
Best Ice Fishing Scoop in 2021-22
There’s nothing more annoying than taking your eyes off your rod for a few minutes to enjoy a dramatic snowy landscape only to find that your carefully crafted hole has filled up with slush. Is there fish down there? Was that a nibble? Who knows when your visibility is ruined and your line’s navigating its way around tiny icebergs. Scoops might not be the flashiest piece of ice fishing gear around, but they are essential nonetheless.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Ice Fishing Scoops
- Deep Freeze Ice SkimmerBest All-Rounder
- Berkley Ice Fishing ScoopBest Budget
- Rapala Retractable Mega ScoopBest of the Best
There are loads of options out there that use different materials, are different sizes, and have quirky extra features – but don’t worry, we’ve scoped out the scoops, and here is our top selection.
OUR TOP PICKS
![]() | Best All-Rounder Deep Freeze Ice Skimmer
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![]() | Best Budget Berkley Ice Fishing Scoop
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![]() | Jiffy Chipper Dipper
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![]() | Frabill Ice Deluxe Scooper
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![]() | Best of the Best Rapala Retractable Mega Scoop
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![]() | Celsius Telescopic Skimmer
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![]() | Lacko 700 Slush Skimmer
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![]() | Celsius Chisel-N-Dip Ice Scoop
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Best Ice Fishing Scoops
Deep Freeze Ice Skimmer
Setting the bar high is the Deep Freeze Ice Skimmer. With three different size skimmer diameters available (6”, 8”, and 10”) you can choose the skimmer that suits you. Can’t make your mind up? No problem! You can detach the skimmer and attach another when you change holes. This skimmer uses a unique mechanism to clear that slush as quickly as possible.
By inserting the scoop with the skimmer head collapsed against the handle, the surface area becomes super small making it easy to push through the slush. When you’re through the ice, you can expand the skimmer head and pull up to remove the debris – simple!
Not only is the base collapsible, but it’s also made of sturdy plastic, reducing the weight and making this a good portable option. The handle itself is made of rubber-coated steel to add comfort while not compromising on durability, and the rods themselves are made of zinc-plated steel. The main limitations of this skimmer are that it doesn’t work so well beyond 20 inches of ice and it isn’t the cheapest option out there.
Pros
- Uses an innovative clearing mechanism
- Different size bases are available
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Doesn’t work well beyond 20 inches of ice
- Expensive
Berkley Ice Fishing Scoop
If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, but that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Berkley Ice Fishing Scoop is a steal. Although there’s a flex nylon option available, we’d recommend opting for the all-metal version instead, as its solid stainless-steel construction means it can stand the test of time.
Being made entirely of steel does, however, mean that this device is one of our heaviest choices, and it will sink quicker than the plastic options if it takes a tumble down a hole. It doesn’t come with any kind of wrist attachment either (although it does have a hole to put one through), so it would be a wise move to order one of those separately.
On the flip side, it does have a 15” engraved ruler for measuring fish, or even ice, on its handle, and also includes a handy chisel – perfect for keeping that ice build-up at bay. One thing to watch out for is that the scoop itself is just under 6” in diameter, so it might not be a bit of a squeeze with the smaller 6” holes. Aside from that, this is a solid and very affordable option to meet your scooping needs.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Built-in chisel and ruler
Cons
- Not great with holes <6”
Jiffy Chipper Dipper
If you like the sound of an in-built chisel and ruler but you want to focus on those smaller holes, then the Jiffy Chipper Dipper will be right up your street. Its 4.75” ladle makes it suitable for those rarer 5” holes and is made of plastic helps to keep the weight down, although for what you get it is a little on the pricey side.
Pros
- Can be used with 5” holes
- In-built chisel and ruler
Cons
- Expensive
Frabill Ice Deluxe Scooper
Say goodbye to back strain and hello to the Frabill Ice Deluxe Scooper! With a handle of three feet there’s no need to spend time hunched over your holes. This giant of a scoop is designed to rapidly clear ice from holes at least 8” in size and comes with a 30” engraved ruler on its handle.
The scoop part itself is built with polypropylene and reinforced nylon to withstand those sub-zero temperatures better than your average plastic, and it even comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth. The main downside of this scoop is that its solid design and large size mean you can’t slip it your bag as easily as some of the other options out there, so it might not be your number one choice if portability is your main concern.
Pros
- Long handle prevents back strain
- Large scoop clears big holes rapidly
- Sturdy and durable
- In-built ruler
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not very portable
- Not great with holes <8”
Rapala Retractable Mega Scoop
If you like the sound of a longer handle but you also want something you can pop in your bag, then the Rapala Retractable Mega Scoop is ideal. At its full length, the handle extends to just under 3 feet, but it folds away nicely to just 21 inches. You can also fold the scoop flat against the handle and the whole thing together weighs just 10.4 ounces, making it one of our lightest picks.
Not only does this make packing a breeze but it you can fish from the comfort of your chair – what a winner! You can be sure you’ll hang on to this scope too thanks to its on-built wrist lanyard. Again, the scoop itself, which is made of plastic, is fairly large, so you’ll want to stick with holes at least 7” wide.
Pros
- Extended handle prevents back strain
- Foldable handle and scoop make it easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Large scoop clears big holes rapidly
- Built-in wrist strap
Cons
- Not great with holes <7
Celsius Telescopic Skimmer
If you’re on the hunt for something that will make back pain a thing of the past but can also be used with those smaller holes, then look no further than the Celsius Telescopic Skimmer. With the scooping part measuring just 4.5” in diameter it’s a versatile option that can be used with most holes, although it might be a bit slow if you’re working with those larger augers.
The scoop itself is made of solid metal the handle is made of durable rubber, providing a sturdy design solid grip, which is a good thing as it doesn’t come with a wrist strap (although there is a hole to attach one).
Pros
- Extendable handle prevents back strain
- Foldable handle makes it easy to carry
- Suitable for most holes
- Durable
Cons
- Not great with larger holes
Lacko 700 Slush Skimmer
If price is a concern for you, then why not opt for the Lacko 700 Slush Skimmer. This nifty little number has a no-frills approach, bringing you a simple design at a fraction of the usual cost. It also happens to be incredibly lightweight – weighing in at a meagre 1.6 ounces – and its all-metal handle has a handy curve at the top for storage. It might not last you a lifetime, but at this price at least you can afford to buy a couple.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- No extra features (chisel, ruler, or wrist strap/hole)
- Lacks rubber gripping on handle
- Could be more durable
Celsius Chisel-N-Dip Ice Scoop
The Celsius Chisel-N-Dip Ice Scoop is one of the most durable options out there, and it comes at a very reasonable price. The all-metal design won’t falter in icy waters and it has a hefty ice chipper on its end – so strong you can even use it to reopen permanent holes.
Although it doesn’t have a rubber grip, the handle is 26” long so is very kind on the back, and it also has a hole for attaching a wrist strap. Attaching one is probably a good idea seeing as this is our heaviest featured scooper, weighing in at a whopping 141 ounces! But if you don’t mind lugging it around with you, this scooper makes a solid addition to your ice fishing gear.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Very durable
- Long handle prevents back strain
- Built-in ice chipper
- Hole for wrist strap
Cons
- Extremely heavy
- Lacks rubber gripping on handle
What to Look For
As you’ve seen, scoops can range from simple ladle-like objects to carefully designed gadgets with unique features. When trying to find the right one for you, it’s important to consider these key aspects:
Scoop diameter
The first thing you want to check is that the scoop will fit your hole… seriously. Scoops tend to be designed based on the most commonly used ice auger diameters (6”, 8” and 10”), but be careful not to assume anything – check out what the seller really means when they say a scoop suits ‘large’ or ‘small’ holes. And bear in mind, if you’ll be putting other electronic gear in your hole, you may need to leave some extra space.
Material
The main choice here is between plastic and metal. Although metals tend to be sturdier, they can add a lot of extra weight to your scoop and there are a lot of durable plastics out there these days. Metals can also increase your price tag, so if you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, plastic might be the way to go. Watch out for the lower range plastics though, as they can’t always stand up to sub-zero temperatures. Rubber handles are a nice touch too, as they help you to keep hold of your scoop even with thick gloves on.
Portability
Depending on your circumstances, portability can be a big factor. Retractable handles can make a huge difference to the overall dimensions of a scoop, and they have the added bonus of letting you fish from a chair. Heads that fold flat against the handle also reduce overall bulkiness and help when squeezing scoops in your bag, but this can also make scoops more prone to breaking. A nifty way to save some space is opting for a scoop with a built-in chisel, as it saves you from carrying one of those separately.
Our top three…
You might be feeling a bit snowed under with all the great options out there, but don’t worry… we’ve ploughed through them all to bring you our top 3 scoops.
If you’re on a budget, we reckon the Berkley Ice Fishing Scoop is your best bet. It might not be as cheap as the Lacko 700 Slush Skimmer, but by paying just a little bit more you get a lot in return. Its solid all-metal design means it won’t break in those icy waters, and although this makes it a little on the heavy side at least you don’t have to lug around an ice chisel as it has one of those included. It also has a ruler engraved so you save money having to pick up one of those too, and with a hole for a wrist strap, you shouldn’t need to replace it anytime soon.
- Solid steel construction
- Includes ice chisel
The allrounder is the Deep Freeze Ice Skimmer. With three different and changeable heads available, this bit of gear can be used with any sized hole. The mixture of a plastic base and metal rods provides durability without excessive heaviness, and the handle has a nice rubber coating so you won’t let it slip. The head can be folded against the rods, enabling ease of packing as well as providing a unique method of scooping. Although it isn’t the cheapest option it’s not the most expensive either, and it’s definitely worth investing in something this well designed.
- ADJUSTABLE - The Deep Freeze Ice Fishing Pro Edition skimmer is compatible with the 6”, 8”, or 10” ice skimmer plate. Whether you're fishing on thin or thick ice, the 24" uprights ensure effective performance that’s easy on your back. This ice scooper is versatile and reliable, making it a great addition to any ice fishing gear collection. Its durable construction ensures longevity, even in the harshest winter conditions.
- EFFICIENT SLUSH REMOVAL - This ice fishing skimmer is expertly designed to efficiently remove slush from your ice fishing hole. Its accurately sized ice scoop and sturdy construction ensure quick and effective clearing, saving you time and effort. Built to withstand harsh conditions, this ice fishing scoop is an essential tool for any serious ice angler. Easy to use and reliable, it improves your ice fishing experience by keeping your fishing hole clean and ready for action.
Our top pick is the Rapala Retractable Mega Scoop. This super lightweight bit of gear also has a collapsible handle, making it the ideal companion when hole-hopping. The extendable handle means that you won’t wake up with aches and pains after hunching over a hole and you can even fish while seated. It has a large scoop for rapid slush removal, and its in-built wrist strap means it shouldn’t need replacing anytime soon. Portable, durable and affordable, this scoop has it all… not to mention that it’s the best looking of the bunch too.
- Mega Scoop Retractable
- Mega Scoop Retractable