HEST Nest: Cozy Ice House for Winter Ice Fishing in Comfort

How long have you been ice fishing for? 30 years but 2012 I started ice fishing on a regular basis with my 3 kids and friends.

How did you first get introduced to ice fishing?At first it was a weekend get away with childhood friends. In 2012 my kids (2 girls and 1 boy) were interested in ice fishing so we started to go on a regular basis. I leave the icehouse on the lake (when ice is safe) for 6 to 8 weeks.  We also have portable icehouse houses when ice is thin. In Minnesota depending on the lake there are hundreds of ice house left out for days. It becomes a little community. There are homemade ice houses that may cost a few thousand dollars to build up to $70,000.   

Most beautiful place you've ever woken up in the Ice House: Anywhere on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I love the area around Lutsen and Grand Marais.

Advice for first time ice campers: Talk to someone with experience before you go. Know the lake before you venture out on to the ice. Make sure you have the right equipment to make sure it is an enjoyable experience. Talking to the local bait shop or sporting goods store if you don’t have a good connection  

 On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you?In the winter: Ice auger, multiple fish locators, fishing poles, bait, smoker/grill, fryer and generator.

What do you like most about your ice house set up? What I like most is that it can be used all year in Minnesota. There are 4 beds, leather seating, stove, oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, tv and storage.

How did you get/make the ice house? This is my second ice house (on wheels) the first one was purchased as is. This second one was also purchased (new) and I designed the layout. I have been in many ice houses prior so I had a lay out in mind. I decided on the size and colors I wanted and ordered through Yetti and then there was a company that builds it on to design. They have some suggested lay outs but you can make changes to your desires. There are many upgrades you can choose along the way depending on what you desires and budget are.

How many people does the ice house sleep? Up to seven but usually just 4 or 5  

Do you move the ice house around or keep it in one spot for the season? How do you move it? I move it between a couple different lakes in the area and different spots on each lake. The ice house raises and lowers hydraulically so it’s easy to move. I have a 2020 Ram pickup I tow it with.

Any upgrades or improvements you’re planning for your ice house set up? I don’t. I had everything put in it that I wanted when it was built.   

What’s the one creature comfort you can’t go ice fishing without? Heat Source :)   

What do you look for in a campsite/place to park your ice house? Summer Camping – Woods and trails for hiking or fat biking. The ice house has a drop down door also so from time to time I will bring my kayaks with. Ice Fishing - I go where the fish are :)   

Best ice house/ camp meal? Grilled venison with grilled veggies and potatoes 

Biggest fish you’ve caught? 40” northern pike

Worst night of sleep while camping? Boundary waters in my mid-teens. My dad did not have the right gear for the conditions. No sleeping mats and the tent was not waterproof. Wet and uncomfortable. With that said this taught me to buy the right gear later in life.   

Any special camp/ice fishing house traditions? Wednesday night cookouts on the ice. Lots of meat, fish and beer. We grill and fry food on the ice. We also have an ice out party the last weekend of the season. Usually around 20-30 people. This takes place usually the first weekend of March.   

Tips for first time Ice Fishers?Go with someone who has experience. Make sure you have the proper clothing to stay warm. If I am taking kids I make sure we are going to a place where we will catch fish. I make sure to explain the difference between ice fishing and regular fishing. It is a lighter bite and the fish come in waves..

What’s your next camping/ice fishing adventure? I am hoping Christmas break with the portable ice houses and hoping to have the Yetti out by the second week of January if the ice is safe.