2026 Ice Fishing Shows
Land Castle - September 18-19 - Winsted MN
North Metro Ice Show - October 24 and 25 - Ramsey MN
Dakota Angler Institute - October 30 - November 1st - Sioux Falls SD
St. Paul Ice Fishing Show - December 4-6 - St. Paul MN
Arrowhead Ice Fishing Show - December 11-13 - Duluth MN
Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo - December 11-13 - Oshkosh WI
2026 Ice Fishing Shows
As I write this we are about 75 days away from ice fishing season here in the State of Minnesota. It’s getting colder but lake temps on Mille Lacs are about 70 degrees. I still have a bunch of fall fishing ahead before I break out the ice gear. However it is time to start thinking about ice fishing shows. Here is a list of a few of my favorites
North Metro Ice Show
October 24 and 25 2026 - Ramsey Minnesota
The North Metro Ice show is the first one I usually attend. It’s Saturday October 24th and 25th in Ramsey Minnesota at the Adrenaline Sports Center. It’s not as big as the St. Paul show but a good way to get started. Lots of vendors the big names and a few small ones too. Lots of wheel houses. I remember talking with Dave Genz there, he is so great and is willing to spend time talking ice fishing with this random guy.
The real highlight here is Saturday the moded portable ice fishing shacks. These are portable shacks that are truly taken to the next level by guys in there garage. In past years Jay Peterson has had some really great entries.
St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show
December 4-6 2026 St. Paul Minnesota
https://www.stpaulicefishingshow.com
This is the big one, if you go to one ice fishing show this year this is the one to go to. Don’t forget to attend the seminars and pickup some good tips. The only problem is we often miss this one because it’s December 4-6 2026. By this time I hope to be on the ice. Last year we spent this weekend on red lake catching walleyes, not at the show. If El Niño does now slow down ice making we will be doing the same this year.
Arrowhead Ice Fishing Show
December 11-13 2026 in Duluth
If you are closer to Duluth this could be a good option. It’s even later than the St. Paul show December 11-13 in Duluth (see the link for all the details). I have not attended this one before but if you go let us know how you liked it.
Dakota Angler Institue
October 30 - November 1st 2026 Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center
https://www.dakotaanglericeinstitute.com
I have not attended this one, but it’s the one I would go do if I have time. It’s early enough in the season and I have heard really good things about it.
Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo
December 11-13, 2026 EAA Grounds in Oshkosh, WI
I have not attended this one but looks to have some really good content. They are looking for speakers, maybe we should go?
We’ll update this list as additional shows and events are announced. Let us know https://www.hardwatershow.com/contact if you attend a show and how you liked it. Or if you have a show that is not on this list. They don’t all have to be huge, some of them are at small bait shops. Let us know and we will post it here.
