to air it out and make sure it’s completely dry before the season starts.

Why Prepping Now Pays Off

Ice fishing prep isn’t glamorous — it’s not as fun as catching a limit of perch or hauling up a big pike. But it’s what separates the smooth, stress-free outings from the miserable ones. When that first safe ice arrives, you’ll be ready to roll while everyone else is scrambling for propane and auger blades.

Plus, prepping now gives you a chance to replace gear before the seasonal rush (and the price hikes) hit.

Final Thoughts

Every year I tell myself I’ll get ready early, and every year I end up rushing at the last minute. But the seasons move fast, and being prepared is half the battle.

So, before the ice sets up, grab a coffee, head to the garage, and start checking off the list. When that first morning dawns calm and cold, with perfect black ice and no wind, you’ll be ready to fish — not fix.

Need a little help staying organized?
👉 Download my free Ice Fishing Preseason Checklist (PDF) — a printable one-page list you can keep in the garage or on your phone.

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