Ice Fishing

As the sun rises and spreads in rays across the crisp white snow, the avid ice fisherman is already up anticipating the first bite.

From the vast expanse of Lake Nipissing to the seclusion of a lake hidden away in the winterland of the towering Temagami forests, opportunities to test an angler's skills abound.

• Lake trout, pickerel (walleye), pike, perch, whitefish, and herring, are plentiful in the waters of the Near North, and are caught in satisfying numbers each year by the expert and novice alike.
• Most experienced ice anglers agree that greater success is often enjoyed by those who plan their getaway with the assistance of a tourist operator who knows the region and offers accommodations and ice fishing services.
• Most operators are able to provide heated huts, basic equipment and transportation to and from the huts.
• Remember! Fishing licenses are required for ice fishing and are usually available from local operators.

Ice fishing in the Near North

For the ardent ice-fisherman there is no better place to enjoy catches of walleye, northern pike, perch, whitefish, and herring than in the Near North. Lake Nipissing has long been known for its excellent walleye fishery both in summer and winter. Numerous tourist operators provide heated huts, basic equipment, bait and transportation to and from the huts.

The winter fishing season for walleye and northern pike opens on Christmas day in Lake Nipissing. Whitefish, yellow perch and herring can be caught all year long. As in past years, anglers are allowed two lines in winter, but must stay within 60m (197 ft) of there lines. Anglers are allowed a daily catch (and possesion at any one time) of 6 each of pike and walleye unless fishing with a conservation license which allows only 2 of each species.

Licenses are a must!

Whether an Ontario resident or not, if you are between the ages of 18 and 65, a license is required to fish. Licenses are available from most bait shops, outfitters, lodges and from the district Ministry of Natural Resources office. Licences are available on a daily or seasonal basis and as a regular or conservation license which allows fewer fish to be taken.

For general fisheries information, call the local MNR office, (705) 474-5550 (North Bay) or the Natural Resource Information Centre at (416) 314 - 2000.

Ice - fishing tips

• Favourite ice-fishing hot-spots on Lake Nipissing are Deepwater Point at the South Shore and Callander Bay.
• The most productive areas to fish are weedbeds, springs, dropoffs and areas where the snow has been blown away leaving only a bare ice surface.
• Keep your fishing hole free from rough edges due to ice. Rough edges may fray and break fishing line.
• Although monofilament line gets stiffer in the cold, it also gets stronger.
• Guarding yourself against the elements - a first aid or survival kit is a must when fishing in the winter. A few items to include are a handkerchief, extra wool socks, space blanket, zip-lock plastic bags, whistle, sunglasses, waterproof matches, flares, bouillon cubes, high energy food, a piece of aluminum foil and a sharp knife. Dress in layers so that they can be removed or put on as required.
• It's legal to use two hooks on one line. Often a fish will be lost on one minnow but may go for the second one. Never pull your line up immediately after losing a fish. Wait to see if it will take the second bait.
• A gaff is useful to land larger fish. Gaff the fish through the lower jaw and gently pull it up through the hole.
• Releasing fish - keep the fish out of water for as little time as possible and handle the fish with moist hands. Fish produce a protective mucous covering which acts as a line of defence against infection. Handling the fish with moist hands will decrease the damage to the protective covering. Fish which are caught in deep water must be brought up slowly if they are to survive. This will allow the fish to adjust its physiology to drastic pressure changes which occur with changing water depth. Hooks which can't be removed without doing structural damage to the fish are better left in the fish. The fish has a better chance of survival this way.
• Protect our resource - adhere to fishing regulations which are based on past fishing records and forecasts for a sustainable fishery. Only take what you need!

Guidelines for ice safety.

1" - 2" NO WAY
3" - a few anglers spread out
4" - general use
5" - snowmobiles O.K.

When questioning ice conditions, always err on the side of caution.