Best Ice Fishing Lines for Cold Weather Anglers

There is plenty of ice fishing equipment that you will need for a successful winter fishing trip, but one piece of equipment that you may want to consider is ice fishing lines and all the different brands.

Some lines are made specifically for ice fishing, and some general fishing lines work better than others.

Ice fishing’s cold temperatures can affect which line performs best, and since ice fishing is less about casting and more about casting lines, there are different elements to consider.

We’ve rounded up the best line for ice fishing, so you don’t have to wonder which line is best.

These top-rated ice fishing lines have been thoroughly researched and chosen specifically for ice fishing, so they are sure to perform well on ice.

Top 10 Ice Fishing Lines

1. Celsius tip up line
2. Sufix Ice Braid 6 Lb Line
3. Sufix Ice Magic, Neon Orange, 8 lb
4. Sufix 832 Ice Fishing Braid
5. Trilene cold weather line
6. Trilene micro ice line
7. Sufix Ice Magic, Clear, 4 Pounds
8. P-Line Fluorice Fishing Reel
9. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
10. Berkley Fireline Micro Ice Fishing Line

1. Celsius tip Up line

My number one recommended brand of ice fishing line is Celsius Tip Up Line. This is the ultimate 15lb braided line that I use when out on the ice with my fishing rod.

Celsius Tip Up line will not freeze or bend and you will get 50 yards out of it. This is a must have for any ice fisherman to keep in their tackle box.

2. Sufix Ice Braid 6 Lb Line

Another one of my favorite braided ice fishing lines to use is the Sufix 6lb braid. I almost never have a problem with this line freezing up because it is designed to resist ice buildup.

You get 75 yards of super strong ice fishing line that’s good enough for even the pros.

3. Sufix Ice Magic, Neon Orange, 8 lb

Next, I want to recommend the 8-pound Sufix Ice Magic in Neon Orange. The way this brand of ice fishing line is designed is with a special additive that helps prevent moisture absorption.

The Sufix Ice Magic also has a very fast sinking action to make your lure or bait more realistic and convincing to help catch fish faster.

4. Sufix 832 Ice Fishing Braid

I really love using the Sufix 832 Ice Fishing Braid whenever I’m night fishing and it’s low light. You’ll never have trouble finding your line when it comes to this beautiful neon green color.

This ice fishing line is one of the strongest and thinnest on the market. The diameter is incredibly thin, so the fish will never see it.

5. Trilene Cold Weather Ice Fishing Line

Another great brand of ice fishing line that I would recommend is Trilene cold weather ice fishing line. This material is strong and reliable. I’ve never had it break from rubbing against the ice while fighting a fish.

No perch, walleye, bass or crappie will be safe from any angler armed with Trilene cold weather ice fishing line.

6. Trilene Micro Ice Fishing Line

Trilene is always a trusted brand when it comes to ice fishing lines, and their Micro Ice fishing line is no exception.

The good thing about this line is that they call it the softest, softest version ever. It also won’t bend or knot due to its low memory design.

7. Sufix Ice Magic, Clear, 2 lb

For those of us who prefer the lightest pound test possible, this brand of ice fishing line is for you. The Sufix Ice Magic in a light color in the 2 pound test is one of the most fun lines to use to catch fish through the ice.

Fish will never see this clear monofilament ice fishing line, and it’s even freeze resistant.

8. P-Line Fluorice Fishing Reel

P-Line Floroice is the next ice fishing line I want to suggest you try. This line is always reliable and almost never breaks when I have a fish.

It’s made from a blend of copolymer with a silicone fluorocarbon coating so even the coldest conditions won’t affect it.

9. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

I am a big fan of using braided lines for ice fishing. It just feels stronger and I know it won’t stretch like mono line will. The only problem is that sometimes it frays.

You won’t have that problem with KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line. This line has some of the best abrasion resistance of any fishing line I’ve tried.

10. Berkley Fireline Micro Ice Fishing Line

Lastly, one of the best ice fishing line brands, in my opinion, is Berkley, especially their Fireline Micro Ice series.

This ice fishing line is incredibly smooth and surprisingly strong. The translucent color of this line makes it nearly invisible to fish, so you can keep catching the big ones.

Tips for Buying

Looking to buy a fishing line for your next ice fishing trip? Here we take a look at the key things to consider when buying ice fishing line.

If you’re getting ready to go ice fishing this winter, don’t stop thinking about your line. You’ll no doubt need to replace the old lines from last year, and you’ll also want to avoid using standard lines.

Ice fishing is hard work and cold temperatures can be hard on your gear. This means you need an ice line that is easy to work with in cold temperatures, is strong and resilient, and offers adequate sensitivity and memory.

Not sure what to buy? Our dedicated guide will help you find the best and most suitable line for ice fishing this season.

Target fish species

Are you fishing for a particular species of fish? Different lines suit different types of fish.

• The best fishing line for crappie: The best types of fishing lines for crappie are monofilament and fluorocarbon. You could use braid, but they are much more visible than monofilament and fluorocarbon. Monofilament is strong and well suited to spring crappie fishing, and fluorocarbon is better for winter because it has high levels of strength.
• Best Fishing Line for Walleye: The best type of fishing line for catching walleye depends on whether you are jigging or angling. For jigging you want a thin diameter line with little stretch – a heavy monofilament is a great choice. For dead stick, there are more options available, but a lighter monofilament will work perfectly fine.

Sensitivity

Aim to buy lines that are highly sensitive. Low draw lines tend to offer higher levels of sensitivity. You will be more likely to feel each bite and therefore catch more. Sensitivity is not something you need to compromise on, or you could be out of a trap!

Related: 15 Lure Fishing Tips for Beginners: A Guide.

Ice Fishing Line FAQ

Why do I need a different line for ice fishing?

Cold weather and icy conditions demand strong, durable line. Without due consideration, a line could easily break or fray if it is not designed for ice fishing.

You’ll want a line with a waterproof coating to prevent it from freezing and becoming brittle. Second, standard fishing lines are often too loose for deep water.

Can I use the same line for different types and weights of fish?

All fishing lines are designed to successfully handle different weights of fish. If you use a 3lb line, for example, and you catch a 6lb fish, chances are you’ll break the line. That is why you should always buy the right line for each type of fishing. Be sure to check this out before purchasing.

What does the pound test mean?

This answer depends on the weight of the fish you intend to catch. Each spool of line will be labeled with its pound test, which is a measure of how much weight (in pounds) it can hold before breaking.

What pound test for walleye ice fishing?

Walleye are large fish, so they require strong fishing lines. You should look for a line with a minimum 8 pound test. Also remember that walleye are easily spooked, so a thin diameter and low visibility (without compromising stamina) are a must.

final thoughts

For ice fishing, you definitely don’t want to compromise when it comes to getting the right type of line. Your top priority should be to buy one that is braided, monofilament, fluorocarbon, or tipped.

Check the pound test to make sure it can handle the size of the fish you’re fishing for, and always look for strong, sturdy lines with thin diameters.

Try our top ice fishing line picks to get the most out of your ice fishing trip and come home with a great catch! Fishmasters has all the winter fishing gear you’ll need, from ice fishing sleds and ice hole covers to all the other fishing gear you might need.