Each year around November or December, Canadian anglers are faced with the task of storing their boats and tackle as winter moves in and ice locks down the lakes and rivers. For some, the next five-months are spent tinkering with gear, shopping for new fishing supplies, watching fishing shows and generally doing anything remotely fishing related as a means to stay sane until the spring. For others, the arrival of winter signals the beginning of a whole new fishing season. Snowmobiles and ATVs take the place of boats; long rods give way to short jigging sticks and chopping or drilling holes through the ice replaces casting as the method of offering baits to fish.
Despite the obvious differences, the basics of ice fishing are really no different than for open water fishing. The goal of finding and ultimately catching fish is the same, regardless of the season, and many of the same principles still apply. The fact that the water is hard instead of soft shouldn’t make a difference in how anglers approach ice fishing but in a lot of cases it does.
For example, a great number of winter anglers seem happy to plunk a shack out on the ice and call it home until the spring thaw rather than moving from spot to spot as is common when fishing from a boat or walking a shoreline. They fish with one or two ice rods or tip ups - regardless of the species or technique they are using - and they often use just a couple of approaches, generally a set line and a jigging line.
Instead of studying the lake and planning an effective approach, ice fishers routinely head out to the groups of huts or packs of other anglers and assume that those are the hotspots. Occasionally these folks will enjoy some good fishing but more often they will have much less success than they do at other times of the year. The main reason is that their approach to winter fishing is inefficient compared to their open water system. With that said, all it takes is a little attention to detail and some refinements in techniques and tactics for anyone to increase their success on the ice.
Plan Your Attack
This story is from the Winter 2019 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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This story is from the Winter 2019 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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ONTARIO FISHING ADVENTURES
Last winter we did a special feature profiling several fantastic fishing resorts in various regions of Ontario. The article was so well received that we decided to do it again, with a new group of lodges. All of this year’s destinations provide top notch fishing for multiple species, they’re relatively unpressured and they are easily accessible by car. From high-end, full service resorts to more laid-back fishing camps, each of these locations offer a unique fishing experience. If you’re thinking about where to go for your next fishing getaway the following pages feature Bob Izumi's profiles of some the trips he made last year. Hopefully they will give you some ideas on where to look for a fishing trip that is sure to meet all of your expectations.
FISHING ALGOMA COUNTRY
Wil Wegman is an award-winning outdoor writer, seminar host and tournament angler from Bradford Ontario. In 2017 Wil was recognized for his dedication to the sport by being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. www.wilwegman.com
Tales from the Road
As you may know I like driving, so jumping in a vehicle and doing a road trip is appealing to me. For years I would routinely do 100,000 km per year or more on the road. So this Tales starts with me heading out again, back to Brennan Harbour Resort in Spanish, Ontario. Located in Algoma Country, this friendly resort is operated by James and Casey, who are a wonderful couple.
CHAIN PICKEREL ON STRIKE
I’ve never stalked a whitetail deer, but I imagine doing so is a bit like fishing for large chain pickerel. Success is found by locating those prime areas where the big ones live, and by working those areas thoroughly and patiently with exact techniques.
What's Cooking
Elk Tartare with Horseradish Crema
Tales From The Road
Since my last Tales article I’ve been averaging at least six days a week, sometimes seven, on the road. Road trips are, and have always been, a big part of my life. There’s just something about being on the go that I love. In fact, as I wrap up this column I’ll be hitting the road again and I can’t wait, even though I just got back a day ago. I think it’s ingrained in me so much that I don’t mind living out of a suitcase. I know it’s not for everybody, but I like it.
The MGM Fishing Trip
On the first Saturday of June 2020, a group of 20 extended family members will celebrate an amazing milestone. They will be participating in the 50th consecutive year of a family fishing trip begun by four founding members way back in 1971.
Hidden Gems
Every now and again we anglers are lucky enough to find lakes, ponds or creeks that feel so isolated from civilization that believing they are a reality is sometimes more difficult than finding them in the first place. Stumbling across, or being introduced to, a body of water with such enormous potential for catching fish is what any fishing enthusiast dreams of. Fortunately for myself, I have lucked out three times in one shot.
Black Crappie
The black crappie is a member of the sunfish family and features the same deep, laterally compressed body shape as other sunfishes.
Fly Tricks For Fall Trout
In the fall, fly fishing changes. Not only does the weather cool, the bug activity often quiets down as well. Different techniques are needed to adapt to the rivers where fish are often looking for different food. Searching techniques and paying attention to details can improve your success.
