With such a dynamic natural landscape, there is no shortage of winter activities in Ontario for you and your family to choose from! Among those winter activities, ice fishing in Ontario is truly a bucket list adventure. With over 250,000 lakes and about one-fifth of the world’s freshwater, Ontario has some of the most unique fish and beautiful landscapes you’ve ever experienced, and there’s an Ontario rental cottage awaiting your arrival!
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an avid ice angler, there is a fishing opportunity for everyone here in Ontario, and it is relatively easy to get started.
Things You Will Need for Ice Fishing in Ontario
Legal Requirements for Ice Fishing in Ontario
Before you start ice fishing in Ontario, you will need an outdoors card and a fishing license. There are two options you need to look out for to get an ice fishing license, and it’s based on age.
The first is for those 18 and over and under 65 years old. If you fall under this age group, you must have a valid outdoors card. This card is a plastic ID that will remain valid for three calendar years.
The next item you will need is the license. You can choose to have it valid for anywhere from one to three calendar years. You also have the option to purchase either a conservation license or the sport license.
The conservation license is a reduced catching limit making this perfect for those who intend to go fishing sparingly. The sport license offers the standard catch limit and is geared toward those who plan on going more often.
The other option for a fishing license is for those that are under the age of 18 or over the age of 65. If you fall under this group, you will not require an outdoors card or a license. All you will need to do is keep your government-issued ID on you at all times; this will serve as your license.
Recommended Gear for Ice Fishing in Ontario
Once you get your licenses situated, the next step is ensuring you have the equipment to go ice fishing. While this list is not all-encompassing, this is an excellent list of must-have equipment to get you started.
You can’t go ice fishing if you can’t break through the ice! We recommend a six-inch hand auger. The smaller diameter of this auger will offer less resistance and should be able to cut through the surface in about 30 seconds.
Often overlooked, the ice scoop is an essential piece of equipment for a successful ice fishing trip. Once you break the surface of the ice, the hole you’ve created will begin to fill with slush. If left in the hole, the slush will interfere with your being able to drop your line in the water.
Simple yet effective, the ice scoop is the easiest way to clear a path for your line and have you catching fish in no time.
A staple in every ice fishers gear, the five-gallon bucket is the swiss army knife of ice fishing. The bucket can transport your equipment, store your bait, use it as a seat, or even store the fish you catch.
Another must-have is the rod and reel combo. Next to the ability to drill a hole in the ice, having your rod and reel is the most essential bit to ice fishing!
Where To Go Ice Fishing in Ontario
Now that you have your license and all the gear you need to start ice fishing, it’s time to decide where to fish! With literally hundreds of thousands of lakes to choose from, all with the excellent ice fishing Ontario offers, the decision can seem overwhelming.
While you really can’t go wrong with any lake you choose, here are a few options that we highly recommend. These lakes are home to fantastic ice fishing and are near our selection of Ontario cottage rentals.
Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing
Lake Simcoe offers arguably one of the best ice fishing experiences in Ontario. With some of the best opportunities available and offering one of the widest varieties of fish species in Canada, Simcoe is a great destination for all levels of anglers. You can even rent an ice fishing hut on Lake Simcoe and fish in greater warmth and comfort!
Just 40 miles north of Toronto, Lake Simcoe is an easily accessible ice-fishing paradise. A rather large body of water, you can catch fish virtually anywhere on this lake; however, there are a few hotspots that we highly recommend you check out. If you prefer shallow waters, you should visit Cook’s Bay, Virginia Beach, and Georgina Island. Fish at an approximate depth of about 30 feet in each of these locations!
The hottest spots to check out if you prefer deeper waters are Kempenfelt Bay, Oro Beach, and Parkside Beach. Here you will fish at depths anywhere between 30 and 130 feet!
Does Lake Simcoe sound just like the perfect lake to you? If so, find some great Simcoe cottage rentals on our site!
Bay of Quinte in Eastern Ontario Ice Fishing
Bay of Quinte has some of the best walleye fishing in the world! With several guides to choose from, this lake is excellent for beginners to give ice fishing a try. Extremely knowledgeable, these guides are full of winter safety tips, and knowledge of the best hot spots in the area. If you decide the Bay of Quinte is the lake for you, we highly recommend you try these four spots: Trenton Bay, Belleville Bay, Telegraph Narrows, and Hay Bay. Book your Eastern Ontario cottage rental here.
Lake Muskoka Ice Fishing
Named the top ice fishing destination in Canada, Lake Muskoka is a must-visit destination for every angler. Lake Muskoka is located near many of our rentals, and it offers a wide variety of fish! For more to do in the area, here are the top winter activities to do in Muskoka, Ontario.
Book your Muskoka cottage rental now and check out what all of the hype is about!
Haliburton Ice Fishing
In a region famous for its 500+ lakes, ice fishing is always one of the best things to do in Haliburton during the winter. Once the ‘first ice’ arrives, visitors near and far fill up local Ontario cottage rentals to gear up for an exciting ice fishing season. Find your Haliburton cottage rental and plan your trip to go ice fishing in Haliburton during an Ontario cottage rental!
Types of Fish you Might Catch
Ontario’s Cottage Country is home to many fish species, making it an excellent destination for fishing lovers. It is also home to some of the world’s most abundant walleye fishing, and an ideal destination for trout as well. You might also find some white fish, pike, and smallmouth bass lurking beneath the ice.
A must-visit destination for ice fishing, Ontario has something for everyone. For more winter fun this winter, plan your family’s winter getaway to the cottage rental in Ontario today!
Plan Your Visit for Ice Fishing in Ontario!
Ready to make your dream Ontario vacation a reality? Planning your getaway is simple whenever you book with CottageLINK Rental Management! Check out our Ontario cottage rentals, reserve your favorite, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
