First ice is equal parts excitement and chaos. You’ve been waiting months to roll the Yetti out of the driveway, but nothing kills the hype faster than realizing you forgot something essential—or discovering a problem once you’re already parked on the lake.

Before you tow your Yetti onto the ice for the first time this season, run through this checklist. A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth, safe, and comfortable first trip.

1. Trailer & Tow Setup

Before the Yetti ever touches ice, make sure it’s road- and lake-ready.

Checklist:

• Inspect tires for proper pressure and dry rot
• Check lug nuts and torque if needed
• Test trailer lights and brake lights
• Verify hitch, safety chains, and breakaway cable
• Grease pivot points and jack

Pro Tip: Cold temps magnify small problems. If something feels “almost fine,” fix it now.

2. Ice Safety Comes First

Trucks and trailers rolling onto the ice en-masse offer a false sense of security. Ice thickness matters even more at the beginning of the season, so do your due diligence out there before hitting the ice.

Checklist:

• Check anything that doesn’t look right with a spud bar or chisel
• Float suit or life jacket
• Throw rope or rescue bag
• Check recent ice reports nearby, and head out of a resort road first if possible to avoid any problems
• Mark known pressure ridges and access points

Rule of Thumb: Just because trucks are out doesn’t mean your route is safe.

3. Propane, Heat & Power

No heat = no fun. No power = dead electronics and dark evenings.

Checklist:

• Full propane tanks (bring a spare)
• Inspect propane lines and fittings for leaks
• Test furnace before the trip
• Fully charged batteries
• Generator serviced and test-run
• Extension cords and power strip packed
• CO detector working (fresh batteries)

Pro Tip: Fire the heater up at home before the season. Out on the hardwater is not the time to troubleshoot.

4. Inside the Yetti: Functional Check

Once you’re on the ice, you want to fish—not fix things.

Checklist:

• Hole sleeves packed
• Rattle reels functioning
• Seats and bunks secured
• Table mounts tight
• Windows and vents opening freely
• Door seals intact
• Ice scoop and slush bucket ready

5. Fishing Gear & Electronics

Hard houses shine when you’re dialed—don’t forget the basics.

Checklist:

• Ice rods rigged and ready
• Extra line and leaders
• Jigs, spoons, and live bait storage
• Underwater camera charged
• Flasher/GPS updated and tested
• Lake maps downloaded in onX Fish for offline use
• Waypoints saved for first-ice spots

Pro Tip: Fish locations and action can change fast. Having a few waypoints in mind before you hit the ice saves time and fuel.

6. On-the-ice Odds and Ends 

Here’s a few items that have saved us over the years.

Checklist:

• Heavy duty tow-strap
• Extra pins
• Shovel for banking or leveling
• Blocks if conditions are concerning for freeze-down
• Door mat or rug for slush control

7. Comfort & Overnight Essentials

If you’re staying overnight—or even fishing late—comfort matters.

Checklist:

• Food, water, and snacks
• Extra gloves, hats, and base layers
• Bedding and sleeping bags
• Headlamps and spare batteries
• Paper towels, trash bags, wipes
• Portable toilet or access plan

Final Check Before You Hit the Ice

Before you roll onto the lake:

• Confirm access conditions
• Share your plan with someone off-ice
• Double-check weather and wind
• Trust your gut—if something feels off, wait

Ready to Roll

Early ice in a Yetti is one of the best experiences in hard-water fishing—quiet ice, aggressive fish, and the comfort of a warm shelter. A solid checklist ensures your season starts right and stays that way.

Prep smart. Fish hard. And enjoy every minute on the ice.