The Hottest New Gear for Ice Fishing 2025
We compiled a list of the hottest new ice fishing gear for the '25-'26 ice fishing season for better, more enjoyable angling.
November 06, 2025
As the temps start to drop and that first sheen of ice begins to form on the lakes, a familiar sense of excitement starts to set it: it's almost ice fishing season.
A new season means new gear. We've compiled the hottest new ice fishing gear for a full season of better, more enjoyable fishing.
From cutting-edge ice augers that effortlessly carve through frozen lakes to high-tech fish finders that give you a crystal-clear picture of life under the ice, this year's crop of new gear delivers a range of innovations to help you conquer the ice.
SHELTERS
For most people, the thought of sitting on the icy hellscape that is a frozen lake in the dead of winter is akin to some form of punishment. But not you, you not only enjoy it, but you look forward to doing it.
Sure, you could sit on a bucket in the middle of the lake, exposed to the elements, but why would you want to? Not when you could be ensconced in one of Otter's new Ice Shelters.
Otter XTR Lodge XOver Ice Fishing Shelter
A top-tier sled house built for anglers who want durability, warmth, and comfort. It combines a robust roto-molded sled base with insulated ThermalTec fabric and a roomy interior suitable for multiple anglers. Great for those wanting a drive-in/tow-in shelter that's ready to fish quickly.
Otter Pro XS Cabin XOver Ice Fishing Shelter
A slightly smaller flip-over sled-type shelter designed for 23 people. Offers the same high-quality sled, insulation, and structure as the larger lodges but in a more compact, easier-to-tow package. Good for small groups or anglers seeking a balance between portability and space.
Otter Pro XS Lodge XOver Ice Fishing Shelter
A premium, large flip-over option for serious anglers or small groups offers extra interior volume, robust sled construction, and increased durability. Ideal if you want more room for gear, moving around inside, or accommodating more than two people.
The new Eskimo ice-fishing shelters deliver a blend of tough insulation, roomy interiors, and quick, easy setupdesigned to keep you warm, dry, and ready to fish comfortably in harsh winter conditions.
A roomy, insulated hub-style shelter that easily fits 4-5 people and features a wide door for easy entry and gear loading.
A larger insulated hub shelter with extra interior space ideal for groups or overnight fishing trips.
The brand's largest insulated shelter offering with plenty of headroom, multiple windows, and ample space for large fishing parties or extended stays.
ICE AUGERS
The Strikemaster Maven 40V Lithium Auger stands ready to give any hardwater angler enhanced speed and ease in drilling through the most tenacious ice. The lightest, fastest, and most powerful 40V auger in its class. Lithium powered and rapid-charging to maximize your time on the ice.
The new Strikemaster Maven ice auger pairs a powerful brushless motor and planetary gear system with ergonomic, impact-resistant controls, onboard LED lighting, and forward/reverse operation. Its lightweight hex shaft, synthetic resin flighting, and twin serrated stainless-steel Maven™ blades deliver fast, stable drilling, while the 40V lithium battery systemwith smart management and rapid chargingkeeps you running longer with clear status indicators and a durable magnetic blade guard.
ELECTRONICS
Take your ice fishing to the next level with the ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundle delivering next-gen clarity, helping anglers catch more fish and enjoy every moment on the ice. Built for hardwater, this bundle delivers unmatched clarity, precision, and control beneath the ice. The XPLORE Series fish finder combines a vivid touchscreen display with intuitive mapping and sonar features, while the MEGA Live 2 provides real-time sonar imaging so you can see fish, structure, and lure action in incredible detail. Outfitted with right-sized, cold-weather-ready cables and accessories tailored for ice fishing, this bundle is ready to hit the ice when you are. Note: third-party ice shuttle and pole required for setup.
The Aqua-Vu® Captain Camera is the ultimate screen and dual-camera system built for off-road vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and boats. Developed by the creators of Aqua-Vu underwater cameras, The Captain is designed to give you total visibility, navigation, and connectivity wherever your adventure takes you. This all-in-one system features a waterproof 7" HD touchscreen display, dual HD cameras for front and rear viewing, built-in GPS tracking, DVR recording, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whether you're on the trail, at the lake, or cruising the neighborhood, The Captain is your command center for smarter, safer, and more connected outdoor travel.
As the ice thickens and the season hits full stride, having the right gear isn't just a luxuryit's the difference between enduring winter and embracing it. With this year's wave of smarter electronics, faster augers, and warmer, roomier shelters, you're better equipped than ever to chase flags, drill new spots, and spend long days on hardwater doing what you love. Gear up, get out there, and make this ice season your best one yet.