Ice auger

Fishing Equipment

A hand, gas, or electric auger that drills fishing holes through ice.

Approx. cost
$50–$500
Weight
5–25 lb
Used in
1 kit

Purpose

Open holes to fish through, and to test ice thickness as you go.

Used in kits

Alternatives

  • Ice spud bar— Chops holes and tests ice; slow through thick ice.

Maintenance notes

  • Keep blades sharp and covered; dull blades are dangerous and slow.

Buying considerations

  • Hand augers are light and quiet for thin ice; powered augers save effort on thick.
  • A blade guard protects you and the edge.

Safety notes

  • Check ice thickness continuously — no ice is guaranteed safe. Carry picks and never fish alone on early or late-season ice.

Page history & editing

Editor-reviewed2026-07-01 Last edited 2026-07-01 by human editor