Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter. There is just something magical about being out on a frozen lake while angling the waters below. A snowmobile will get you there with all your supplies, but not any snowmobile will do.
Generally, utility or trail snowmobiles are the best sleds for ice fishing. These sleds often have the right size treads, weight, and cargo space for expositions on the ice. However, you will get the best performance from the following three snowmobiles.
| Snowmobile Model | Yamaha Venom Transporter Lite | Polaris 550 Voyageur 155 | Ski-Doo Freeride 165 |
| Ice Conditions | Snow-covered | Bare ice | Slush-covered |
| Track Size (inches) | 146 x 16 x 1.6 inches | 15 x 155 x 1.6 inches | 165 x 16 x 3.0 inches |
| Engine Type | 2-stroke, fan-cooled | 2-stroke, fan-cooled | 2-stroked, liquid-cooled |
| Snow Clearance | 10.7” rear
7.2” front |
15’ rear 9’ front |
8.5’ front
10.4’ rear |
| Rider Skill level | Beginner – Intermediate | Intermedia – Advanced | Intermediate – Advanced |
| Snowmobile Type | Trail | Utility | Utility |
While these three snowmobiles are considered the best on the market, they might not be the best ice-fishing sleds for you. Therefore, by reading further, you will learn what you should consider when buying a snowmobile for your ice fishing endeavors.
The Best Ice Fishing Snowmobiles for Different Ice and Snow Conditions
Snowmobiles move people and cargo through winter’s icy and snowy landscapes. They come in all shapes and sizes, with most models falling under the following types:
- Touring – two-seat sleds with heavy, long tracks
- Trail – small, lightweight sleds with fan-cooled two-stroke engines
- Racing or Performance – high-speed competitive sleds
- Work or Utility – heavy-duty, all-purpose sleds
- Youth – small sleds for kids
- Mountain – high-output performance sleds
While designed for different applications, they are also the perfect means for getting to your favorite ice fishing spot. However, choosing the right one can challenge even the most seasoned ice angler.
Best Type of Snowmobile for Ice Fishing
Any type or size of snowmobile will work as an ice fishing sled. However, you will get the most mileage from a fan-cooled utility or trail snowmobile. Fan-cooled sleds do not need snow to keep cool. They rely on their fans to blow cool air over their engines to keep them in good condition.
On the other hand, you must keep your liquid-cooled sleds’ heat distributor filled with snow to prevent it from overheating. However, your ice-scratchers may make this impossible.
Utility and trail snowmobiles have the right features and cargo space to handle the open frozen lake. For instance, they usually have wider, longer tracks and a powerful 2-stroke engine that can pull heavy loads.
Snowmobiles for Snow-Covered Ice
The cooling system might be the most important factor when considering an ice-fishing snowmobile, but it is not the only one. You must also consider the ice conditions out on the lake. Fortunately, sled manufacturers build their machines to handle snow-covered ice, which is the most common condition out there.
However, your lake may not have the most ideal ice layer. There could be low or no snow spots, hard-packed snow, and harsh winds. You need a sled that can take you through it all while still offering the space you need for your gear. Luckily, the following snowmobile models have you covered.
Yamaha Venom Transporter Lite
While marketed as a beginner’s ride, Yamaha’s Venom sleds are the perfect trail sleds for ice fishing. They are lightweight and feature 65 hp 400cc single-cylinder, 2-stroke engines. Their long and wide tracks also give you the grip to ride out onto the lake. They even have decently-sized luggage racks for your gear.
A few of the Venom line’s features include:
- Lightweight chassis
- 400cc, 65 hp, 2-stroke, fan-cooled engine
- A long, wide track for good traction
- Good snow clearance from the articulated rear suspension
- Built-in luggage rack
Polaris 550 Voyageur 155
The Polaris 550 Voyageur 155 is the top utility ice fishing sled on the market. Designed for intermediate to advanced riders, the Voyageur sports a 550cc, 2-stroke, fan fan-cooled engine that can pull its wide and long Polaris Cobra track across any ice lake or packed snow field. The sled even features Polaris IFP piston shocks, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
The Voyageur 155 may use an older-style chain case drive, but the adjustable suspension system makes up for some of the shortfalls. That means it will glide over 9 to 15-inch snow drifts with ease, but you must occasionally adjust the chains.
Notable features of the Voyageur 155:
- Large integrated luggage rack and towing hitch
- 550 cc twin-cylinder, 2-stroke, fan-cooled, carbureted, engine
- Adjustable front suspension with 9-inch clearance
- Articulated rear suspension with 15-inch clearance
- Hydraulic brakes
- Wide skis and track that bite into icy lake surfaces
Yamaha Transport 800
The Transport 800 is a collaboration between Arctic Cat and Yamaha. The utility sled features a 794cc, C-TEC 2-stroke, fan-cooled, two-cylinder engine that can take you and your ice fishing gear anywhere. It floats on top of a Camso Bear Claw track that is long and wide enough to handle any lake surface.
Notable features include:
- 25-inch track
- Articulated long track front and rear suspension with up to 13.5 and 9.5-inch clearances.
- High fuel capacity, 13.7-gallon electronic fuel injection system
- 704 cc, 2-stroke, fan-cooled, two-cylinder, C-Tec engine with electronic start
- Built-in luggage racks and towing hitch.
Polaris Titan Adventure 155
Polaris builds their Titan Adventure sleds for ice fishing. However, you can also use them for trail riding, logging, or anything else you want to do on a snowmobile.
The sled boasts a powerful 800cc high output clean fire fuel-injected, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. This engine provides the control and handling you need to get to your fishing location regardless of the conditions you must pass through to get to it. Plus, you will get there in comfort on top of the sled’s extra-long and wide track.
Notable features include:
- 155 x 20 x 1.8-inch-track
- Adjustable suspension clearance of 9.5 to 16.5 inches
- 800cc H.O. 4-stroke twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine
- TITAN® Hydraulic Alpha transmission with integrated disc brakes
- Integrated tow hitch and 1,550-pound winch
- Fuel injection system and electronic ignition
Yamaha VK 540
The durable Yamaha VK 540 may not have the bells and whistles of the other models. However, it is a solid workhorse that will reliably get you to and from your favorite ice-angling spot. Its 535cc, twin-cylinder, fan-cooled engine can easily handle your heaviest fishing gear. The long and wide track and suspension complete the package at a fraction of the cost of other sleds.
Notable features include:
- 156 x 20 x 1.5-inch Camso Cobra WT track
- Quick and responsive 535ccs, twin-cylinder, fan-cooled engine.
- Huge weight capacity.
- Heated carburetor
Ski-Doo Exploration SE
The Ski-Doo Exploration SE is another snowmobile that can do it all. Its powerful turbo engines can drive its long and wide track across any terrain, making it a symbol of liberty and expedition. You arrive at your favorite ice-angling spot comfortably with the generous snowmobile footprint that allows you to safely maneuver at high speeds.
Beyond the basics, this sled sports front lights, allowing you to fish day or night. The impressive braking system lets you take advantage of any new fishing spot you may find on your journey as well.
Notable features include:
- 154 x 20 x 1.8-inch Cobra track
- 8-inch. broad LCD color screen
- 600R E-TEC and also 900 ACE Turbo engines
- Easy-to-clean fuel tank
- Ergonomic handlebar
Snowmobiles for Smooth or Bare Ice
Snowmobiles might be your perfect ride for ice fishing, but they come with disadvantages. You can only use them during winter, and you cannot use liquid-cooled sleds on bare ice. These issues exist because snowmobiles overheat.
An overheated snowmobile can break down, leaving you stranded on the ice. The excess heat can also melt the plastic runners that make up their tracks. To mitigate these effects, you must keep your sled covered in snow, but snow will be difficult to buy when on the smooth, bare icy surface.
However, a much better solution would be to use a fan-cooled sled instead. Fan-cooled engines do not require a steady supply of snow to remain cool. They just need unobstructed airflow. Therefore, if your area does not get a lot of snow, you should seek one of the following sleds for your winter angling adventures.
Polaris 550 Voyageur 155
As mentioned above, Polaris Voyageur snowmobiles are the best utility sleds for ice fishing, and their prowess on bare ice is why. The 550 model is particularly noteworthy. It comes with a 2-stroke, fan-cooled, 550-horsepower engine that is extremely dependable. Often called “The Beast”, this engine is capable of towing any equipment or supplies you may want out on the lake.
To fill out this affordable workhorse, the Voyageur 500 sports a solitary steel track sitting on a suspension that will not bounce around regardless of the terrain. It is also surprisingly customizable. You can completely deck it out to include features such as a flexible windshield, hand warmers, power steering, and a heated seat.
Yamaha Transporter 800
Yamaha’s Transporter line is another family of snowmobiles uniquely capable of traversing bare ice. They are fan-cooled sleds with long and wide tracks for maximum traction. They are also lightweight enough to cross some thin ice patches. They are easily capable of carrying you and your gear to all of your ice-angling spots.
Snowmobiles for Slush-Covered Ice
Dealing with ice and snow is one thing. Dealing with slush is another. The heavy wet snow can stick to everything. If you are not careful, it can even clog up your sled’s tracks and drivetrain. Luckily, some snowmobile models are better equipped to handle this situation.
The key is finding something that can handle deep snow.
Slushy conditions require the same traction and power as deep snow. Therefore, your snowmobile must have the following characteristics:
- High-Powered, High-Speed Engine – You want an engine with a fast throttle response that can produce high torque.
- Lightweight – lighter sleds are more likely to float on top of the slush than sink into it.
- Wide Tracks – wide tracks distribute the sled’s weight over a larger area, allowing the sled to float over the slush.
- Long Tracks – Long tracks help you power through the slush
- Agility – Helps you move around heavy slush
Ski-Doo Freeride 165
If you must fish through slush, then you should give the Ski-Doo Freeride 165 a try. Its 165hp, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine can push you through any deep snow or slush conditions with ease. The lightweight sled also sports are wide track system guaranteed to make sure you float on top of the snow.
The key to the Freeride 165’s success is its fuel injection system. That is because it has booster injectors along with standard ones. These extra injectors sit on top of the motor and function like a mini nitrous system. This system gives the sled a very snappy, precise, and reliable throttle response when you need it.
Notable other features include:
- 165 x 16 x 3.0-inch track system
- Adjustable suspension with 8.5in front and 10.4in rear clearance
- Powerful 2-stroke, 165hp engine
- Heated throttle levers and grips
- Lightweight chassis with a slim aerodynamic and responsive profile
Arctic Cat T570
The Arctic Cat T570 is a good alternative to the Skidoo Freeride 165. It is a fan-cooled sled that can fit two people and their gear. The 144″ track system floats over must slush even when fully loaded. Otherwise, it is a decent multi-purpose trail and ice-angling sled.
How to Buy a Snowmobile for Ice Fishing
Snowmobiles might be the best choice for ice fishing transportation, but you have a lot of things to consider when buying one. These factors can include the cooling system, engine size, suspension, transmission, and steering system which can vary drastically depending on if your sled is new or used. However, your purchasing price will likely decide your fate.
Lubrication
As with any motorized vehicle, you must keep your snowmobile properly lubricated. This should not be a problem with newer models. However, you should be wary of improperly lubricated used sleds. In either case, you should look for the signs of grease or lubricant on all moving parts such as the suspension, drive pulleys, track assembly, steering collum, and the sled’s pivot points.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension controls the roll of the sled while it absorbs shocks. It also provides clearance to ride over deep snow while it presses the racks into the snow for tractions. You can check the state of the suspension by pressing it. If the sled moves too easily or bounces back erratically, it is time to replace the shocks.
Frame Wheels
A snowmobile’s frame wheels show you the wear on the engine and drivetrain. They do this by melting or burning when the engine overheats. Therefore, you should replace them if they are noisy, loose, or spin wobbly.
Front Suspension
The front suspension keeps the skis on the ground. You can check it by pressing it firmly and evenly. If it bounces back smoothly, it is good. Otherwise, you must replace it. You should also look for signs of wear and straightness on the skis and steering assembly.
Engine and Clutches
You want to ensure that your snowmobile has an engine that can push you across the lake safely. That means looking for blown head gaskets, cracks in the cylinder heads, the block, or the cooling fins. You also want to ensure the clutch belt is in working condition as well.
If everything looks good, you should then check the engine’s size and type. Snowmobile engines come in two flavors:
- 2-stroke: faster acceleration, lightweight, and requires less maintenance but is louder and burns through oil and gas quickly
- 4-stroke: provides more torque, runs smoother and quieter, uses less gas and oil, but they are heavier, requires more maintenance but has a longer lifetime
If you will only use your sled for ice fishing, 2-stroke engines are the way to go. However, 4-stroke engines work best with multi-purpose snowmobiles. However, you must ensure the engine is no smaller than 450 cubic centimeters to ensure that your sled can bake it across deep snow and rough terrain.
Snowmobile Dimensions
The overall size of your snowmobile is not a major factor when choosing an ice fishing machine. However, the dimensions of your ride can affect how you store your sled when not using it. You also want something big enough to hold all of your gear.
As such, the best snowmobile dimensions for ice fishing are largely up to personal preference. Just get something that can fit in your garage,
Types of Snowmobiles
As mentioned above, you want either a trail or utility sled for your ice-angling adventures. While you could use any type of snowmobile, only these two types have the right sized engines, weight, and treads.
Cooling System
As mentioned above, snowmobiles come with one of two cooling systems.
Liquid-cooled systems are heavier and more complex systems with radiators, coolant, and heat exchangers. They function like the cooling system in your car and use water or antifreeze to keep things running. However, they need a constant supply of snow hitting the exchangers to function. Otherwise, they will overheat.
On the other hand, air or fan-cooled systems use fans to blow air into their engine cylinders. This process keeps these systems cool without the snow or freezing weather. You can even run them in warmer temperatures. They just need a constant airflow which you get just by moving the sled.
As a result, you want a fan-cooled snowmobile on your ice fishing runs. They are the only ones who will keep their cool out on the lake.
Transmissions and Treads
Snowmobiles use constantly variable transmission (CVT) drive systems that work like the automatic transmissions found in most cars. These systems use chains to transfer power from the engine to the tracks which are permanently attached to the drivetrain. As such, they are sold and replaced as single units.
However, all that matters is that your snowmobile has a working chain as well as long and wide enough tracks. These systems offer the traction you need to cross the ice to your fishing spots.
Steering Systems
A snowmobile’s skis are a part of its steering system. As you move the handlebars the skis shift in the direction you want to turn. However, they are also a part of the suspension system, ensuring that you have enough traction to keep going. As such, you want a sled with long and wide skis when ice fishing. These skis will let you float above the ice better while giving you better throttle control.
Storage Capacity
When ice fishing, you rarely have access to permanent structures when you are out at your angling spot. Therefore, you must bring everything you need with you, including your fishing gear and any shelters you may want out there.
As such, you want a snowmobile that is capable of carrying your gear. This capability could be in the form of built-in storage or tow hitches that allow added storage racks or hauling sleds. Your sled must also have a strong enough engine and track system to pull it all too.
The type of storage solution you get is ultimately up to you though. Just get one that fills your needs at a price you can afford. Then, you can change your choice of the other factors accordingly.
Buying a New or Used Snowmobile?
Realistically, there is no real advantage to buying a new snowmobile over a used one for ice fishing. Used sleds might be cheaper than new models but may require more maintenance and inspection. Either way, if the sled works and has the features you need, you can ride it out on the ice.
Conclusion
Snowmobiles allow you to get to your favorite ice fishing spot in style. However, some sleds are better than others when traversing frozen lakes. The best ones have the power to get you there and the traction to keep you safe on your return.
