Ice Fishing In Ontario – Here’s What Seniors Need To Know For 2023

Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – December 27th, 2022

Ice fishing In Ontario is a favourite winter pass time. And it’s a great winter hobby for any retiree who doesn’t fly south to avoid the snow. Some of Canada’s best ice fishing can be had in Ontario. And that’s not surprising when you understand that Ontario has 250,000 lakes. That’s one-fifth of the world’s fresh water.

Fishing in any non-frozen month is popular here. Statistics show that the average age of anglers in Ontario is 51 years old (but I lie about my age). And in 2015, of the 1.5 million people who fished in Ontario, 32% came from another province or state. Ontario loves fishing, and we are a great fishing destination.

So what that means is, drilling a hole in the ice to extend the fishing season, just seems natural!

In this blog post, I’ll answer some common questions people have about ice fishing in Ontario. Questions like do I need a fishing license? How many lines are allowed in one ice hole? Which lakes are best for certain fish, and are ice huts readily available? I’ll also touch on ice safety. And some of the equipment you’ll need to maximize your catch while you’re out on the frozen lake.

do I need a license to Go Ice Fishing In Ontario?

In Ontario there’s no such thing as an “ice fishing license”. There is only a fishing license and here it’s called an “outdoor card”. It’s used for both hunting and fishing. Hobby anglers only need the recreational version.

You can buy it online, and you have the choice of a one year or three year expiry. There is a one day option for those who come from out of province, or out of the country. And you must have this card in your pocket while fishing, in case you’re asked.

Rules, There’s always Rules

In Ontario, we have three types of limits or restrictions. Those are based on catch limits, possession limits, and size restrictions. You can get all of this info where you buy your license. Go out with a reputable ice hut operator like, Don from Bear Point Ice Hut Rental in Innisfil. He can answer all your newbie questions.

So, obviously you must immediately release any fish that exceed the size restrictions and catch and possession limits. But what you might not know is this. It’s against the law to destroy or allow fish suitable for food to spoil.

Am I allowed to drink while ice fishing in Ontario? No. It is illegal to consume alcohol while on or near a lake or river. So it’s best to avoid drinking while you’re out trying to catch some fish. That’s why the saying is “water on the water, and beer on the pier”.

How Many Lines Are Allowed?

You can have two ice fishing lines in the water. Rule of thumb, you must stay within 60 meters of the fishing line or “tip up”. You must keep a clear and unobstructed view of your lines at all times. You’re not allowed to use any mechanical spring to set the fishhook other than a fishing rod under tension.

So what this means is, ice fishing in Ontario is not like commercial fishing…no nets, or contraptions. You can’t put out a net and come back tomorrow. And why would you want to? The fun of it is being out side on the ice or in your ice hut with family and friends. Take your grandchildren.

Better yet, take your spouse! Ice fishing is a great hobby for active retired couples!

Best Lakes for Ice Fishing In Ontario

What are the best lakes for ice fishing in Ontario? Well, the answer can be subjective based on what constitutes “best”.

If best means near a large urban centre, then you can Lake Ontario’s waterfront in Kingston and Toronto. Prefer the nation’s capital, then grab your auger and head to the Rideau River and Dow’s Lake in Ottawa. You can fish on the Thames River in London. Lake Superior in Thunder Bay, or Lake Nipassing and stay in North Bay.

These urban destinations make it easy fish all day, and enjoy some luxury at night.

But perhaps “best” means where the fish are biting. Or being able to fish where there are plenty of resources to support your ice fising habit. Then try Lake Erie, Lake Huron & Georgian Bay, or Lake Simcoe in the south.

Lake of the Woods in the north. Or perhaps some rivers like the St. Lawrence River, Grand River, or Lake St. Clair.

All of these places have thick, solid ice in winter. And people who can advise you on the ice conditions.

What’s In Season, And Where

Ice fishing is open in Ontario from mid-December until late March or early April, depending on the weather. The months of January and February are usually the best for ice fishing. This is because the fish tend to be more active during these months.

There are a variety of different species of fish that can be found while ice fishing in Ontario. Although Walleye and Yellow Perch are among the preferred..

Want more? There’s also Bass, Perch, an occassional Pike, Crappie, and Rainbow, Brown, and Lake Trout.. Lake Simcoe is awesome for huge Yellow Perch.

Outdoors, Or In An Ice Huts

Traditionally, we put on our snowmobile suits and a flotation device to sit outside. Then grabbed the rods and a lawn chairs while your gandfather augered in the hole.

And you, your grandchildren, and a thermos of hot soup can still do this.

But at some point, it became so much more civilized. Ice huts!

There are plenty of ice Hut rentals available. Renting is preferable to owning your own. This is because your ice hut must be registered an numbered. Therefore, using an authorized ice hut tour company can be a better option. This is especially true if you only want to go for one day.

Ice Hut operators can help you have a better experience ice fishing in Ontario. These operators have a long and storied tradition of working on our frozen lakes. Many of these companies have been owned by families for generations.

Amenities

A basic ice hut cuts the icy breeze and keeps your feet dry. But now people go all out with amenities in their ice huts. Beds for overnight accommodations. Powerful generators for stoves and pumping water. Yes, even televisions! Seriously, how else will you be able to watch the hockey game, eh?!

Cell phone service and Internet are often amazing out on an unobstructed lake. Although why would you go ice fishing and not unplug?

Ice Fishing Safety Tips & Equipment

Ice fishing in Ontario, or any where is fairly safe. Just as long as you keep the following safety tips in mind.

🥶 It is important to dress appropriately for cold weather.
🥶 Wear a floatation device while on the ice.
🥶 Check the thickness of the ice before venturing out onto it.
🥶 Use caution when walking or drilling holes in the ice.
🥶 Ice doesn’t always freeze in the uniform thickness near the shore. It is often thicker and safer than farther out especially at the beginning of the season.
🥶 Never go out on slushy ice.
🥶 Watch for overflowing water, or springs, or pressure cracks.

Ice

🥶 One of the best ways to check for the safety of ice is by the colour.
🥶 Clear blue ice is the strongest and white or opaque ice is the weakest.
🥶 Avoid ice that looks honeycomb.

Don’t Go Alone

🥶 Don’t go out alone.
🥶 If you do go out alone, make sure someone know where you are and when to expect you home.
🥶 Activate the GPS on your phone.

Vehicles

🥶 You can drive on the ice with snowmobiles, but the ice must be at least 20 centimeters thick
🥶 30 centimeters thick for cars

🥶 If you’re wondering about eating the fish you catch, and if it’s safe to eat? The answer is yes, depending on the size and where it’s caught. You can order a printed copy of Eating Ontario Fish that will answer all your questions.

Gear

A tip-up is a device used while ice fishing to suspend live or frozen bait at a set depth through a hole drilled in the ice with an auger, and detect when a fish strikes, without having to be in contact with this piece of gear. When a fish does take the bait, a flag “tips up” or the flag can “tip down” to signal the angler that a fish has taken the bait. 

Anglers can see the flag from a distance and can thus manage multiple holes at once, covering a larger area than with just an ice fishing rod. Straight from Wikipedia

You can use any rod and reel if you choose. But there are ice fishing rods, and those are meant for fishing straight down.

Ice fishing aficionados will advise special line. It’s blue, and makes it easier to see on the snow. Other brands are micro-clear so that they can be seen in the water.

Either a manual or power ice auger. Unless you’re working with an ice hut company. Then the hole is dug for you.

Yes, there’s rules on hooks and tackle…check out the guidelines here.

Use of Sustainable Bait

Yes, that’s a thing. And it’s a very necessary part of conservation. Using bait native to the lake keeps a healthy ecosystems. It prevents the introduction of invasive species or diseased fish. Fish diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia can wipe out an entire lake.

Photo courtesy of Bear Point Ice Hut Rentals

Conclusion: Ice Fishing In Ontario – Here’s What Seniors Need To Know For 2023…It’s Awesome!

So, what do seniors neet to know to go ice fishing in 2023?

That it’s healthy, outdoor, multigenerational fun. It’s completely safe if you follow a few safety rules and use your common sense. Get a license.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. But like anything, you pay for amenities. Take your spouse! Happy fishing!

And out of respect, I acknowledge that the land on which I live is the traditional territory of the Wendake-ionwl,  Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ , Mississauga, and Haudenosaunee peoples.

Cheers,

Cynthia

Don’t want to miss future posts? Looking for more travel and hobby tips and suggestions? Send me an email, and I’ll make sure you get those.