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Which Snowmobile for Ice fishing?

mnhunter2

By mnhunter2
in Ice Fishing

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Brad B Veteran

Brad B

Posted
Posted

I would say stay in the 440 to 600 class machines and stay away from racing type sleds. 340's will work but with all this slush this year on the lakes the extra power of the 440 to 600 class machines will help you get throught the slush better. it will also depend on how much you want to spend. I have seen some older sleds that would be good ice sleds go for 1500 to 2000. they will be about 10 to 12 years old but if they were taken care of then I wouldn't have a problem with the age. try to keep to less than 3500 miles if you can find one unless the engine has been totally rebuilt. there are deals out there to be had you just need to keep looking.

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ihc1 Contributor

ihc1

Posted
Posted

I would try to find one with reverse for easier unloading, and maybe even fan cooled for less maintenance and a few pounds lighter. I would also agree with fewer then 3000 miles. I have only owned polaris so I cannot speak for the rest but a older indy trail would make a good reliable sled for fishing.

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Great Outdoors Collaborator

Great Outdoors

Posted
Posted

I am looking for a snowmobile that will be used for mainly ice fishing and a little trail riding. I have very little experience with snowmobiles so any suggestions as to make and model would be a great help.

The Arctic Cat Bearcat 570 XT is a premier fishing/riding sled. The new ones have a 20 inch wide, 156 inch track. They do make a 4 stroke model that is spendy and heavy.

If you have a 4x4 ATV, I'd look at getting a set of tracks for it. This is the best pure fishing and hunting shack rig. Goes through slush and is far better in deep snow than a snowmobile. You will sacrifice speed, and is not good for trail riding on State Trails

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leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
Posted

I use a Polaris 550 Sport Touring 2 up with a long track and it works great for pulling my Voyager and for trail riding. wink

Hey G/O did you get your rig fixed up and back on the lake this year from last years dunking? frown

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Great Outdoors Collaborator

Great Outdoors

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Yes Sir, the insurance company bought the last one, and I got a 2010 Ranger 800 XP (up 100cc from the 700)

I changed brands of track, and these seem far superior than my others.

I emailed Steve Foss a picture of it. I'd post it myself but am too computer illiterate to do so grin

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superbee Mentor

superbee

Posted
Posted

Any of the widetrack or long track 2 up touring machines will work good. They usually have a rack and the floatation is always a plus. Engine wise 440 minimum if you want something that won't be under powered in different situations. Bearcats are great fishing/work machines. Ski Doo Skandic, Polaris Widetrack, and Yamaha Professionals are other good options.

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leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
Posted

Yes Sir, the insurance company bought the last one, and I got a 2010 Ranger 800 XP (up 100cc from the 700)

I changed brands of track, and these seem far superior than my others.

I emailed Steve Foss a picture of it. I'd post it myself but am too computer illiterate to do so grin

Great to hear, that is one cool rig. I may see you in it out running around BSide on Laker opener in a few weeks. Huuum, maybe you have to drop it in sallow water every few years when it's time to up-grade again! wink

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hydro Mentor

hydro

Posted
Posted

I am looking for a snowmobile that will be used for mainly ice fishing and a little trail riding. I have very little experience with snowmobiles so any suggestions as to make and model would be a great help.

Since you mention both ice fishing and trail use, I would stay away from the widetrack "utility" sleds like the Bearcat. They are great for what they were designed for and they are real workhorses, but are pretty much useless for trail riding. In that application, they are heavy and a handfull to maneuver, and they will beat you up bad by the end of the day.

I have done lots of both trail riding and ice fishing with my sled and I can tell you that any trail type sled will do just fine pulling a ice fishing sled through any snow conditions you will see in Minnesota. That said, the "two up" trail type sleds would be my target for your stated combination use as they can seat a partner and often have a rack for extra gear. They may also have a longer track which will give better traction. For motor size, I would not go smaller than 500cc as the 440's that you find in the trail sleds are marginal in power for trail use.

This is my current ride set up for fishing with my daughter. The only thing it does not have is the two-up seat.

IceHydro.jpg

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