Minnesota waters the likes of Mille Lacs, Leech, and too many others to name, become covered with woodshed-looking structures the moment would-be-anglers deem ice conditions to be "safe"; understanding of course that "safe" is a relative term. Coined as "permanent fish houses", these edifices vary in size and composition from itty-bitty rickety shacks to luxurious adobes that sleep a dozen or more winter anglers. But a common thread amongst permanent fish houses of all classes is that they are just that, permanent.

Oh sure, any fish house that is dragged out early in the season, and consequently removed at season’s end can most definitely be moved from spot to spot in between. But realistically, how many permanent houses get regularly relocated in association with fish movements? Far too many permanent shelters hit the ice, are strategically placed, then sit dormant for weeks, only to collect snow banks and ice walls.

Moving a large permanent shelter is a major undertaking. Internal heat emitted from a fish house causes contacting ice and snow to melt, and once occupants have left and things cool down, the resulting water re-freezes and puts a "death grip" on the shelter’s foundation. Plenty of chiseling, lifting, pushing, and pulling are required to first free, then relocate the beast. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an ice fishing shelter that offered the comfort and amenities associated with a permanent house, but had mobility characteristics of a portable? There is…

A handful of Minnesota based manufacturers now build what are considered "fish houses on wheels". These ingenious shelters have taken the ice fishing industry by storm! Whoever thought that someday you could own a well-constructed 8’ X 12’ fish house, and with it, jig Mille Lacs perch on Friday, rig tip-ups on Lake Winnibigoshish on Saturday, and finish up the weekend on Lake of the Woods hooking walleyes? It happens all the time.

Regardless of specific design, the essential theory behind wheeled fish houses is to have a permanent shelter that can be raised and lowered on its attached trailer. The trailers raise and lower via cables and a winch, or in some situations, hydraulics. As the fish house is lowered its trailer wheels retract and settle alongside. When its time to relocate or call it day, simply crank up a side, lock it in place, crank up the other side, lock it in place, hitch-up, and drive away... Hand winch models can be easily cranked-up by a single angler. Tongue weights vary according manufacturer design and overall fish house size. Trailer tongues on some units can be physically lifted and placed on a vehicle hitch, others require use of an adjustable trailer jack. Always be careful to avoid back injury when lifting a trailer tongue; also, it’s easy to forget how much tongue weight increases once heavy gear is put inside the house.

If your vehicle can tow a boat, it can pull one of these babies. Fish houses on wheels also come complete with street legal trailer lights and wiring harness. Once on the ice, a lot of anglers shuttle their fish house on wheels around with an ATV.

There are two basic exterior designs available. Manufacturers such as King Crow Co., Frank’s RV Service, Inc., and Performance Engineering specialize in corrosive free aluminum paneling. Al Poach and The Fish House Store, two other notable fish house builders, produce wood sided versions. Paned- insulated, and even sliding windows are other common features offered by each and every one of these businesses.

Typical exterior dimensions range from 8’ X 6.5’ or 8’ X 8’ to 16’ X 6.5’ or 16’ X 8’. These are average sizes, and every manufacturer has their own specifications. Plus, when asked, these folks will build them to whatever size your fishing party requires.

The sky’s the limit when considering interior design. True, manufacturers have a handful of basic plans they work from, but rarely will two identical houses pass each other on the highway. Personalization is a trademark of the industry. Rarely is a request turned down if its legal and you have the means to pay for it.

Inside a furnished model you’ll find insulation, interior paneling, a thermostatic heating system, cooking stove, cupboards galore, 12-volt lighting system, indoor/outdoor carpeting, fish holes with covers, and bunks. The next level takes you into amenities such as bench seating, running water with a sink and shower, ceiling fans, refrigerator, more storage, more windows (and bigger ones), window treatments, generator, customized paneling, and just about anything else that comes to mind. Each manufacturer has their own limit, or lack of a limit, as to what they’ll throw on, so it’s up to you to call around.

"Gutted" fish houses are also available. They sell numerous unfinished shelters, which consist of just the bare bones trailer and shell, leaving interior design up to the purchaser. Do-it-yourselfers and the budget conscious should consider this option.

Most heating systems are propane fueled and thermostatically controlled. Exterior LP tanks and regulators sit on the trailer tongue; interior heating configurations vary. Again, if you have a specific idea in mind, share it with the builder upon placing an order.

All this talk about comfort and luxury without a single mention of why you’re on the ice in the first place, which is to catch fish! Holes, or floor cutouts, are strategically placed near benches, bunks, and other "fishable" locations. Fully automated houses even offer rattle-reels, automatic jigging devices, and lights directly above the holes. What else could a guy want? How about an exterior antenna and TV hook-up? You got it! I’ll raise you a livewell. It’s yours! Getting the idea? A fella can have it all…

Listing of Ice fishing fish house companies :