Castles on the Ice
By Edna Sailor
Bite the Ice 2016 is complete and many ice houses have left for home. In any case, the ice houses of today are not those of yesteryear. Much has changed in the ice fishing industry over the past several decades. With today’s experience on the ice it is possible to witness ice houses from the simple to the sublime.
Clayton Folden, professional fishing guide since 1980, has been around the area to notice these changes occur.
"Many years ago what we most commonly saw were smaller home built sheds with plywood or canvas stretched over them. They were placed on axles and could be pulled out on the ice to the fishing site. Now we see a lot of changes with these Ice Castles that cost $20,000 or $30,000 showing up these days. They are massive in some cases and have all of the comforts of home," Folden said.
Indeed a quick look on the internet alone provides an education about a multitude of updates in fish houses. They are comfortable, well heated comfort stations for those who are willing to brave the elements in pursuit of their sport and spend the money to do so.
