Description
Fast, Self-Adjusting Ice Anchors for Shanties, Fish Houses & Pop-Up Shelters
The Digger Ice Angel is a lightweight, self-adjusting ice anchor designed to secure portable fish houses, pop-up shelters, ice shacks, and shanties during winter ice fishing.
Unlike traditional screw-in ice anchors, the Ice Angel uses a partially drilled, dry auger hole. Drop the anchor into the hole, apply tension to your rope or cord, and the ridged wings engage the sides of the hole to create a secure anchoring point.
For anglers searching for ice anchors for shanties or portable ice fishing anchors, the Digger D-30 provides a simple alternative to long threaded anchors that have to be repeatedly screwed into and removed from hard ice.
The Ice Angel is designed for 6- to 10-inch ice fishing holes, making it compatible with many common auger-hole sizes used by ice anglers.
When it is time to move your shelter, release the tension. The self-adjusting wings relax so the Angel Anchor can be removed from the hole and packed with your other fishing equipment.
Drill. Drop. Pull Tight. Anchor Your Ice Shack.
Fits Common Auger Holes
Designed to work in ice fishing holes from approximately 6 inches through 10 inches.
Ice Anchors for Shanties
Provides an anchoring point intended to help keep portable ice houses, shanties, and pop-up shelters from moving in windy conditions.
Fast Ice Anchor Setup
There are no long screw threads to turn repeatedly into the ice. Drill the dry hole, insert the anchor, and apply tension.
Portable Fishing Anchor
The compact design is easy to carry with your shelter, auger, and other ice-fishing equipment.
Browse more ice fishing equipment from Weeders Digest.
Features
Digger Ice Angel Ice Anchor Features
Digger D-30 Design
A dedicated ice fishing anchor designed specifically for portable winter shelter use.
Self-Adjusting Wings
Tension causes the ridged wings to engage the sides of the partially drilled ice hole.
6" to 10" Hole Compatibility
Designed to fit ice fishing holes from approximately 6 inches to 10 inches.
Dry-Hole Installation
The installation hole is partially drilled into the ice rather than opened completely through to the water.
Easy Ice Anchor Removal
Release the tension on the anchor line to disengage the system when it is time to pack up.
Compact Fishing Anchor
The lightweight design is easy to carry with a portable shelter and other ice-fishing equipment.
How It Works
How the Digger Ice Anchor Grips the Ice
The Ice Angel is different from traditional screw-in ice anchors. Instead of relying on threaded penetration into the surface, it uses tension and a self-adjusting wing design inside a partially drilled ice hole.
- A dry hole is drilled into the ice.
The hole is deep enough to accept the Ice Angel but stops before breaking through to open water. - The Ice Angel is lowered into the hole.
The compact ice anchor fits inside common 6- to 10-inch auger holes. - Tension is applied to the anchor line.
Pulling upward causes the two ridged wings to move into their working position. - The ridged edges engage the ice.
The wings contact the side walls of the hole and resist being pulled upward while tension remains on the system. - The shelter remains connected to the anchor.
Attach the appropriate shelter anchor point using your rope, cord, bungee, or other suitable line. - Slack releases the system.
When the tension is removed, the Ice Angel can be repositioned and lifted from the hole.
Installation
How to Install Ice Anchors for Shanties & Portable Fish Houses
- Choose the shelter anchor location.
Select a location that lets your rope or anchor line pull cleanly from the shelter toward the Ice Angel. - Drill a partial ice hole.
Use a compatible 6- to 10-inch auger. Stop drilling before the auger breaks completely through the ice. - Keep the hole dry.
The Ice Angel installation is designed around a partially drilled hole rather than an open fishing hole. - Lower the Ice Angel into the hole.
Place the ice anchor down into the partially drilled opening. - Connect your line.
Attach the appropriate rope, cord, bungee, or line between the Ice Angel and your shelter's anchor point. - Apply steady tension.
Pull on the line so the ridged wings engage the sides of the ice hole. - Check the anchor.
Confirm the ice anchor is firmly engaged before relying on it to stabilize the shelter. - Repeat for additional anchor points if needed.
Use the package quantity and anchor layout appropriate for your shelter and conditions.
Removal
How to Remove the Ice Angel Anchor
The same tension that makes the Ice Angel grip the hole is also what keeps it engaged. Removal is designed to be simple once the load is taken off the anchor.
- Secure the shelter first.
If other ice anchors are still under load, make sure the shelter cannot move unexpectedly when one Ice Angel is released. - Remove tension from the line.
Allow the rope, cord, or bungee connected to the Ice Angel to go slack. - Reposition the anchor.
With the load removed, the wings can relax away from their gripping position. - Lift the Ice Angel from the hole.
Remove the anchor and inspect it before packing it away.
Shelter Compatibility
What Can These Ice Fishing Anchors Secure?
The Ice Angel is intended to provide an anchoring point for portable winter shelters and similar structures used during ice fishing.
Portable Fish Houses
Use these fishing anchors with compatible anchor points on portable fish houses and lightweight ice-fishing shelters.
Hub-Style Shelters
The Ice Angel can provide an anchoring point for compatible hub-style pop-up ice shelters.
Pop-Up Tents
The manufacturer lists pop-up tents among the intended Ice Angel applications.
Ice Shacks & Shanties
Use the Ice Angel as an anchor shack tie-down point for compatible portable ice shacks and shanties with suitable external anchor locations.
Ice Angel vs. Screw-In
Ice Angel vs. Traditional Screw-In Ice Anchors
| Feature | Digger Ice Angel | Traditional Screw-In Ice Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Method | Placed inside a partially drilled dry auger hole | Threaded or screwed directly into the ice |
| How It Holds | Ridged wings engage the sides of the hole under tension | Threads engage the surrounding ice |
| Hole Size | Designed for 6" to 10" ice fishing holes | Does not normally require an auger-sized anchor hole |
| Removal | Release line tension and remove the anchor | Unscrew the anchor from the ice |
| Best For | Anglers who already carry an auger and want a simple self-adjusting shelter anchor | Anglers who prefer a conventional threaded ice anchor |
Specifications
Digger Ice Angel Ice Anchor Specifications
| Product | Digger Ice Angel |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | D-30 |
| Product Type | Self-adjusting ice fishing anchor for portable shelters |
| Common Uses | Ice anchors for shanties, portable fish houses, pop-up shelters, ice shacks and compatible winter shelters |
| Recommended Hole Size | 6" to 10" ice fishing holes |
| Installation Hole | Partially drilled dry hole |
| Anchoring Method | Ridged self-adjusting wings engage the ice-hole walls when tension is applied |
| Release Method | Remove tension or slacken the connected line |
| Connection | Use with suitable rope, cord, bungee or other appropriate shelter line |
| Package Quantity | Select the desired package quantity from the product options above |
| Maximum Wind Rating | No manufacturer-rated wind speed is published |
| Maximum Load Rating | No verified load rating is published in the current manufacturer product information |
Safety & Care
Ice Fishing Anchor Safety & Care
Inspect Before Use
Check the anchor, wings, pivot point, connection point, and your tie-down line before each trip.
Use a Dry Hole
Stop drilling before reaching open water so the Ice Angel can engage the walls of the partially drilled hole as intended.
Use Suitable Tie-Downs
Make sure your rope, cord, bungee, straps, and shelter attachment points are appropriate for the application.
Recheck in Changing Wind
Inspect shelter tension and anchor engagement when wind conditions change or after the shelter has shifted.
Remove Ice & Snow
Clear heavy ice buildup from the anchor before storage so the wings can move freely the next time it is used.
Store Dry
Dry the Ice Angel before long-term storage with the rest of your winter equipment.
FAQs
Digger Ice Angel & Ice Anchor FAQs
What is the Digger Ice Angel?
The Digger Ice Angel is a self-adjusting ice anchor designed to help secure portable fish houses, pop-up shelters, ice shacks, and shanties to the ice.
Is the Ice Angel an ice fishing anchor?
Yes. The Digger Ice Angel is designed specifically as an ice fishing anchor for portable shelters, fish houses, shanties, and similar winter structures.
Can the Ice Angel be used as ice anchors for shanties?
Yes. Ice shanties and portable fish houses are among the primary applications for the Digger Ice Angel.
What model is the Ice Angel?
The manufacturer identifies the Digger Ice Angel as model D-30.
What size ice hole does the Digger Ice Angel fit?
The manufacturer specifies that the Ice Angel is designed for ice fishing holes from 6 inches through 10 inches.
Do I drill all the way through the ice?
No. Drill a partially completed dry hole and stop before breaking through to open water.
Why does the hole need to stay dry?
The Ice Angel is designed to sit inside a partially drilled hole where its ridged wings can engage the solid side walls of the ice.
How does the ice anchor grip the ice?
When tension is applied to the connected rope, cord, bungee, or line, the self-adjusting ridged wings engage the sides of the ice hole and resist upward movement.
How do I remove the Ice Angel?
Remove tension from the connected line. Once the anchor is no longer under load, reposition it as needed and lift it from the partially drilled hole.
Does the Ice Angel screw into the ice?
No. Unlike conventional screw-in ice anchors, the Ice Angel sits inside a partially drilled auger hole and grips the sides of the hole when tension is applied.
Do I still need an ice auger?
Yes. The Ice Angel requires a partially drilled 6- to 10-inch ice hole for installation.
Can I use a 6-inch auger?
Yes. Six inches is within the manufacturer's listed 6- to 10-inch hole range.
Can I use an 8-inch auger?
Yes. An 8-inch hole is within the listed operating range.
Can I use a 10-inch auger?
Yes. The Ice Angel is designed for holes up to 10 inches.
Will the Ice Angel anchor a portable fish house?
Yes. Portable fish houses are one of the primary intended uses of the Digger Ice Angel.
Can I use it with a hub-style ice shelter?
Yes, when the shelter has a suitable tie-down point and the anchor is installed correctly.
Can it anchor a pop-up ice tent?
Yes. The manufacturer lists pop-up tents and ice shanties among the intended applications.
Can the Ice Angel anchor a shack?
Yes. If you are searching for an anchor shack solution, the Ice Angel is intended to provide tie-down points for compatible portable ice shacks and shanties.
How many ice anchors do I need?
The number of anchor points depends on your shelter design, available attachment points, wind exposure, and how you choose to secure the shelter. Select the package quantity appropriate for your setup.
Does rope come with the Ice Angel?
The manufacturer describes the Ice Angel as working with your rope, cord, bungee, or line. Use a suitable tie-down system for your shelter.
Can I use a bungee cord?
The manufacturer lists bungee-style connections among the ways tension can be applied to the Ice Angel. Make sure the bungee and shelter attachment point are appropriate for the load.
Are these fishing anchors designed for ice?
Yes. Unlike fishing anchors used to hold a boat in open water, the Digger Ice Angel is specifically designed as a shelter anchor for use on frozen lakes and ponds.
What if I searched for "anchor ice"?
If you searched anchor ice while looking for a way to secure an ice-fishing shelter, the Digger Ice Angel is an ice anchor designed for portable fish houses and shanties. The term can have other meanings in ice science, so this product is best described as an ice fishing shelter anchor.
Is the Ice Angel also called an Angel Anchor?
Some shoppers may refer to the Digger Ice Angel as an Angel Anchor. The actual product name is Digger Ice Angel, model D-30.
How does the Ice Angel compare with deep freeze ice anchors?
Anglers searching for deep freeze ice anchors or other cold-weather shelter anchors may be comparing different anchoring styles. The Digger Ice Angel uses a partially drilled auger hole and self-adjusting wings rather than a conventional long screw-in design.
Is "ice anker" the same thing as an ice anchor?
If you searched ice anker, the standard English spelling is "ice anchor." The Digger Ice Angel is an ice anchor specifically designed for portable ice-fishing shelters.
Does it work in windy conditions?
The Ice Angel is designed to help stabilize portable ice shelters in wind. The manufacturer does not publish a specific maximum wind-speed rating, so shelter setup and conditions still need to be evaluated each time you use it.
What is the maximum holding strength?
The current manufacturer product information does not publish a verified maximum load or holding-force rating.
Can I use the Ice Angel to pull out a stuck ATV or snowmobile?
No. The Ice Angel is sold as a portable ice-house and shelter anchor. Do not use it for vehicle recovery, winching, lifting, or other unverified high-load applications.
Can I use the same anchor hole after removing the Ice Angel?
Inspect the hole before reuse. If the hole has enlarged, cracked, softened, filled with water, or no longer allows the anchor to engage properly, create a new dry anchor hole.
Can I leave the Ice Angel installed overnight?
Shelter and ice conditions can change with temperature, wind, snowfall, and ice movement. Recheck the anchor, tie-down tension, and surrounding ice before continuing to rely on an installation after extended periods.
Does the Ice Angel make unsafe ice safe?
No. Ice fishing anchors only secure the shelter. They do not determine whether the surrounding ice is safe for people, shelters, ATVs, snowmobiles, or other loads.
Where can I get help with the Digger Ice Angel?
Contact Weeders Digest Product Support with questions about installation, package quantity, shelter setup, or product use. Call 877-224-4899.
Videos
Digger Ice Angel Ice Fishing Anchor Videos
See how the Digger Ice Angel installs into a partially drilled ice hole and how tension engages these ice anchors for shanties, portable fish houses, and ice-shack use.
Digger Ice Angel Ice Fishing Anchor
Ice Angel Ice House & Shanty Anchor
3 Reviews
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Product work (digger ice angel)
Good ,easy to use
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Kick Butt Ice Angel
Took the ice angels to Lake Winnie in Northern Minnesota, 2nd day we had 20 to 30 mph winds, ice angels didn't move one bit, well worth the money
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Work as advertised!
Held my hub style shanty in 30mph winds - no issues and popped right out when ready to go!