The 5 Best Ice Fishing Gloves For Various Weather Conditions

The worst part about winter and dealing with freezing temperatures is the struggle to keep your hands warm. Your fingers and toes are always the first to get cold, and when you’re participating in a winter sport like ice fishing, it can be detrimental. Not only does it hurt when your fingers get cold, but they begin to lose function as well.

Keeping your hands warm while ice fishing is incredibly important. Not only so they can function properly when you’re trying to put bait on the hook, but for your safety and wellness. Getting frostbite on your hands or fingers is a real danger when dealing with icy water, the ice itself, fish, and snow.

Next time you go ice fishing, you’ll want a proper pair of fishing gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry. They will make the difference in whether or not you can be fishing all day long, or just for a couple of hours.

This is why we are here in the first place, to give you our list of the best ice fishing gloves that will get you through not only this cold weather fishing season but for seasons to come.

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The Top 5 Best Ice Fishing Gloves

CLAM IceArmor Edge Ice Fishing Gloves

The Edge Glove was made with the durability to withstand the elements and whatever you need them for while ice fishing. This warm glove comes packed with features that will ensure your hands will be comfortable and dry for as long as you are out there.

This thick pair of winter fishing gloves features 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation evenly spread throughout the glove. No one part of your hand will get cold because of uneven insulation distribution.

Perhaps the most important feature is its’ waterproofing. The Advanta membrane covering the outside of the glove ensures that your hands won’t get wet. Keeping your hands dry is vital when ice fishing! Also, on the outside of the gloves is reflective material so they are easy to see in low light.

When it comes to comfort and adjustability these ice gloves come equipped with an adjustable wrist closure, so you can velcro it to your perfect fit. The pre-curved finger design allows for more flexibility and dexterity as well.

Glacier Glove Ice Bay Neoprene Gloves

These Ice Bay Glacier gloves are top-notch for ice fishing. They are one of the best designs for fishing gloves for ice fishing out there. They are designed with grip and dexterity in mind. Those features alone make it extremely versatile for other outdoor sports too.

First of all, these gloves are completely waterproof because they are made from Techline neoprene material. On the flip side, they are still warm and comfortable because of the 2mm of fleece lining on the inside, which helps your hands stay warm.

A unique feature of these gloves is the sharkskin texture that covers the exterior. This amplifies grip and functionality working as a non-slip surface capable of handling slippery fish.

Another great thing about these gloves is that they come in almost all sizes. Everywhere from extra small to 2X-large. So, anyone and everyone can find a pair that will fit them.

StrikerICE Stealth Glove

The StrikeICE Stealth Glove is made for ultimate finger dexterity, comfort, and versatility. They’re called stealth because of the way they conform to your hand. So, they aren’t bulky like most other ice fishing gloves. Which makes them very flexible and convenient to complete smaller takes or when working with the braided line on your jigging pole or tip-ups.

These gloves feature a Silicone print palm for increased grip to hold on to your fishing pole and handle fish. Also, the index finger features a tech touch fingertip so you can use your phone without having to take your gloves off in cold weather.

Another great thing about these fishing gloves is that they are actually machine washable, so you can have them fresh and ready to go for each ice fishing trip.

These are waterproof gloves that are made to be immersion-proof and breathable so your hands stay warm and dry in cold weather. They are able to handle the elements and cold water that are inevitable when catching fish and cleaning out an ice hole.

StrikerICE Apex Fishing Gloves

StrikerICE makes another appearance on our list, and this pair of ice fishing gloves are a different style from the previous ones. These quality-made gloves are versatile, flexible, and great in extremely cold conditions.

This ice-fishing glove is designed with durability in mind. The reinforced leather palms give these gloves the strength, durability, and resistance to withstand working with sharp objects or dealing with abrasions. All the while keeping your hand safe and warm for the season after season.

Another feature they sport is a pull tab on the middle finger. This makes them easier to put on and take off as you often will when ice fishing. The seamless wraparound fingertips and pre-curved finger design are there for additional comfort.

When it comes to the warmth they are well equipped to handle the extreme cold and wet conditions that come with the territory of ice fishing. Equipped with 170g of Primaloft Silver insulation on the back and 100g on the front and palm of the glove provides ample protection from the cold.

ICEARMOR Clam Extreme Gloves

This ICEARMOR glove is a heavy-duty and durable option for the devoted ice fisherman that is out there from dawn till dusk. Fortunately, they’re equipped with some reflective piping to stand out in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features is the extended cuff that is adjustable via cinch and drawcord. This offers the security of keeping the gloves on your hands and holding retaining heat. As well as the comfort and convenience of them extending over part of your forearm.

These ice fishing gloves are hand or machine washable too on a gentle cold cycle only. They’re made primarily from polyester and have an Advanta Membrane made into it for waterproofing.

In terms of warmth and insulation, they provide evenly distributed Thinsulate insulation on both the back and palm side. There are 150 grams of insulation spread through the back part and 100 grams cover the palm side. They’ll guarantee to keep your fingers warm in the cold weather conditions.

Our Top Choice

There are some phenomenal ice fishing gloves in our list above. However, there is one that stands out above the rest. The best ice fishing gloves of the options above would have to be the ICEARMOR Clam Extreme Gloves. This pair of cold-weather fishing gloves just goes above and beyond in functionality, warmth, and affordability.

This glove features a variety of sizes that are suitable for almost anyone. The even distribution of the overall 250g of insulation will keep your hands warm, and prevent the struggle and pain of numb fingers.

You don’t have to worry about getting these gloves wet because of the polyester material that will ensure they’re water-resistant and waterproof. They’ll keep the moisture at bay even while working in the snow and ice-catching fish.

Many of the other gloves listed above can provide you with similar features. However, this pair of ICEARMOR is equipped with an extended cuff, and two areas of adjustment to tighten or loosen the fishing gloves to your comfort and size.

They are also machine washable, so you can wash off that fishy smell at the end of the day. Overall, these are the best ice fishing gloves because they’ll reliably keep your hands warm more so than the others. These are the best fishing gloves you’ll want when freshwater fishing in extremely cold temperatures.

How To Choose The Best Ice Fishing Gloves

When determining your ideal pair of extreme cold-weather fishing gloves, there are some key features you need to look for. How you are able to move your hands in them, how well you can grip, and do certain things, to their warmth and waterproofing. These are all features to keep in mind when choosing your ideal pair of ice fishing gloves.

Let’s take a closer look at what the best ice fishing gloves should have to meet your needs:

Dexterity

A major feature that the best winter fishing gloves should have is dexterity. Your ability to move your fingers, and complete tasks while ice fishing that require the use of your fine motor skills, is essential. Baiting a hook or tying knots is not the easiest thing to do when wearing gloves.

So, having flexible gloves that don’t require you to constantly take them off is a huge plus. Great ice fishing gloves won’t require you to take them off to do such tasks often.

Waterproof

Ice fishermen have to deal with a lot of wet elements working against them. There’s the snow, the ice, the actual water once they open up a fishing hole, and slippery fish. So, needless to say, having waterproof fishing gloves is essential.

The biggest risk when spending time outdoors in the extreme cold is getting wet, and having an essential piece of gear get wet. Your gloves are vital, and if they get wet, you’ll be facing risks worse than just cold fingers. Frostbite can set in, in a matter of minutes if the conditions are right.

Waterproof ice fishing gloves are a must if you are an avid ice fisherman, they’ll make your life easier and your time on the ice safer.

For the best waterproof fishing gloves on our list above, you should take a look at the Glacier Glove Ice Bay Neoprene gloves.

Warmth

Your ice fishing gloves should be expected to be warm enough to handle any and all winter temperatures and elements. Knowing the amount of insulation or specific lining material that helps your hands retain heat is helpful when trying to pick out a new pair of gloves for ice fishing.

Remember to always avoid cotton! Look for gloves with fleece lining, wool, partial synthetic leather, synthetic down, or polyester material. Any of these kinds of materials won’t lose their integrity or functionality if they get wet.

Insulated waterproof gloves are ideal for ice fishing as they offer complete coverage and protection for all the elements you will be faced with, and maximize heat retention.

Dimensions and Fit

All gloves are made differently, so some fit better than others. Actually being able to try on a few pairs of gloves before making a decision is generally a good idea. Some run small and you have to go a size up from normal, while others could be the opposite and you have to go a size down, or they fit just right.

Reading reviews when you’re shopping online will usually give you a good idea of how they fit and if you should go the next size up or not.

Also, the adjustability of the gloves can make a big difference. If the gloves feature a Velcro cuff or drawstring that allows you to secure and adjust them to your level of comfort, then that is a huge plus.

Types of Gloves

Always keep your options open because there is a large variety of gloves and mittens that you can choose from. Some people have a preference for mittens over gloves or vice versa, because they keep your fingers warm better than anything else.

If you’re looking for practicality or convenience to make certain tasks while ice fishing easier, then these are other options worth looking at.

Fingerless Gloves

There are more than just full-finger gloves that you can wear for ice fishing. There is always the option of fingerless gloves. Maybe they won’t be your main pair of gloves to keep your hands warm, but they will still offer protection. A fingerless glove will grant you more dexterity so you can tie knots and change baits easily, but your fingers will be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Mittens

Ice fishing mittens are an excellent option when you’re really looking to maximize comfort and warmth. They can function as the main pair you’d wear to keep your fingers warm. Although you’d have to take them off for most smaller tasks. So, having another pair of gloves that would give you the dexterity to complete things like tying knots is a good idea.

Convertible Mittens

The best of both worlds, convertible mittens give you the warmth you need and the ability to work with braided lines and tie knots. This is because the mitten part is able to fold back to expose what would then be a fingerless glove design. It removes the inconvenience of having to take off your mittens constantly to do such things.

However, your fingers are not entirely sealed into the mitten part, so cold air could sneak in through the flap. They also won’t be completely waterproof gloves because of this.

Key Insights & Takeaways

Picking the right pair of fishing gloves for ice fishing can make the difference in whether or not you stay out on the ice all day or just a couple of hours. Any kind of sport that has you out in freezing temperatures with the risk of getting yourself and your gear wet, is no joke. You need to be prepared with the right equipment and knowledge.

Hypothermia and frostbite are very real dangers when you’re exposed to these elements. Your extremities are the first things that will be at risk when you begin to get cold.

The body focuses on keeping your core warm. So, the blood flow and warmth to your fingers are diminished in favor of your core. This is why you see frostbite happening predominately on fingers and toes.

Having the best ice fishing gloves you can get can prevent these dangers. It is truly amazing the difference that good gear can make.

Everyone has different preferences and qualities they look for in a good pair of gloves. So, the list we provided above featured many of the qualities that ice fishermen would look for in a good pair of gloves.