Winter Fishing Gear for the 2026–27 Season

It depends on whether your water freezes. On the ice you need a short ice rod with light line, small jigs, a way to cut a hole, cleats, a skimmer and something to sit on. Shelters, flashers and power augers can wait. On open water you mostly need your usual tackle fished slower and smaller, plus warm layers, gloves and, if you wade, the neoprene waders cold water calls for.

Yes. Fish are cold-blooded, so they slow down, but they still feed. Fish slower and deeper than in summer, look in slower water, and go during the warmest part of the day, roughly late morning to mid-afternoon. A few warm days in a row often turn the bite on.

The Minnesota DNR's guidelines, for new clear ice only: stay off under 4 inches; 4 inches for ice fishing or anything on foot; 5 to 7 inches for a snowmobile or small ATV. White ice, which forms when snow melts and refreezes on top, is only about half as strong, so double those numbers. Ice can be two feet thick in one spot and one inch thick a few yards away. Check it yourself with an auger or spud bar as you walk. The DNR does not measure lake ice for you, and no ice is ever guaranteed safe.

Dress in layers: a base layer that pulls sweat off your skin, a warm middle layer, and a windproof outer layer. Avoid cotton, because it loses its warmth once it is damp. Wear insulated waterproof boots with room for a thick wool sock, since a tight boot feels colder. Mittens trap more heat than gloves, and a thin glove underneath lets you rebait without bare skin. Carry spare gloves and socks, and toe warmers or a hand muff for the coldest hours.

For bass once the water drops into the 40s and high 30s: suspending jerkbaits fished with long pauses, blade baits, jigging spoons, and a jig worked slowly on the bottom. For trout: smaller flies and baits on lighter line. In cold water, slow beats flashy almost every time.

Something that gets used up or replaced: hand warmers, tungsten jigs, or a fresh pair of retractable ice picks for an ice angler. None of them needs a size or knowledge of their setup. Skip an auger unless you know the hole size they fish, and skip a flasher if they already own sonar. For someone who fishes open water, the general gift guide covers more.

Wear a life jacket whenever you are in a boat or kayak in winter, because it keeps your head up through the first gasp. The Minnesota DNR's 1-10-1 principle says you have about 1 minute to get your breathing under control, about 10 minutes of useful movement to get out or signal for help, and up to an hour before cold makes you lose consciousness. If you go through the ice, turn back the way you came and use your ice picks to pull yourself out.

Only one its maker says is approved for indoor use, only with fresh air coming in, and always with a carbon monoxide alarm. The popular Mr. Heater Tank Top says outdoor use only on its own Amazon listing.