If you’re adventurous enough to brave the chilling cold of Colorado’s winters for a fishing excursion, you should strongly consider purchasing an ice fishing shelter. Keep warm on those windy days on the lake with the following great shelters.
Eskimo Quickfish 3i Pop-up Shelter
This shelter has a true 3-person capacity and is insulated, making it 35% warmer than non-insulated shelters. The pop-up shelter offers self-tapping ice anchors that are easy to grip and do not bend, has mesh storage pockets, and two doors for easy entry and exit. With a hub design, the Eskimo Quickfish takes 60 seconds to set up or break down, and everything fits into a cinching back that can be easily carried on your back.
Cost: $199
Eskimo QuickFlip 2 Sled Shelter
Another great option is the Eskimo QuickFlip 2 Sled Shelter. It’s an economical, comfortable 2-person ice fishing shelter. Included is a pull-rope that allows for easy portability and the removable windows help regulate the ventilation. This style shelter has 2 fixed Versa seats with TearTuff™ mesh and a high-strength steel frame. It is easy to flip-up and use as a windbreak on sunny days. This shelter is also towable and attaches quickly to your snowmobile or ATV, though the tow bar in not included.
Cost: $399
Frabill Bunker 210 Hub Shelter
Frabill is another company known for making quality shelters. The Frabill Bunker 210 Hub Shelter is an insulated shelter with 30% more fishable area than other popular shelters. It can fit 2 or 3 people comfortable and is made from tough, tear resistant materials. This is going to be a great shelter for those of you that are budget conscious.
Cost: $249
Clam Yukon X Thermal
The Yukon is a staple in the Clam shelter family, now available is the Yukon X Thermal with full thermal skin. It is the perfect size for 2 anglers and comes with 2 deluxe adjustable seats that can be removed. Though the shelter itself isn’t very large, there’s a hammock located underneath the seats for additional storage. Everyone is aware the quality of Clam shelters, so this one will hurt your pocket book much more than others but is the best quality out there and will last a life time.
Cost: $679.99
Eskimo EVO 1IT Crossover
A new series from Eskimo is their crossover shelters, which offer the convenience of a flip-style shelter with the room and comfort of a pop-up shelter. The shape of these crossover cuts through wind and allows cold air to pass around the shelter help heat the inside efficiently. The EVO 1IT Crossover shelter has great portability, a spacious interior, and is equipped with an insulated roof and rear panels. The EVO iT has a more fishable area that other sled-style shelters and extra large windows to control the amount of light being let in and also makes it easier for you to look around without having to leave the comfort of your seat.
Cost: $389
Glacier Ice House A215RD
Now for those of you that want the ultimate comfort and protection from the elements, a permanent style ice shelter is the way to go. Glacier Ice House specializes in these with an array of lengths and styles to choose from. The Glacier A215RD is 21 feet, sleeps 6, and has 7 ice holes. For the comfort aspect, it comes standard with AM/FM stereo, cable TV prep, 3 burner range with oven, and 30k BTU forced air furnace. This takes glamorous ice fishing to a whole new level and allows you to bring the whole family, but it going to cost a pretty penny!
Cost: Over $25,000
Prepare properly for ice fishing this winter in Colorado with these shelters, and if the cold doesn’t suit you, hold off until summer and come on a fly fishing excursion with Fly Fishing Colorado!
*Featured image courtesy of In-Fisherman.