It’s no secret that women in the outdoor industry are still the minority. Many of us begin our fishing or ice fishing journeys thanks to the wonderful men in our lives—fathers, grandfathers, brothers, husbands, and significant others. But at some point, many of us ask the same question: how do we take...
I was lucky enough to begin my ice fishing journey not because a guy introduced me to it, but because of some truly awesome women. Four years ago, on my very first day ice fishing, I was on the ice with my friend Mal. I didn’t catch a single fish, but I knew immediately that I wanted to be back out there. My second day was with my friend Ashley, and lo and behold, I caught my very first fish through the ice - a solid sauger - while jigging. After that day, I was hooked… literally.
Social media can be draining in many ways, but it has also completely opened the door to finding other women who love ice fishing. Instagram and Facebook are the first places I recommend looking.
Living in Minnesota, one of the first groups I joined was WAM – Women Anglers of Minnesota. They’re a nonprofit organization that supports women and children in fishing and ice fishing. They host both virtual and in-person ice fishing tournaments across the state. Wisconsin and Michigan have similar groups, and a quick search will usually point you in the right direction.
Another great community is Women of the Wild Outdoors, which hosts a variety of outdoor adventures beyond ice fishing. They organize trips you can sign up for and attend solo, making it easy to meet new women who share your interests.
And honestly—don’t be afraid to slide into someone’s DMs. Many of us are just women looking for others to get out on the ice with. Sending a friendly message to someone who lives near you can lead to a new fishing buddy (or a whole new crew).
Staying warm and comfortable is key. Start with a good pair of bibs that fit you properly - you’ll be wearing them for long days on the ice. DSG Outerwear has bibs and jackets designed specifically for women, which makes a huge difference. I also recommend having a couple of pairs of gloves. My hands are always the first thing to get cold, especially when handling minnows or pulling fish up through the hole. DSG Outerwear makes amazing heated gear that’s a must have for layering gear! From heated gloves and socks to heated base layers and a vest, you’ll have no excuse for being cold.
I highly recommend using a fish finder when ice fishing. Being able to see if fish are moving beneath you helps take a lot of the guesswork out of choosing where to fish. My first unit was a Vexilar FL-8—simple, affordable, and still something I use today. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars but having something to show you what’s happening below the ice is a gamechanger.
If you want true independence on the ice, you’ll need your own way to drill holes. With all the lithium battery auger options available now, I recommend those over gas or drill augers. They’re lighter, faster, and much easier to handle.
A sled is essential for hauling your gear. My biggest mistake was buying a smaller sled early on—once I started fishing more often and collecting more gear, I quickly outgrew it. Do yourself a favor and size up. You can also purchase a flip-over shack that comes with a sled attached, making transport even easier. Throw your gear in and go.
If you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan, you’re in luck—we’re home to some amazing ice rod companies. My go-to rods are from JT Outdoors Products, made right in Eagan, Minnesota. I recommend starting with at least one panfish rod and one heavier rod. And don’t skip a rod case—nothing hurts worse than snapping the tip off a brand-new rod while transporting it
If you’re waiting until you “know enough,” have all the perfect gear, or feel completely confident before stepping onto the ice—here’s the truth: that moment may never come. And that’s okay. Every woman you see confidently ice fishing today was once standing exactly where you are now, wondering if she belonged out there.
Ice fishing doesn’t require perfection. It requires curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the courage to try. Your first day might be cold. You might drill holes in the wrong spot. You might not catch a single fish. But you’ll gain something far more important—experience, confidence, and the realization that this space is yours too.
Find your people. Ask questions. Laugh at the mistakes. Celebrate the small wins—your first hole drilled, your first mark on the flasher, your first fish through the ice. Those moments add up quickly.
You don’t need permission to be out there. You don’t need to be “good enough.” You just need to show up.
So bundle up, grab your gear, and take that first step onto the ice. Your journey starts the moment you decide it does.
— Written by Stephanie Breyfogle, DSG Outerwear Ice Ambassador
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