Get Hooked on Ice Fishing
Picture this: a crisp morning, the kind where your breath forms into frosty clouds, the stillness of nature broken only by the excited chatter and clinking tackle of anglers spread across the frozen lake, anticipating their big catch.
If that sounds like a day well spent to you, don’t let the cold or your experience level stop you from giving ice fishing a go! Let’s review the basics of ice fishing techniques for new anglers and refreshers for seasoned ice fishers.
Fish You Can Reel In
Activity levels for some fish species changes in winter. Northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill remain active and are popular ice fishing species.
Many species become less active in winter, rarely feeding or moving, thus becoming difficult to catch.
Be sure to follow fishing regulations for the area you are fishing in.
Gear up and Go
Here are some basic guidelines to improve your odds in making a great catch.
Augers
Before you can fish, you need to find the right auger to drill your way through the ice. Whether you prefer gas or elbow grease to power your ice auger drill, you have options from manual, gas or electric. You can find them in sizes of 10 to 25 centimetres (four to 10 inches) in diameter. Select an auger size appropriate for the fish you intend to catch.
Fishing Rods
Fishing rods come in many varieties. The more you fish, the better you can determine what works best for you. Here is a summary of fishing rod basics:
- Lines for ice fishing come in a variety of colours and types. The recommended line weights range from 1.8 to 4.5 kilograms, depending on the fish species you intend to catch.
- Most rods are 30 to 81 centimetres (12 to 32 inches) in length.
- Rods come in a variety of actions, meaning how easily the rod bends: light, medium or heavy, or a combination of these.
- Regular reels and ice fishing reels are built differently; ice fishing reels are generally smaller as they are not used for casting and retrieving.
Ice Fishing in Style
Want to stay warm during your ice fishing trip? Try a fishing hut! Huts shelter anglers from harsh weather and keep fishing holes from freezing over. You can make your own fishing hut, or you can rent or purchase an ice fishing hut. The most common ice huts available for purchase are pop-up or flip over options.
Other handy accessories to consider bringing with you when ice fishing are:
- Global positioning systems (GPSs), sonar (fish finders) or underwater cameras to increase success.
- Ice scoop to clean out a hole once it has been drilled.
- A small minnow net to when using minnows as bait.
- Rod holders, especially when fishing two rods.
- Pliers when fishing for toothy fishlike pike.
Cast a Line Like a Pro
Basically, you just need to jiggle your line. Since you are dropping a line rather than casting it when ice fishing, vary the speed and depth of the bait depending on the fish you are angling. For example, crappie suspend in the water column, while perch are usually closer to the bottom and pike will often hit a minnow left alone.
For current fishing rules and regulations in Ontario, including seasonal information, catch limits, and gear and bait restrictions, check Ontario’s Fishing Regulations.
See what you can catch now that ice fishing is open at Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville. Check what rentals we have available, as they vary by season.
Ice Safety First
With the many thrills of ice fishing comes the critical need to take safety seriously.
It is best practice to check with site operators before proceeding onto frozen waterbodies.
All About Ice
- No ice is completely safe. Clear blue or black ice is stronger than milky white ice. Ice near the shore or where objects are protruding through the ice are the weakest.
- Ice near moving water such as a river is never safe. Seeps and springs can also weaken ice.
Learn more about ice safety tips from the government of Ontario and Ontario Parks for ways to keep safe while on the ice.
Try Ice Fishing with Us
We offer ice fishing at Island Lake Conservation Area. It’s a great place to try this winter activity for the first time and we have all the gear you need. We offer rods, hole auguring services and ice hut rentals. Remember that live bait must be purchased at the park and to check Voluntary Harvest Limits.
Our dedicated staff monitor ice thickness every day to ensure all activities can proceed safely. Please check our park advisories page for the latest condition updates and rental availability before your visit.
Join us at the Annual Island Lake Ice Derby
Join the Island Lake Conservation Area’s Annual Ice Fishing Derby for some awesome competition and put your skills to the test! Have fun, connect with nature all while helping raise money to support projects that protect, restore and enhance nature at the park.
The event features great catch prizes in both adult and youth categories, so bring the whole family for a chance to win. The event is suitable for both new and experienced anglers.
A valid Ontario Fishing Licence is required for ice fishing at Island Lake.
If you’re new to ice fishing and want to try it with the family, you can take advantage of the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, from February 15 to 17, when a fishing licence is not required.
Register for the Island Lake Fishing Derby today!
By Sarah Lebret, Associate, Marketing and Communications.