We do not have ice fishing seasons in Ontario – only fishing seasons
. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. For more information on fishing seasons, refer to the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
Is it cold enough to go ice fishing?
If the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is almost impossible to keep the hole open
, so be sure to choose a day when the temperature is at or below freezing, but above zero.
When can you ice fish in Michigan?
Michigan usually has around 4–5 months of cold winter, from
December until March
. During this period, the lakes freeze over enough for you to enjoy your ice fishing experience.
Can you fish in Ontario right now?
Updated Can I still go fishing and hunting? The Government of Ontario has not made any direct changes to fishing and hunting and
the majority of outdoor recreational areas have reopened
. Outdoor social gatherings with people outside of your household are limited to 25 people or fewer, and physically distanced.
Where can I ice fish in southern Ontario?
- Windy Lake Provincial Park.
- Silent Lake Provincial Park.
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park.
- Quetico Provincial Park.
Can you ice fish at night in Ontario?
Chris Jones, a ministry conservation officer in the Peterborough region, said that while night fishing isn't illegal when anglers have a valid fishing licence and are following the necessary rules and regulations of the fisheries act,
the use of artificial light to attract fish is prohibited
.
Do you need a fishing license to ice fish in Ontario?
Ontario Ice Fishing Rules and Regulations
You must have a valid fishing license
. They're relatively easy to obtain online now, and you can create an account and purchase the Ontario fishing license you'll need here. In some cases, a one day license will suffice.
Can you ice fish in Ontario in December?
The ice is normally safe to go out on mid to late December
. Of course the ice thickness varies in different spots depending on when that ice froze and if there is current under the ice. The ice will start at about 18′′ to 2′ in January and by the end of season can be 3′ thick.
Can you go ice fishing in Michigan?
With over 11,000 lakes in Michigan,
ice fishing offers a lot of opportunities to catch a variety of different species during the winter
. Bluegill, perch, walleye, northern pike, and crappie are all popular fish species during Michigan's Winter season and are sure to hold you over until the ice melts away in the Spring.
Where is there safe ice in Michigan?
For the safest ice conditions and some good fishing, the place to go is the
Upper Peninsula
. At Lake Gogebic, several walleye and perch have been caught lately along the north end of the lake. However, some of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula do have slush, so travel on the ice could be difficult in places.
Where is there ice fishing in Michigan?
- Black Lake.
- Brevoort Lake.
- Burt Lake.
- Fletcher Pond.
- Hamlin Lake.
- Houghton Lake.
- Lake Gogebic.
- Lake Leelanau.
Is snow bad for ice fishing?
Ice with piles of snow can increase the pressure and decrease the safety on the hard water. Snow can also insulate and warm the ice, slowing the freezing process. Snow is essential to the winter, but
can definitely impact your ice fishing safety
.
How do I keep my ice fishing hole open?
How thick of ice is safe to fish on?
Once you have the proper tools and safety gear for fishing on the ice, consider these general safe ice fishing, or safe ice thickness guidelines. Stay off of any ice that is
3 inches or less
thick. Remember that a minimum of 4 inches of clear, solid ice is a requirement to support an average person's weight.
Can I go fishing in Canada right now?
Unless exempt, foreign nationals, including United States citizens, cannot enter Canadian waters for any discretionary (non-essential) reasons
, including: Crossing via boat to a cottage or summer home in Canada. Pleasure and competitive fishing. Fishing tours.
Do you need a fishing license in Ontario right now?
Most people require a recreational fishing licence or deemed licence to legally fish in Ontario
. You must carry your Outdoors Card or licence summary whenever you are fishing. If requested, you must present these documents to a conservation officer.
What day does bass season open in Ontario?
Large and Smallmouth Bass fishing is permitted from
January 1st to March 15th and the third Saturday in May to November 30th
. Catch-and-keep limits are 6 for Sport licence holders and 2 for Conservation licence holders. Muskellunge fishing is permitted from the third Saturday in June through to November 30th.
When can you ice fish in Ontario?
We do not have ice fishing seasons in Ontario – only fishing seasons
. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. For more information on fishing seasons, refer to the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
Does Lake Ontario freeze in the winter?
Based on the anecdotal record, the surface of Lake Ontario completely froze over during the winters of 1829/30, 1873/74, 1892/93, 1911/12 and most recently 1933/34 (May, 2008). The last four of these five winter seasons occurred within the hindcasted period and therefore served as an effective validation tool.
Where can I ice fish for crappie in southern Ontario?
- Mountsberg Conservation Area (at the road bridge, north end of reservoir & near the dam at the south end)
- Little Lake (off Lake Rd, just south of Hwy. …
- Guelph Lake (Guelph Lake Conservation area, all along north-shore of lake)
Can you fish with 2 rods in Ontario?
In most waters, you can ice fish with 2 lines as long as: you stay within 60 metres at all times of any line or tip-up. you have a clear and unobstructed view of your lines at all times.
Where is the best ice fishing in Ontario?
- Wawa. …
- Black Bay, Lake Superior. …
- Lac des Mille Lacs Lake, Thunder Bay. …
- Wakomata Lake, Mississagi Valley. …
- NightHawk Lake, TimmIns. …
- Nipissing Lake, Nipissing. …
- Lake Simcoe. …
- Bay of Quinte, Belleville.
Are Worms considered live bait in Ontario?
Surveys indicate that
nearly 80% of Ontario anglers use live bait, mostly worms
and baitfish, with a small percentage using frogs and crayfish ( OMNR 2006).
How big can an ice hut be in Ontario?
Registration numbers on ice huts must be at least
6.3 centimetres (2.5 inches) in height
and clearly displayed on the outside of the hut. Tent-style ice huts made of cloth or synthetic fabric that have a base area of seven square metres (75.4 square feet) or less when erected do not need to be registered.
How difficult is ice fishing?
But with a little thought, planning and the right equipment, finding and catching fish through the ice can be
surprisingly easy
– and incredibly fun! Of course, ice fishing doesn't usually find Mother Nature at her most hospitable!
How far apart should ice fishing holes be?
Here's the quick answer: If you're fishing next to someone else on the ice, your holes should be
at least 5-6 feet apart
to avoid fish getting tangled in each other's lines when you pull them up. If you're using a camera for ice fishing, the hole for the camera should be at least 2 feet away from your fishing hole.
