Ice Fishing

As North Bay’s lakes and rivers freeze over, they transform into a frozen playground for ice fishing enthusiasts and draw anglers from far and wide.

North Bay is regarded as one of the best places for ice fishing in Ontario and is a premier ice fishing destination in Canada.

Don’t just take our word for it – Lake Nipissing, where North Bay sits, was recently crowned the number one ice fishing destination in Canada and is a hotspot for ice fishing adventures.

Where to go Ice Fishing in North Bay

Lake Nipissing is the most popular ice fishing spot in North Bay where anglers venture onto the thick ice, drill holes, and set up their ice fishing shelters.

There are several other desirable smaller lakes and rivers favoured by local and visiting winter anglers that are perfect for both ice fishing beginners and experienced anglers. Trout Lake, which is a part of the Mattawa River system, is accessible from Olmstead Beach or the MacPherson Boat Launch for ice fishing day trips.

Callander Bay, dotted with numerous ice fishing huts, is another popular and rewarding spot to set up for multiple days.

With easy access and free public parking in many locations around Lake Nipissing, Trout Lake and Callander Bay, along with numerous accommodation, ice bungalow rentals and outfitters, North Bay is a perfect place to visit and try your hand at one of Northern Ontario’s favourite winter pastimes.

Note that although North Bay is less than an hour from the northern access points to Algonquin Park, the park is a designated fish sanctuary in the winter and ice fishing is not permitted.

When Does Lake Nipissing Ice Fishing Season Start?

The general rule is that ice fishing season opens when the ice is frozen to a depth of 4 inches for walking on, and 8 inches for driving vehicles on the ice. When this occurs depends on the particular winter conditions, but ice fishing season officially starts on Lake Nipissing on January 1st until March 15th in North Bay. Ontario fishing laws state that all ice fishing huts must be off North Bay lakes by March 31st, marking the end of ice fishing season.

Always check current ice conditions with local ice fishing experts. Don’t forget that you still need a fishing license in the winter and that all fishing regulations apply for allowable catches.

Family-friendly ice fishing huts on Lake Nipissing North Bay

Lake Nipissing Ice Fishing Bungalow Rentals & Outfitters

North Bay and Callander have numerous options to support overnight ice fishing or day trips for you and your family. Below are some of the top local outfitters where you can rent the gear and on-ice accommodations you might need for your ice fishing adventure – including overnight ice fishing bungalows, day huts and guided ice fishing trips and charters.

For all ice fishing hut rental options, check out Northeastern Ontario’s complete guide to ice fishing huts, bungalows and cabins you can rent on Lake Nipissing this winter.

What Fish can be Caught in Winter?

Lake Nipissing is known for its abundance of fish species: walleye, perch, whitefish, burbot, smallmouth and largemouth bass and pike, providing ample opportunities for anglers to reel in their catch throughout winter and summer .

Walleye are the most sought after fish in Lake Nipissing in every season, due to the possibility of trophy catches, with northern pike, bass and yellow perch rounding out the top four.

Local Ice Fishing Tips, Gear and Best Baits

Read a local local expert’s account about the best times and seasons to catch various fish species in Lake Nipissing and the North Bay area. For tips and tricks on gear, bait and setup specific to Lake Nipissing, read more here.

If you’re an absolute beginner or just want to know more about what is ice fishing or how to ice fish, visit Destination Ontario’s guide to everything you need to know to start ice fishing.

North Bay and Lake Nipissing are the perfect backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime trophy ice fishing experiences for beginners and experienced anglers alike.