Early Ice Camping For Walleye In a Small Tent

Abbot Ace
Mind Talk
Published in
3 min readDec 20, 2022

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Photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash

Ice fishing for walleye can be a fun and rewarding activity, especially if you’re prepared for the colder temperatures and potential challenges that come with camping on the ice. Here are some tips to help you have a successful and comfortable ice fishing trip in a small tent:

Choose the right location:

Look for areas with good walleye habitat, such as deep weed beds, drop-offs, and structure.

Bring warm and waterproof gear:

Dress in layers to stay warm, and bring a waterproof tent and sleeping bag to stay dry.

Use a portable heater:

A small propane or electric heater can help to keep your tent warm and comfortable.

Bring plenty of food and water:

Pack non-perishable food items and a water filter or purification tablets to ensure you have enough to eat and drink throughout your trip.

Set up your tent on a flat, stable surface:

Make sure your tent is set up on a flat and stable surface to prevent it from tipping over in the wind.

Use a sled to transport your gear:

A sled can be a useful way to transport your gear to and from your ice fishing spot.

Practice good ice safety:

Always check the thickness and stability of the ice before setting up your tent or venturing out on the ice. It’s also a good idea to bring ice picks and a throw rope in case you do fall through the ice.

By following these tips and being prepared for the cold, you can have a successful and comfortable ice fishing trip in a small tent.

What Beginners Need to Know about Ice Fishing

Ice fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important for beginners to be prepared and follow safety guidelines. Here are some things you should know before going ice fishing:

Check the ice thickness and conditions:

Always check the thickness of the ice before venturing out, as it can vary based on the location, time of year, and weather conditions. A general rule of thumb is that ice should be at least 4 inches thick for walking, 5 inches for snowmobiles, and 8–12 inches for cars.

Wear proper clothing and gear:

Dress in layers to stay warm, and wear a hat, gloves, and boots to keep your head, hands, and feet warm. You should also bring a sled to transport your gear, as well as ice picks and a throw rope in case you fall through the ice.

Choose the right location:

Look for areas with good fishing habitat, such as deep weed beds, drop-offs, and structure. You can also ask local bait shops or fishing guides for advice on where to find fish.

Use the right equipment:

Ice fishing requires specialized equipment, such as a rod, reel, line, hooks, and lures. You’ll also need an ice auger to create a hole in the ice, as well as a bucket or sled to sit on while fishing.

Learn how to fish through the ice:

Once you have your equipment set up, you’ll need to learn how to fish through the ice. This typically involves dropping your line through the hole and waiting for a bite. You can use a variety of techniques, such as jigging, tipping, and dead sticking, to attract fish.

By following these tips and being prepared for the cold, you can have a successful and enjoyable ice fishing experience.

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Abbot Ace
Mind Talk

Editor & Owner at icecampingpro.com Abbot loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda guy. He loves winter camping.