Conquer the Hardwater: Alberta's Premier Ice Fishing Gear

From ultra-sensitive rods and reliable reels to durable augers and warm shelters, we have everything you need for a productive winter.

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Essential Winter Tackle

Specialized ice fishing rod and reel combo
Ice Fishing Rods & Reels

Ice Fishing Rods & Reels

Discover our selection of cold-weather rods and reels, engineered for sensitivity and durability in freezing conditions. Find the perfect combo for jigging walleye or setting lines for pike.

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Assortment of ice fishing tip-ups and strike alarms
Tip-Ups & Alarms

Tip-Ups & Alarms

Maximize your spread and never miss a bite. We stock a variety of traditional and modern tip-ups, alongside electronic strike alarms for ultimate efficiency.

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Gas-powered, electric, and manual ice augers
Ice Augers

Ice Augers

Drill through the thickest ice with ease. Choose from robust gas, quiet electric, or dependable manual augers, ensuring you get to your spot effortlessly.

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Colorful selection of ice fishing lures and jigs
Lures & Jigs

Ice Lures & Jigs

Entice finicky fish with our extensive range of winter-specific lures and jigs. From tiny tungsten to aggressive spoons, perfectly matched for Alberta's species.

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Pop-up ice fishing shelter with a portable heater
Shelters & Heaters

Shelters & Heaters

Stay warm and comfortable during long days on the ice. Explore our durable pop-up shelters and efficient portable heaters for maximum winter enjoyment.

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Ice fishing flasher and ice picks
Electronics & Safety

Electronics & Safety

Enhance your season with advanced fish finders, flashers, and underwater cameras. Always prioritize safety with essential ice picks, spud bars, and floatation suits.

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Staff Picks for Alberta Lakes

Complete ice fishing kit for Walleye at Gull Lake
The Gull Lake Walleye Setup

The Gull Lake Walleye Setup

Curated by our resident Walleye expert, Dave, this kit combines the ultra-sensitive St. Croix Legend Silver Ice Rod (UL) with a Shimano Sahara 500 reel, spooled with 4lb Sufix Ice Braid. We've included a selection of our hottest Glow-in-the-Dark Northland Forage Minnow Jigs (1/8oz) and a versatile VMC Tumbler Spoon. "This setup lets you feel even the most subtle bites and is perfectly balanced for a full day of jigging on Gull Lake," says Dave.

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Heavy-duty pike ice fishing kit for Pigeon Lake
The Pigeon Lake Pike Hunter

The Pigeon Lake Pike Hunter

For the serious Pike angler, our Pigeon Lake kit is assembled by Caribou Cast veteran, Mark. It features a rugged HT Polar Fire Heavy-Duty Wood Tip-Up, paired with 20lb Berkley FireLine Crystal and a 30lb American Fishing Wire Titanium Leader for toothy critters. Complete with a large, fast-set quick-strike rig and a vibrant Williams Wabler spoon. "This is what you need to handle those aggressive Pigeon Lake monsters," advises Mark.

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Getting Started: Your Ice Fishing Checklist

Preparedness is key to success on the ice. Download our comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and productive day.

Visual representation of an ice fishing checklist
Ice Fishing Checklist Categories

This checklist covers:

  • The Basics: Rod, Reel, Line
  • Hole Drilling: Auger Types
  • Fish Detection: Flashers & Cameras
  • Shelter & Comfort
  • Safety First Essentials

Enter your email to receive your free downloadable checklist and occasional ice fishing tips from Caribou Cast.

Safety on the Ice is Non-Negotiable

Always check ice thickness before heading out. Never fish alone. Wear a floatation suit and always carry a set of ice picks. Your safety is more important than any catch. Learn more about Alberta Ice Safety Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

For walleye, a fast to extra-fast action rod in the ultralight to light power range is generally preferred. This allows for maximum sensitivity to detect subtle bites, while a quick tip helps set the hook effectively. Graphite blanks are ideal for transmitting those light taps through the ice. Consider a rod length of 24-30 inches for optimal jigging control in a shelter.
While not strictly 'needed' to catch fish, a good quality flasher (like a Humminbird Ice Helix or Vexilar) dramatically increases your success rate. It provides real-time feedback on fish presence, your lure's depth, and how fish are reacting to your presentation. This allows you to adjust your technique instantly, often turning a slow day into a productive one by showing you exactly where the bite is.
A **jigging rod** is an active fishing tool you hold and manipulate to impart action to your lure, enticing fish to strike. A **tip-up**, on the other hand, is a passive device designed to fish multiple holes simultaneously. It’s set with a baited line, and when a fish takes the bait, a flag or indicator 'tips up,' alerting you to a bite, often while you're jigging another hole or in a shelter.
The right auger size depends on your target species and portability needs. For general panfish and smaller walleye, a 6-inch auger is light and easy to drill with. For larger walleye, pike, or lake trout, an 8-inch auger is more appropriate. Anything larger, like a 10-inch, is typically for trophy fish or if you plan to drop in camera systems or spearing. Consider electric or gas for ease, or a manual if you prefer simplicity and exercise.