Being primarily a seasonal angler who enjoys the warmer weather of spring, summer and autumn I’m always hesitant when it comes to the subject of Ontario ice fishing. Although living in a northern climate and privy to unlimited hard water opportunities I personally have a difficult time spending hours in the cold outdoors when a steady day job leaves me the chills 5 days a week to begin with. When asked by a close personal friend who had never ice fished before if I would setup a quick 3 day weekend trip I looked no further than operators in the Lake Nipissing/North Bay area. Being a short 3 ½ hour drive from Toronto this near north region of the province is one of my favorites during the summer so it was logical for me to continue my devotion to this area when selecting a destination for hard water action.

After reviewing numerous outfitters on the Ontario Fish Trips.com website I made a quick shortlist of a few who could accommodate me on short notice and booked with a reputable operation called Snowfari Adventures. Offering all sizes of ice bungalows we were booked in and given directions and a phone number in case we became lost and to notify them when we arrived as they would be out on the ice tending to their guests. A rule of thumb for those looking to get out on the ice during the hard water season is to book as far in advance to guarantee your spot especially on the weekends. Once the season breaks into full swing many ice fishing outfitters can book up solid within a couple of days depending on the weather and ice conditions. An informative website by our operator advised us exactly what was needed and what was supplied by them which made planning a breeze and lightened the load in the car.

Leaving Toronto on a sunny Friday afternoon in the middle of January we earnestly headed up Hwy # 11 bound for cottage country and the near north of Central Ontario.  Passing the cities of Barrie and Orillia we were met with a gradual snowfall as we approached the town of Huntsville reminding us once again what the snow belt region was so well renowned for and what made this area of the province picture pretty during the winter months. Quick glimpses of the passing Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching got our hearts racing as a solid blanket of ice covered the lake as far as the eye could see.

Making a quick stop in Huntsville area just off the Hwy # 60 exit we participated in that true Canadian travel tradition known as Tim Hortons. A double double and bagel set us off once again satisfied knowing that the south bay of Lake Nipissing was only 1 hour away. As the snowfall continued I relished in the beauty of the snow draped pine and evergreen boughs along the highway. The majestic winter splendor of Ontario was upon us with every passing kilometer. Turning east of Hwy # 534 just outside Powassan with continued until turning north on Hwy # 654. Grabbing our website directions we soon arrived at the end of Birchgrove Dr.  and were greeted with a beehive of activity by snowmobilers and traffic moving off and on the ice.

Within minutes we were met by Snowfari owner and operator Ron and were escorted out onto the ice. A short distance later we arrived at what we later found was called downtown Snowfariville. This was definitely a small community out on one of Ontario’s most popular and productive lakes. After an introduction to Donna we were given the lowdown on our bungalow and all of its amenities. Equipped with propane heat, lights and even an attached commode our weekend home proved to be quite warm and cozy. Anticipating our arrival holes were already pre drilled in our bungalow floor and eagerly awaited the lines to drop into the frozen depths. Our outfitter informed us of other smaller huts positioned farther out on the ice for our use but as the day was waning we decided to wait until morning. A mutual decision to call it an early night and rise before dawn sent us packing and gave us some necessary time to organize our supplies and gear.

The darkness of the early morning brought us a nice sized Perch on both of our lines and got our hearts racing for the big prize that we both dreamed of…Walleye. Grabbing a light snack we loaded the car and headed out onto the 20 inches of clear and solid ice. Our safe route out onto the lake was ensured by an escort from Ron and he guided us safely to a 4 man heated hut far out from shore. Reminding us that if we wanted any more holes drilled in locations outside all we had to do was ask. Meeting other Snowfari neighbors within minutes the fish tales were flying as we all learned a bit about each other and enjoyed each others’ company.

Although a slot size for walleye is enforced on Lake Nipissing everyone seemed to be having a genuinely great time although many fish were returned to the water. We were advised again by Ron that if anyone wanted to meet up at 3:30 he would take us to another location where the fish would be feeding at that time. A little more perch action followed by a hearty BBQ and we followed Ron once again out onto the ice. At exactly 3:30 we once again followed the convoy onto the ice. This time to a more secluded area away from any other huts. Ron guided us via his GPS to what he indicated was a shoal and let us know that the ‘eye’ would be moving into the area to start feeding. 12 holes were drilled and within minutes folks were pulling up fish. Careful to respect the slow size a few were kept and many were let go to preserve the Lake Nipissing Walleye population and to ensure future success of the species. The largest Walleye caught by the group on this outing was just over 26 inches and a healthy 6 ½ pounds. After taking part in the hot and heavy action the darkness slowly crept upon the area and we resided to return back for dinner, some cards and another BBQ.

Much was learned on this outing for one who has little experience in ice fishing. Depth, lure presentation and time of day are extremely crucial to your success rate. Depending on what species of fish you are after a 1 inch difference in lure height can make or break your outing. Noting this I tucked this information away for another great Ontario fishing adventure in the weeks to come.
 

 This article was written by the
contributing staff of OFT and its
group of amateur and pro Ontario anglers.

Copyright 2008. Ontario Fish Trips .