5 Best Ice Fishing Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles were first built to move cargo and passengers over the winter landscape. Designed specifically for icy and snowy terrains, like hand and glove, snowmobiles are a natural fit for ice fishing.

Since their simple utility vehicle beginnings, we have designed many types of snowmobiles for different applications. Some excel at racing, while others rocket up mountainsides. Don’t forget the two-seater touring snowmobile that traverses the trails as if you’re taking a Sunday afternoon cruise in grandpa’s caddy.

The challenge an ice angler faces when deciding which snowmobile model is best for him is a two-pronged decision. First, is your snowmobile only for ice fishing? Second, what options do I really need on my snowmobile?

In this article, I’m going to review five snowmobiles best suited to meet the specific needs of ice fishing. Following the reviews, you’ll find an in-depth buyer’s guide to help steer you through the selection process. So, if you’re ready to learn more about choosing the right snowmobile for ice fishing, read on.

Review of the Five Best Snowmobiles For Ice Fishing

I know there will be a lot of conflicting opinions about which snowmobile is best. But try to remember, in this roundup of snowmobiles I am targeting sleds that are best suited to the needs of ice fishing. With that idea in mind, let’s look at the ice fishing environment.

Not only do you ice fish on frozen lakes and rivers, but you’ll often encounter:

• Low snow or no snow conditions.
• Hard-packed snow.
• Harsh windy environments.
• The need to haul a lot of gear to a fishing site.

Now, we’ll dig into which snowmobiles are best for ice fishing.

1) The Best Entry-level 2-stroke – Yamaha Venom Transporter Lite

The trail model uses a newly designed lightweight chassis that helps keep down its cost, making it Yamaha’s entry-level sled, and a good fit for both newbie riders and youth. They build the Venom models with 65 hp 400cc single-cylinder, 2-stroke engines.

Both the SX Venom and the Venom Transporter Lite are good entry-level models for the ice angler.

The Venom Transport Lite is a better choice because of its longer and wider track (146x16x1.6) as opposed to the SX Venom’s 121X14x1.6 track. The Transporter Lite also has a generous built-in luggage rack for your gear.

Yamaha builds all three sleds in the Venom lineup with a 400cc, 65 hp. engine. But 450cc or larger engine would be a plus.

What we Like:

• A 400cc, 65 hp, 2-stroke, air-cooled engine speeds up well.
• Lightweight chassis makes it easier for younger or less experienced users to ride.
• A long, wide track, 146x16x1.6 gives good traction.
• Good snow clearance in the rear suspension makes room for 10.7” of travel, while the front suspension allows 7.2” of travel.
• Articulated rear suspension.
• A built-in luggage rack for your gear.
• Mountain skis.

What we don’t like:

• The SX Venom could use a larger engine, as it only has a 400cc engine.

2) The Best Rec-Utility Snowmobile – Polaris Voyageur 155

Next in our lineup is the Polaris Voyageur 155. This entry from Polaris features an impressive 550cc, 2-stroke, fan fan-cooled engine suited to intermediate and above riders. Equipped with wide Pro Float skis and Polaris Cobra 15 x 155 x 1.6  track, bites deep into any icy lake or hard-packed snow.

The RMK adjustable suspension has nine inches of travel, while the articulated rear suspension gives fifteen inches of travel. They’ve used Polaris IFPg piston shocks for long life, control in the front, and control on the front and rear shocks.

This rec/utility sled features an integrated luggage rack and towing hitch that serve well when hauling lumber or your ice fishing gear. And the Pro-Ride front suspension and the Voyageurs articulated rear suspension, make it easy to be in control, whether you’re pulling your gear or out cruising trails.

The drive system used on the Voyageur 155 is an older style chaincase drive. The chains can stretch and need regular adjustments. We would have preferred to see Polaris use their Quick drive belt system for longer life and a lighter sled.

What we like:

• A powerful 550 cc twin-cylinder, 2-stroke, fan-cooled, carbureted, engine speeds up quickly and has the power to spare for all your hauling needs.
• The transmission/clutch is the CVTECH® PowerBloc50 / Invance.
• Front Suspension is the RMK® Adjustable with Polaris IFP (Individual floating Piston) and a generous 9 inches of travel.
• The rear suspension is INDY® Articulated with IFP shocks and an impressive 15 inches of travel.
•  The brakes are RMK® Hydraulic.
• Floats well on the snow thanks to Pro Float skis and Polaris Cobra 15 x 155 x 1.6  track that also bites deep in icy lake surfaces.
• The cost won’t break the bank.

What we don’t like:

• Polaris cut corners by using their old-style chaincase drive instead of their newer, lighter, and more durable Quick Drive belt system.

3) The Best Utility Touring Snowmobile – The Yamaha Transport 800 

The Yamaha Transport is a solid utility snowmobile that boasts both lightness and power thanks to its 794cc, C-TEC 2-stroke, fan-cooled, two-cylinder engine. The 165 hp, 794cc, C-TEC, 2-stroke engine is a collaboration between Arctic Cat and Yamaha.

A 153x16x2.25 Camso Bear Claw track puts the power to spare into the ground, easily transports you and all your gear to and from any fishing site. Mountain skis and seats, with a built-in luggage rack and tow hitch, plus high fuel capacity, make this sled a good choice for the ice angler.

What we like:

• 704 cc, 2-stroke, fan-cooled, two-cylinder, C-Tec engine.
• Electronic start, with backup pull-start.
• Articulated, long track front and rear suspension, with 13.5 inch rear travel and 9.5-inch front travel.
• 153x16x2.5 inch Bear Claw track for maximum traction.
• Lightweight CVT transmission/clutch.
• Electronic fuel injection with a 13.7-gallon fuel capacity.
• Built-in luggage racks and towing hitch.

What we don’t like:

• The purchase price is on the high end.

4) The Dream Machine – The Polaris Titan Adventure 155

This is the snowmobile you buy for ice fishing, logging, trail riding, and anything else you can do with a snowmobile. I wanted to include one do anything snowmobile in this roundup, so this one breaks a few Guidelines.

First, it’s a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled sled, so it is heavier, but the Titan’s 800cc high output clean fire fuel-injected engine, it’s extra long & wide (155 x 20 x 1.8) Cobra track will easily drive the sled through any conditions you encounter.

Titan’s AXYS platform positions the rider for easy riding if alone, or with a passenger, and/or towing cargo, It has excellent control in all riding situations and delivers optimal comfort and impressive handling in fresh deep snow or on windswept icy lakes.

The suspension is the perfect union of an articulated adjustable rear suspension and the AXYS front suspension, with adjustable Fox QS3 shocks at all pivot points. There is an ample 9.5 inches of travel in the front and 16.5 inches of travel in the rear.

What we like:

• Powerful 800cc H.O. 4-stroke twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.
• Clean fire fuel injection and electronic ignition.
• TITAN® Hydraulic Alpha transmission has high, low, reverse, and neutral gear ranges.
• Integrated disc brake idler system.
• Front AXYS suspension has 9.5 inches of travel. The articulated rear suspension has 16.5 inches of travel.
• Drive track features the Polaris Cobra design tread and is 155 inches long & 20.5 inches wide.
• Ample integrated cargo storage with a built-in tow hitch and a 1,550 lbs winch.

What we don’t like

• Dry weight is 605 lb (274 kg), Which is heavy for ice fishing since it doesn’t include the rider or gear.

5) A Solid Pre-owned Utility – 2019 Yamaha VK 540 Utility Snowmobile

Our last entry nearly broke the bank, so I wanted to look at a Pre-owned sled, the Yamaha VK 540, with an excellent history and reputation for durability. With this pick, you’re looking at a three to four-year-old sled whose previous owner took the hit on depreciation, so you can get one for a good price.

Take the time to go over any used sled and run the VIN number before buying. The following buyer’s guide gives pointers on checking out a used snowmobile.

The 2019 Yamaha VK 540 came in several models. We’ll be looking at the utility model today. It has a 535cc, twin-cylinder, fan-cooled engine, with a naturally aspirated, heated Mikuni carburetor. The 2019 engine used about 25% more gas than current models.

Polaris built the frame to get the job done in any condition. It uses a 156-inch-long, 20-inch wide 1.5 Casmo Cobra WT track to grip on icy lakes. As a utility sled, the VK 540 easily handles the stress of heavy hauling, so you know it can carry your ice fishing gear.

The front suspension uses struts for easy handling. A used Yamaha VK 540 is well worth looking at, and with some care, can haul your fishing gear for years to come, at a fraction of the cost of a new sled.

What we like:

• Quick and responsive 535ccs, twin-cylinder, fan-cooled engine.
• Heated carburetor.
• Hugh weight capacity.
• Extra-wide and long Casmo Cobra WT track.

What we don’t like:

• Front struts limit adjustments to the front suspension.

A Buyer’s Guide to Snowmobiles for Ice Fishing

Snowmobiles are the obvious choice for ice fishing, but you have a lot of choices to consider.

This includes the engine size, cooling system, transmissions, suspensions, and steering systems. In this article, I’m going to review 5 snowmobiles that best meet the specific needs of ice anglers.

In the following buyer’s guide to choosing the best snowmobile for ice fishing, we’ll explore the pros and cons of all these areas. Then discuss which ones best meet the specific demands of ice fishing, to help you choose right the first time.

Will You be Buying a New or Used Snowmobile? 

The choices you need to make when buying a snowmobile vary dramatically, depending on whether you’re buying a new sled or a used one. More times than not, how much cash you bring to the table governs those choices.

A well-maintained snowmobile can be your next ice fishing ride for years to come if you know what to look for and continue proper maintenance. In the section below, we’ll discuss parts you should inspect when considering a used snowmobile.

What to Look for in a Used Snowmobile?

If you’re not the mechanical type, bring a trusted friend who is and if you are, it’s still a good idea to get a second opinion. Two sets of eyes are better than one.

The following are things you should note before deciding to buy.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication is key to limiting wear and corrosion.

Look for signs of grease or lubricant on suspension, pivot points, and steering parts. Also, look for it in other moving parts such as drive pulleys or drive track assembly.

Rear Suspension 

The rear suspension has several jobs, the first is obviously to absorb shock and control the roll of the sled. A second and equally important task is to keep the sled suspended, providing clearance for deep snow while pressing the tracks into the snow for maximum traction.

To test the rear suspension, press the sled down as far as possible. If it goes down too easily and bounces up wildly, the shocks need replacing.

Sled Frame Wheels

While at the sled’s back end, check out the sled’s frame wheels. If they make noise, are loose or wobbly when spun, they will need replacement soon. Signs of overheating, such as melting or burning, in the frame wheels can show heavy wear on the engine.

Front suspension

To check the front suspension, press down firmly and evenly. The front end should rebound in a controlled bounce. If it bounces any more than that, you’ll be replacing the shocks.

Next, lift the front end and inspect the skis for unusual wear and straightness. Then firmly shake the skis If they are overly loose, the bushing is worn and proper alignment may not be possible. The steering will probably need repairs soon.

Engine and Clutches

Check the engine for oil blowout around the heads that could show a blown head gasket, also check for obvious cracks in the cylinder heads, the block, or damage to the cooling fins.

Inspect the belt running into the clutches. If excessively dusty or cracked, it will need to be replaced. Pay attention to the motor mounts, heavily worn or broken mounts mean they have ridden hard in the sled.

Run VIN Number

Like cars and trucks, snowmobiles have to have a 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number. You can use this number to order vehicle history reports telling you about ownership history, recalls, accident or repair history, theft reports, and more.

To check VIN for free, click here.

Once you’ve run the VIN, and after you’ve inspected all the key parts, if the sled appears to be in good repair and well maintained, you can move ahead confidently to buy the used snowmobile.

As for buying new, we’ll revisit that topic after we discuss all the things you need to know to make the right choice.

Types of Snowmobiles

• Touring Snowmobiles
  • These two-seat snowmobiles are comfort-focused, heavy with long tracks, and turn slowly. Good for long slow rides in one direction.

• Trail Snowmobiles
  • Good for beginners because they are smaller and lightweight with fan-cooled 2-stroke engines that are easy to manage and inexpensive

• Racing or Performance snowmobiles
  • Their name says it all, they build them for high-speed competitive riding. These models are best left to expert riders.

• Work or Utility Snowmobiles
  • These models are heavier and built to haul cargo, groom trails, emergency transport, and more. They have a reverse gear and are good all-around sleds.

• Youth Snowmobiles
  • They are smaller sized to accommodate younger riders. They also have features targeted at protecting your kids.
    First, you can limit their maximum speed. Second, they also have a cord attached to the sled’s keys. If your child falls off, the keys pull out, effectively shutting down the engine.

• Mountain Snowmobiles
  • These sleds have high output engines adjusted to perform in the thinner mountain air. They are higher for deeper snow and more narrow to pass through smaller trails.

Of all the types available, utility Snowmobiles and trail snowmobiles are best suited for ice fishing.

Utility sleds use low gear ratios to haul heavy loads. They often have built-in cargo racks and longer, wider tracks that float the sled better while producing more traction. They are available with 2-Stroke or 4-stroke, fan, or liquid-cooled engines. We’ll talk more about these later.

Trail snowmobiles are a good choice because they are less expensive, lighter, and have good acceleration thanks to the 2-stroke, fan-cooled engines typically found in trail models.

If you buy a new trail model, have it built with the longest, widest track available. If you buy used, look for one with longer, wider tracks.

Engine type and size

2-Stroke VS 4-Stroke

Which is best, a two-stroke or 4-stroke engine? It all comes down to choice and overall intended use.

2-strokes remain popular because they have been the primary engine type in snowmobiles for decades. They speed up faster than a 4-stroke, they’re louder, burn oil, and use twice the gas. But they are lighter and require less maintenance.

Ever since 4-strokes first appeared in snowmobiles, complaints of hard starting and poor acceleration have mostly vanished. As for the myth of higher maintenance, if you give them a yearly oil change and the same common sense care you give your car or truck, they will outlast a 2-stroke engine.

4-stroke engines produce more torque, run smoother and quieter, and use less gas. The only strike against them is they make your sled significantly heavier.

If you’re going to use your snowmobile solely for ice fishing and worry about weight, the lighter 2-stroke models are the way to go. However, if you see yourself trail riding or hauling cargo, then a 4-stroke model will serve you well for years to come.

Engine Size

For ice fishing, the smallest size engine you should consider is 450ccs, anything smaller, and you’ll have a hard time pushing your sled through deeper snow and rough icy terrain.

Weight is another consideration. Will you be pulling an ice house out on the lake, or do you plan on hauling cargo as well? If this is the case, look for a sled with 600ccs or better, but if it’s just you and your gear, 450-550ccs will do the job.

Cooling System

Snowmobiles use either fan-cooled engines or liquid-cooled engines. The specific environments of ice fishing favor the fan-cooled models.

Let’s look at how both systems work to understand why fan-cooled is better for ice fishing.

Liquid Cooled Systems

Liquid-cooled engines are heavier and more complex cooling systems using radiators, coolant, and heat exchangers. The primary cooling comes from heat exchangers. Snow continually thrown off the skis or tracks covers the heat exchangers and cools the liquid running through them.

In the icy and hard-packed snow conditions common to ice fishing, liquid-cooled sleds can overheat because too little snow hits the heat exchangers to lower the temperature of the coolant flowing through them. The result is marginal cooling or overheating with prolonged use.

Air or Fan Cooled Systems

In air or fan-cooled engine, the cylinder head has a network of thin fins covering the cylinder head. These fins increase the surface area of the cylinder head and facilitate the rapid dissipation of engine heat as cool air blows over them via a network of cooling fans.

The system cools properly without snow, in freezing weather, or warmer temperatures. When the sled is in motion, cooling increases further from cold air tunneled to the cylinder heads via a system of air scoops on the body and shroud of the snowmobile.

The fan-cooled engine’s ability to cool properly in low or no snow conditions makes it the better choice for ice fishing.

Transmissions and Drivetrain

Snowmobiles use a CVT transmission or a Constantly Variable transmission drive system. All that means is, centrifugal force causes a pair of clutches to move the drive belt to different pulleys at specific speeds to cause gear changes or shifting. The system is much like your car’s automatic transmission.

The drive system comprises a chain routing power directly to the tracks and into the ground. There is no reverse gear per se. You put the sled into reverse via a lever that changes the direction of the gears’ rotation.

Tracks are part of the drive system. When buying a new snowmobile, you want to order it with the longest, widest tracks available. Utility models have an advantage here because longer, wider tracks are part of their design. The same applies when buying a used snowmobile. Look for a sled with a longer, wider track. Wide tracks give you better traction, but they will slow you down a bit.

Suspensions

For front suspensions, you want individual A-arms and fully adjustable coil-over spring-loaded shocks. Also, make a proper front end for easy steering and less wear.

Rear suspensions are more complex. They use mid and rear independent A-arms with coil-over spring-loaded shocks gliding on twin side rails to buffer shock absorption and side-to-side roll. Make sure the shocks are fully adjustable.

The suspension system is not the place to save money. It’s better to put the best parts you can afford in the suspension. A well-tuned suspension can be the difference between feeling beat up or ready for more.

Steering Systems

Skis are part of both the steering and suspension systems. Once again, you want skis that are longer and wider to float the sled more. Once again, wider skis will slow you down and make turning more difficult.

Most snowmobiles use a manual steering system. Electronic power-assisted steering is becoming available on more and more models.

Brakes

Disc brakes are pretty much standard on snowmobiles.

Storage Capacity

Look for a model with built-in storage or at least built-in hardware to allow the addition of storage racks or attach a sled to haul large items. You have a lot of gear to haul when hauling

Are You Buying New?

Now we know about the options. I’m not saying the best snowmobile overall, but the best snowmobile specifically for ice fishing.

Wrapping it All Up

We’ve looked at dream machines, practically get it done middle-of-the-road snowmobiles, and even suggested a solid used model with good industry and user reputation. We also looked at how to inspect a used sled and which features you want in any snowmobile, new or used.

After all that, If I were buying a snowmobile for just ice fishing today, I would look around for a well-maintained 2019 Yamaha VK 540 utility sled. It’s okay to look at sleds a year or two older, as long as you examine them well.

It has the power you need, an air-cooled engine, cargo space, long wide tracks, and disc brakes. That’s all you need if you’re just using it for ice fishing.

If you’re going to use it for ice fishing and other winter fun, I’d go with the Polaris Voyageur 155. It has all the key points, a powerful 550cc air-cooled, 2-stroke engine, long, wide tracks, good cargo capacity, and adjustable rear and front suspensions.

Choose either of these models and your ice fishing outings will be a snap for years to come