Winter comes early in Minnesota. By December, anglers are ready for new gear and fresh ideas. That is why the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show 2026 draws big crowds every year. It runs December 4–6, 2026, and it puts everything you need under one roof. The show fills the Saint Paul RiverCentre with fish houses, augers, rods, and warm clothing. Additionally, you can meet brand reps face to face. You can watch demos, compare products, and ask questions that online stores cannot answer.
This guide covers the basics. You will find dates, tickets, vendors, gear trends, and family activities. Furthermore, you will get simple tips that save time and money.
One quick note before you begin. Organizers set the final hours, prices, and speaker lists. Therefore, check the official show website before you buy tickets. This guide uses the dates you gave and facts from recent shows.
Show Dates, Location, and Hours
The show runs Friday through Sunday, December 4–6, 2026. It takes place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Expected Daily Hours
Organizers had not posted the 2026 schedule when this guide went live. However, the 2025 show gives a useful pattern. Plan around it, and then confirm the final times online.
| Day | VIP hours (2025 pattern) | General hours (2025 pattern) |
| Friday | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | 1–7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8–10 a.m. | 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Sunday | None listed | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Early VIP hours bring smaller crowds. Therefore, they suit shoppers who want to talk with brand reps without a rush. Sunday ends earlier, so arrive in the morning if you plan to buy a big item.
Parking and Getting There
The RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard is the easiest choice. It connects to the venue by skyway, so you stay warm from car to show floor. The ramp uses license plate readers for payment, which means you do not need to hunt for a ticket machine.
Road work can change your route. For example, a bridge project closed part of I-94 during the 2024 show. Check traffic updates before you leave, and give yourself extra time.
Tickets and Admission
You have two main ways to get in. You can buy a VIP pass for early access, or you can buy regular admission for the general hours. Online sales usually open before the show, and door sales run during the event.
Ticket Types at a Glance
| Ticket type | When it works | Price | Where to buy |
| VIP early entry | Friday and Saturday morning | $25 in 2025 | At the door only |
| General admission | Regular show hours | Check the official site | Online or at the door |
| Child admission | Varies by year | Check the official site | Online or at the door |
The $25 VIP price comes from the 2025 show. Organizers may change it, so treat it as a guide only.
Smart Ways to Save Time and Money
A little planning makes the day easier. Consider these tips:
- Buy general tickets online when sales open, so you skip the door line.
- Carry cash and a card, because some small vendors prefer one or the other.
- Look for show-only deals, since many brands cut prices for the weekend.
- Ask about group rates if you plan to attend with a club or a fishing team.
- Sign up for the show newsletter to hear about coupons first.
Vendors and Fishing Gear to Expect
Recent shows hosted more than 190 exhibits. That number gives you plenty of choice, and it also means you need a plan. Walk the floor once, note your favorites, and then go back to buy.
Brands You May See
Past shows featured CLAM as presenting sponsor. Other names included Ice Castle Fish Houses, Core Ice, Iron Decoy, and Catch & Cook. Vendor lists change each year, so look for the 2026 list on the official website closer to the date.
Gear Categories Worth Your Time
The table below shows what to look for in each category. Use it as a simple shopping checklist.
| Gear category | What to check | Why it matters |
| Fish houses | Weight, heater space, and setup time | A light, simple shelter saves effort on the ice |
| Augers | Blade size, power type, and battery life | A strong auger cuts through thick ice fast |
| Flashers and cameras | Screen clarity and battery run time | Clear images help you find fish sooner |
| Rods and reels | Length, action, and line capacity | The right setup matches your target species |
| Tackle | Jigs, spoons, and live bait options | Fresh ideas improve your catch rate |
| Clothing | Insulation, wind block, and fit | Warm anglers stay on the ice longer |
How to Shop Without Overspending
First, set a budget before you arrive. Next, list the three items you need most. Then visit those booths first. Additionally, ask each rep what makes their product different. You will learn quickly which items offer real value.
However, do not rush big purchases. Take photos of prices, compare notes at lunch, and decide with a clear head. Many vendors honor show pricing all weekend, so you rarely need to buy on the first pass.
Seminars, Pro Anglers, and Winter Fun
The show offers more than shopping. In 2024, organizers promoted chances to meet professional anglers and attend seminars. They also ran prize drawings, including the Ultimate Ice Fishing Giveaway. Similar features may return in 2026, so watch the official schedule.
Learn From the Experts
Seminars give you a quick way to improve. Pros often share tips on finding fish, reading electronics, and choosing the right bait. Additionally, you can ask follow-up questions after a talk. Bring a notebook, because the best advice comes fast.
Prizes and Giveaways
Prize drawings add extra excitement. Registration usually takes only a minute. Therefore, fill out the form early in the day, and then enjoy the rest of the show.
Family and First-Time Visitors
The show suits newcomers as well as experienced anglers. If you are new, start with simple questions. Ask what gear you need for a first trip, and ask which items can wait. Most reps enjoy helping beginners.
Families can make a day of it. Plan short breaks, bring snacks if rules allow, and set a simple goal for kids, such as finding their favorite lure. As a result, everyone stays happy.
Beyond Fishing
Many visitors also look for winter apparel and outdoor accessories. Warm boots, gloves, and base layers appear at many booths. Consequently, the show works well for anyone who loves cold-weather outings, not only anglers.
Planning Tips for a Smooth Visit
A good plan turns a busy weekend into an easy one. Follow these steps:
- Check the official website for hours, prices, and the vendor list.
- Buy tickets online if you want to skip the line.
- Pick your day. Friday is calmer, Saturday is busiest, and Sunday is shorter.
- Park in the RiverCentre ramp and use the skyway.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because you will walk a lot.
- Bring a bag for brochures and small purchases.
- Save room in your vehicle if you plan to buy a large item.
Additionally, book a hotel early if you travel from out of town. Downtown rooms fill quickly during busy weekends.
Conclusion
The December 4–6, 2026 show gives anglers a strong start to the season. You can compare fish houses, test new tools, hear from experts, and find deals in one trip. Moreover, the downtown location and skyway parking make the visit simple.
To sum up, confirm hours and ticket prices on the official site, set a budget, and visit your must-see booths first. Then enjoy the rest of the floor. With a little planning, you will leave with better gear and fresh ideas for the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show in 2026?
It runs Friday through Sunday, December 4–6, 2026.
2. Where does the show take place?
It takes place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
3. How much are tickets?
The 2025 VIP pass cost $25 and sold at the door only. Regular prices were not posted on the venue page, so check the official site for 2026 pricing.
4. Can I buy tickets online?
Yes. Regular tickets have gone on sale online before past shows. You can also buy them at the door.
5. What are the show hours?
The 2025 show opened Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday at 9 a.m. Confirm the 2026 hours on the official website.
6. Where should I park?
Use the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard. It has skyway access to the venue.
7. How many vendors will attend?
Recent shows listed more than 190 exhibits. The 2026 count may differ.
8. What can I buy at the show?
Expect fish houses, augers, rods, reels, tackle, flashers, underwater cameras, and winter clothing.
9. Are there seminars or pro anglers?
Past shows promoted seminars and appearances by professional anglers. Check the 2026 schedule for speakers and times.
10. Is the show good for beginners and families?
Yes. Beginners can ask reps for simple advice, and families can enjoy the exhibits and prize drawings.
