Story and photos by Paul D. Atkins

My snowmachine stood ready in the front yard, much like a horse waiting for its rider. The big blue sled made by Northern Sledworks sat at its rear loaded down with gear for the day’s sheelfish ice fishing events.

The blue plastic tub that was LoopRoped inside the sled was packed with all the necessities a sheepish adventure such as this would require. Niksiks (fishing jigs) made of willow branches and caribou horn were placed carefully inside, plus rods, reels, tip-ups, extra line, lures, pliers, extra gloves, a fillet knife, a thermos full of coffee and enough Pop-Tarts to feed an army were all assembled for the short ride across the ice. This content is available for subscribers only.