Crystal Beach Resort . that you’ll need. Walleye feed most actively during the few hours of dusk and dawn. Please note that a reader kindly let us know that, during the winter months, only pan fish (crappie, perch, blue gill, pumpkin seed ) are legally allowed to be caught, so make sure you’re abiding by the set rules whenever you’re fishing on Rice Lake, or any Ontario lake for that matter. They’re like a full-bodied life jacket. Innisfil / Lefroy, Ontario Experience Nature At Its Best! Muskoka Stay N Play Tours offers guided snowmobile and ice fishing adventures that are very popular. It’s also a good spot, we might add, for bass, pike, and panfish. From big lakes to small lakes, deep lakes to shallow lakes, from trophy lakes to lakes with mind staggering numbers, you have an arsenal of resources that guarantees you the best Ontario ice fishing available (check out the multiple ice fishing episodes of In Depth Outdoors filmed while staying at Pasha Lake Cabins – Best Ice Fishing in Ontario). The aim of this website is to provide vital fishing information for planning successful fishing trips. Ice chisels or spud bars are also crucial if you’re the person who is checking the thickness of the ice. Load If you're feeling more adventurous, Lake Scugog Ice Hut Rentals has sleeper huts available that are heated with propane stoves for cooking your catch of the day. As they say, they try to cater to “those who seek the fun of fishing, and the heat of shelter.” They primarily fish the inner bay of Long Point, which is arguably the Perch capital of Ontario. Come experience ice fishing the way it was meant to be! Eskimo Sierra Ice Fishing Flip Shelter. It also happens to be the place where the Canadian Ice Fishing Championships take place so that says plenty about the quality of fishing you can experience. Ice fishing is a time honoured tradition, and one we think will only continue to get more popular. For more, join our Ultimate Ontario Facebook Group, or our highly popular newsletter, which offers no shortage of ideas for the best way to appreciate this province. Editors Note: While many are experts at fishing in Ontario in the summer, there are definitely fewer that go ice fishing, often because they don't realize how enjoyable (and warm) it can be. The lodge is just a short drive along Highway 17 past the turn off for Highway 105. But there are best fishing days, according to lore: Best Fishing Days in 2021. You can find a full list of the rules here, but we’ll summarize below. However, most of us go fishing when we can get the time off, not because it is the best time! We have caught many perch, pike and walleye during the winter months. This is an excellent area for fishing Walleye, Muskie, Northern Pike, Small Mouth Bass, and Lake Trout. Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, the “most famous ice fishery in the world,” is stocked with trout and whitefish, along with a healthy population of yellow perch. Hamilton Harbour doesn’t necessarily have the best ice fishing in Ontario, but it’s such an easy road trip from Toronto, we feel it’s worth mentioning. For now, catch and release is likely the wise move, though the Ministry says the fish are safe to eat. Wawa hosts one of the most famous ice fishing derbies in the province. Take advantage of the best 12 hours of walleye fishing by toughing it out and setting up before sunset and fishing through morning. Ice fishing forums talk non-stop about this derby, by the way. Add your suggestions in the comments. This outdoor sport has a long history, but it’s actually never been more popular than it is right now. Wawa, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior, is one of the ice fishing capitals of Ontario. Ice fishing destinations in Ontario can be found surprisingly close to Toronto, though the options increase considerably as you enter traditional cottage areas like Lake Simcoe and Muskoka. Our team of local experts, travel writers, and experience leaders share their guides to the best experiences in Ontario. Ice fishing is a ton of fun, but the risks associated with it need to be respected. There is no shortage of lakes worth fishing on in this province, and that holds true in all seasons. Our family has been ice fishing for over 38 years and have enjoyed ice fishing on lake Couchiching. For more information on fishing seasons, refer to the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. You can also add ice fishing to the Drake Devonshire's winter packages. Other provincial parks which are well known for their ice fishing include Frontenac Provincial Park, Quetico Provincial Park, Sibbald Point Provincial Park, and Silent Lake Provincial Park. If all of this sounds like the headache you never wanted, do remember that there are plenty of folks whose business it is to do all the dirty work for you, so you can just get out there and enjoy some Ontario ice fishing. It would be very hard to imagine that any list covering the best ice fishing in this province would not include Lake Simcoe. Crystal Lake is no exception Walleye can be found in good sizes and … professional rundown of what they include, FireRock Golf Club: Great Golf Near London, Ontario, You must have a valid fishing license. Firstly, Bayside Ice Fishing in St. Williams, Ontario is all about providing a relaxing experience for those newer to the sport. Your email address will not be published. We’re willing to bet though that as this sport gains in popularity, you’re going to find more and more outfitters in Hamilton to fill the demand for ice fishing huts, etc. Many will know Rice Lake for its reputation as a playground for lovers of summer in Ontario, but it’s got an equally impressive reputation for those who love to celebrate winter. Registering ice huts is free, but you’ll need to create a profile on the Natural Resources Registry. Windy Lake is known in particular for its Trout and Whitefish during the winter months. Ice Fishing in Ontario County; Ice Fishing in Orleans County; Ice Fishing in Schuyler County; Ice Fishing in Seneca County; Ice Fishing in Steuben County; Ice Fishing in Wayne County; Ice Fishing in Yates County; For more information on ice fishing in Region 8, call 585-226-2466 or email fwfish8@dec.ny.gov. We’re including Three Mile Lake largely to bring Muskoka into the mix here. This is what the Almanac’s Best Fishing Days are based on. Generally speaking, in the Ontario ice fishing world, the Bay of Quinte is known for being one of the spots in the province to catch Walleye. Only pan fish (crappie, perch, blue gill, pumpkin seed ) are open on Rice Lake in the winter months. It is smooth compared to braid. Billed as the “ice fishing capital of Canada,” more people fish on Lake Simcoe in winter than all other seasons combined. The downside is that such a popular spot is likely to get busy, especially from January onwards. You’ll need to book early, but Ontario Parks has packages now which include a stay at a winter cabin, plus they supply all the ice fishing equipment. At the other end of the ice fishing belt, Southern Ontario buddy Pete Garnier is a maestro when it comes to putting panfish—bull bluegills, slab crappies and jumbo perch—on the ice. Kawartha LakesGolden Beach Resort on Rice Lake has an ice fishing package for $140 per person for one night and two days that includes ice hut rental, accommodation and poles and bait. Christopher Mitchell is the Cofounder of Ultimate Ontario. He's visited over 80 countries, and has lived on 4 continents, but now has his eyes set squarely on exploring this incredible province, and helping others do the same. You can reach them on their Facebook page, or at scugogiceadventures@live.ca. Georgian Bay Salmon, sturgeon and pike are just some of the fish caught in Georgian Bay. Do not leave Port Perry without getting an apple fritter from Hank’s Pastries. In particular, Rice Lake is known to be a spot to nab yourself some larger than average Carp as well as Pickerel and Muskie. It’s a bit of a dense document, but those interested can dive a little deeper into the. We’re proud to be your headquarters for Ontario travel. That registration number needs to be displayed on the outside of the ice hut. Located in Muskoka, Three Mile Lake is known for its Pickerel, Perch and Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. One of the biggest reasons that ice fishing on Lake Simcoe is so popular is because of the sheer diversity of fish that you can catch. Visit our website now for great deals. comments, This is what ski hills in Ontario were like the first week of reopening, Toronto is getting a massive wellness club with an ice room and Himalayan salt lounge, Toronto musician goes viral on TikTok for lake surfing in freezing weather, Someone in Toronto just did a bike tour of all the Tout Est Possible graffiti around the city, All National Sports stores in Canada are closing down for good, Proposal to transform Toronto's public golf courses includes new parks and mini-putt, This Ontario soccer fan traded maple syrup for 113 team scarves from all over the world, This Toronto beach has transformed into a massive skating rink, Sign up for our free email newsletter. One notable spot in the area is Casey's Fish Huts. Since the Walleye populations have come back full throttle, more and more ice fishing huts have been gracing Hamilton Harbour, and now it’s a full-blown movement. That’s what people may not understand about ice fishing. Georgian BaySalmon, sturgeon and pike are just some of the fish caught in Georgian Bay. Travel with our experienced guides deep into the beautiful and rugged Canadian wilderness to remote lakes where the solitude is profound, the wildlife abundant, and the fishing is varied and outstanding. Buttermilk Falls Resort rents out heated ice fishing huts right on the resort property along with snowshoeing and skating. Canada’s Fishing Outlet - Save big on fishing tackle, rods, reels & more. We’ll go ahead and name a few more spots to consider for you. With our abundance of lakes, a variety of desirable fish, as well as operators who know how to make sure you’re going to have the best time possible, ice fishing in Ontario is about as good as you can find anywhere in the world. This park boasts great Brook Trout fishing. It’s not unlike golfing, where it’s more about being outdoors and having a great time than actually accomplishing anything. Atikokan Ontario, surrounded by beautiful lakes and trees, is located along scenic Highway 11/17... Lake of the woods, Kenora. Open 7 days a week, Day and night fishing, Catch trout, whitefish, perch and pike. All cottages come equipped with wall furnaces and everything you will need for the weekend. This article could, in all likelihood, be endless. Other spots include the Telegraph Narrows and Hay Bay. 40 minutes north of Toronto on beautiful Lake Simcoe. Whether you know it or not, Ontario ice fishing is about as good as it gets. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app Whenever you head out, be sure to let someone know of your plans, even if that just means you’re sending a quick text to your partner, family member, or a caring friend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lake Simcoe is a real hot spot for ice fishing. If you’re looking for an ice fishing adventure, Frontenac is the … Lake SimcoeThis is one of the most popular spots for ice fishing in the province. Blue Hut Rentals, on the other hand, provides a slightly higher end experience with hut rentals and operators to help with tips on how to catch perch. If you want to turn this into a larger adventure, Golden Beach Resort (in Roseneath, Ontario) offers multi-day packages that include your heated ice hut rental, with all the bait, poles, etc. Throughout the winter, Muskoka’s lakes are dotted with ice fishing huts as anglers make their way out onto the frozen lakes to reel in the big one! However, walleye feed more actively at night in comparison to the day. Whether you do choose to fish on Three Mile Lake, Lake Rousseau, Lake Joseph or Lake Muskoka is up to you, but it’s largely just worth noting that there is some mean Ontario ice fishing to be had in Muskoka. Situated on the shores of Lake Clear, Sandy Beach Cottages offers the ideal weekend ice fishing getaway. Robert Taylor (Flickr: Link) The Bay of Quinte is home to some of the best … You can unsubscribe anytime or. In terms of driving on ice, snowmobiles need at least 8 inches of clear blue ice and light passenger vehicles need at least 12 inches. They have one package which includes 1.5 hours of snowmobiling per day, and then a whole bunch of fishing in between. They’re relatively easy to obtain online now, and you can create an account and purchase the Ontario fishing license you’ll need, Take note of the local open and closed seasons, and any limitations around catching. Targeting and catching walleye, muskie or bass is ILLEGAL. Accommodation is included, while some packages include snowshoeing, spa services or mulled wine. Did I miss a great ice fishing spot? (Try Mepps Black Fury spinners, 4-6 lb test.) Collingwood Adventure Voyages offers fishing packages with heated ice hut rentals. “Without a doubt,” says Garnier, “I reach for fluorocarbon. That is incorrect. Troy Bunes – March-2007 Our recent trip to Pasha Lake was the best ice fishing we’ve ever had! For those interested in a multi-day affair, Pine Point Resort is a docking point for many ice fishers who want a heated ice fishing tent, but like to rest their head in a warm bed at night. I mean you have to ensure that you don’t miss the Sens playing the Leafs on Saturday night, right? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We haven’t used any specific outfitters there, but have heard good things about Outlaw Tackle Company. Previously, I was able to do just that at Windy Lake Provincial Park and also fit in some cross-country skiing. Ontario ice fishing is something that’s steeped in tradition. There are two folks in particular on Lake Erie that put together a nice package for those interested in catching some fine fish in the wintry weather. Huts accommodate 2-4 people. Primarily setting up huts on Long Point Bay as well, Jimmy Riggin’ Fishing Charters has this down to an art form at this point. Viamede Resort also offers ice fishing for winter stays. The top 7 ice fishing destinations in Ontario. Otherwise, consider Sugar Shack Rentals which is run through Archie’s Fishing Charters, and they have 3, 4, and 5 person huts with either a wood stove or propane furnace. With an inn at which to stay, a bait and tackle shop, and a daily rate of $50 to rent an ice hut, they've got everything covered. Find out more here, if you’d like. Fishing is said to be best during the time between a new Moon and a full Moon. To connect with the Ultimate Ontario team, please visit our contact page. However, it might be best known for catching enormous Yellow Perch. In Fisheries Management Zones 9-12 and 14-20, you need to register your ice hut. All-Season Cottage Rentals (Haliburton Highlands) 705-754-1506 Some of the best fishing happens in the winter in the Haliburton Highlands. Heck, we’ve seen ice fishing huts decked out with little TVs. Ultimate Ontario connects their engaged readership to the pulse of the Ontario community. We’ve already noted a few epic Ontario winter light shows, some Ontario winter getaways, and skating trails in Ontario, but today it’s all things ice fishing. Frontenac Provincial Park. Muddy Waters Outfitters also offers packages that include lunch with a full day of guiding for those interested. That’s largely because ice fishing is all about disconnecting from the notifications that plague our modern lives, and finding a moment to catch your collective breaths (and hopefully a fish or two as well). Feel free to read all about our experience doing a little Lake Scugog Ice Fishing as well if you want more details. A lot of Ontario ice fishers joke that they’re basically life saving onesies. Done right, it’s a way that we can connect with the land, and respect what incredible biodiversity we have. Better yet, pick a few up on the way to your ice fishing hut! The many bays and backwaters, some of them inland lakes, along Lake Ontario's shore offer a world of ice-fishing opportunities. These are some of the more productive hotspots: The Golden Triangle is a local name sometimes given to a complex of bays at the mouth of the Black River including Chaumont Bay, Guffin Bay and Henderson Bay. TORONTO AREA (Southern Ontario) DANIEL'S ARK Spectacular Ice fishing only 30 minutes north of Toronto. Great list and thank you for not naming any of my hotspots! Marie. Loralea Country Inn Resort on Halls Lake has huts available for catching Trout and small-mouth Bass, winter hiking trails and toboggan hills. Summer Dream Ice Fishing. The Ultimate Guide to Ice Fishing in Ontario. We do not have ice fishing seasons in Ontario – only fishing seasons. An hour north of Toronto, Ontario, Lake Simcoe, Ontario is home to the Canadian Ice Fishing Championship and quite possibly the most popular ice fishing location in North America - in fact, more people fish on Lake Simcoe, Ontario in the winter, between January and March, than the rest of the seasons combined. Region 9 Ice Fishing. However, for those who aim to do this on their own, we’ll provide an overview of the rules that you need to follow. The Bay of Quinte is a tributary of Lake Ontario where a unique walleye migration occurs. Consider a flotation suit. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. You can catch Herring, White Fish, and a whole slew of other species here. Let’s now talk about where to go ice fishing in Ontario.