What is the best sled for ice fishing?

Best Ice Fishing Sled: How to Choose the Right Sled for Ice Fishing Adventures

Ice fishing is one of the most rewarding winter activities, but choosing the best ice fishing sled can make the difference between a comfortable day on the lake and a frustrating one.

Transporting shelters, heaters, augers, food, and safety gear across frozen lakes requires the right sled system. The best setup depends on how far you travel, what equipment you carry, and whether you're pulling by hand or towing with a snowmobile.

This guide explains how to choose the best sled for ice fishing, based on decades of real experience hunting and fishing in the Canadian north.

About the Author

Ryan MacGillivray is an avid outdoorsman based in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. He is the inventor of Yukon Expedition Sleds, internationally recognized as some of the most durable and dependable sleds for hunters, trappers, and ice fishermen.

Ryan spends an average of 90 nights per year in remote hunting camps between August and March. When he is not hunting, he is usually fishing — often targeting trophy lake trout over 40 inches through the ice.

Ryan regularly ice fishes with his growing family and is constantly developing gear that makes winter travel safer, easier, and more enjoyable for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Factors When Choosing the Best Ice Fishing Sled

Before buying a sled for ice fishing, consider these critical factors.

1. How Far Will You Travel on the Ice?

Distance dramatically affects the sled you need.

• Less than 1 km: A small pulk sled pulled by hand works well.

• 1–5 km: A larger sled is recommended.

• 5–10+ km: Most anglers prefer motorized transportation such as a snowmobile or truck.

Dragging a heavy sled long distances by hand quickly becomes exhausting.

2. Will You Drive a Vehicle on the Lake?

Some areas allow vehicles on ice roads, but driving a truck on natural ice always carries risk.

Questions to consider:

• Will your insurance cover a $100,000 truck sinking through the ice?

• Who will recover the vehicle if it breaks through?

For areas with little snow, ATVs can work, as they are lighter and easier to recover.

For snowy areas, snowmobiles are the safest and most practical option.

3. What Will Pull the Sled?

Your transportation method determines sled size.

Pulling by Hand

Use a sled just large enough to carry essential gear for short trips.

Snowmobile Towing

Snowmobiles allow you to carry:

• larger shelters

• heaters

• multiple rods

• cooking gear

• safety equipment

This is the preferred option for serious ice anglers.

4. How Often Will You Ice Fish?

If you only ice fish once per year, hiring a guide who provides gear may be more economical.

However, frequent anglers benefit from investing in high-quality sled systems that will last decades.

5. How Many People Are Fishing?

A solo angler may carry minimal gear.

But family ice fishing trips require much more equipment, including:

• large shelters

• heaters

• extra clothing

• food and snacks

• games for kids

• safety gear

Keeping children warm and comfortable is essential for an enjoyable trip.

This type of setup usually requires a large sled and a snowmobile to transport it.

6. Will You Camp on the Ice?

Ice fishing overnight is one of the best ways to catch trophy fish.

The most productive times are:

• first light

• last light

Sleeping on the ice requires proper equipment.

Recommended setup:

• Fishing tent: Vortex Monster Lodge

• Sleeping tent: Arctic Oven or wall tent

• Heat source: propane heater

Trying to sleep and fish in the same shelter can become difficult if more than two people are inside.

7. What Size Ice Shelter Will You Use?

Minimalist anglers may use small shelters.

However, many experienced anglers prefer large insulated tents even when fishing alone.

Benefits of larger shelters:

• space for gear

• protection from wind

• better heat retention

Large tents require:

• Big Buddy propane heaters

• 20 lb propane tanks

• extension hoses

Small 1-lb propane bottles are expensive and rarely last a full day.

8. What Vehicle Will Transport Your Gear?

ATV

Works best on ice with little snow, but traction can be limited.

Snowmobile

The most reliable option for hauling sleds long distances.

Recommended snowmobiles for heavy sled hauling:

• Ski-Doo Skandic

• Ski-Doo Expedition WT

• Ski-Doo Expedition SWT

Features that improve performance in slush:

• studded track

• wide ski skins

• powerful engines like 900 ACE or 600 E-TEC

These machines are built for pulling heavy sled loads in harsh conditions.

9. How Will You Transport the Sled?

Large expedition sleds can be heavy.

Best trailer setups include:

• 7 ft × 14 ft enclosed trailer for one sled

• 8.5 ft × 20 ft deck-over snowmobile trailer for multiple sleds

Smaller trailers require unloading gear before lifting the sled.

10. Will You Use the Sled for Other Activities?

Many ice anglers also use sleds for:

• winter camping

• trapping

• hunting

• hauling firewood

Choosing a sled that works for multiple activities increases its value.

11. Where Will You Store the Sled?

Large sleds require proper storage.

Options include:

• under a house

• in a shed

• inside an enclosed trailer

At minimum, sleds should be wrapped in double tarps and protected from sunlight, which damages plastic over time.

12. Do You Fish the Same Spot Every Time?

If you always fish the same location, a smaller sled may work.

You can also leave shelters set up for the season.

If you explore new areas regularly, you will need more gear and a larger sled to manage unexpected situations.

13. Safety Equipment for Remote Ice Fishing

Exploring new lakes requires preparation for emergencies such as:

• snowmobile breakdowns

• getting stuck in slush

• running out of fuel

• getting lost

• breaking through thin ice

Managing these risks requires significant equipment.

Serious anglers often prefer large sleds like the 9.5-foot Yukon Expedition Sled or Yukon Responder Sled.

14. Trophy Ice Fishing Requires More Gear

Trophy anglers targeting large fish typically carry:

• sonar units

• multiple rods

• chainsaws

• augers

• shelters

• cooking gear

Large sleds with high sides prevent gear from falling out during travel.

Dedicated gear storage systems like the Yukon Expedition Sled fishing box help protect fragile electronics during transport.

15. Ice Thickness and Safety

Ice thickness determines how much weight can safely travel on the lake.

General guideline:

• Snowmobiles should stay off the ice until at least 6 inches of clear ice is present.

Always check ice conditions frequently when traveling.

16. Choosing the Right Ice Auger

Ice augers are essential equipment.

Hand Augers

Suitable for ice up to 2 feet thick but physically demanding.

Power Augers

Options include:

• electric

• gas

• propane

Power augers allow anglers to drill many holes quickly to locate fish.

They are heavier and usually transported on snowmobiles or sled mounts.

17. Trail Conditions Matter

Packed trails allow almost any snowmobile to tow a sled.

Breaking new trail requires utility snowmobiles such as:

• Ski-Doo Tundra

• Ski-Doo Expedition

• Ski-Doo Skandic

These machines are designed for pulling heavy loads in deep snow.

18. Why UHMW Sleds Are Best for Cold Weather

In extremely cold conditions, sled material matters.

Molded plastic sleds can crack in cold weather.

UHMW plastic sleds remain flexible down to −107°C, making them ideal for harsh northern environments.

Benefits of UHMW sleds:

• extremely durable

• resistant to cracking

• abrasion resistant

• long lifespan

UHMW can last 13× longer than steel when dragged over rocks and sand.

Recommended Yukon Expedition Sled Setups

Solo Ice Fisher (Short Trips)

Best option:

5-foot Yukon Expedition Pulk

Features:

• fits inside most SUVs

• carries shelter, heater, and auger

• can be pulled with ski harness

Approximate cost: $350

Mobile Ice Fishing Explorer

For anglers exploring new lakes using a snowmobile.

Recommended setup:

Yukon Expedition Sled Ice Fishing Box

Benefits:

• holds fragile electronics

• protects rods and augers

• quick-release mounting system

Ice Fishing with Heated Shelter

Recommended setup:

• Yukon Expedition Ice Fishing Box

• 5.5-foot Yukon Expedition Sled

This combination carries:

• shelter

• heater

• chairs

• food

• safety gear

Hardcore Ice Fishing and Winter Camping

For week-long trips and large shelters.

Recommended sleds:

• 9.5 ft Yukon Expedition Sled

• 9.5 ft Yukon Responder Sled

These sleds provide the cargo space needed for extended expeditions.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Ice Fishing Sled

The best ice fishing sled depends on:

• distance traveled

• type of transportation

• size of your group

• weather conditions

• amount of gear

For casual anglers, a small pulk sled may be enough.

For serious anglers exploring remote lakes in harsh winter conditions, a large UHMW expedition sled pulled by a snowmobile is the most reliable setup.

Choosing the right sled will make your ice fishing trips safer, warmer, and far more enjoyable.

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