What is an ice auger used for?

Ice augers are used in winter fishing to cut holes up to 12 inches in diameter in ice for access to the water. They are available in both manual and mechanical forms.

Ice fishing is popular in cold areas like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario. In some locations the ice is thick enough that anglers camp in small temporary buildings atop the ice. Walleye, crappie, perch, pike and trout are commonly caught in winter. Fishermen use an auger to initially drill through the ice, which may be four inches thick, then use a chisel to widen the opening. Some anglers sit in the open while they await their catch, while others fish from inside their shelters.