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 premier destinations for ice fishing in Ontario and Lake Nipissing in particular, recently crowned the number one ice fishing destination in Canada, is a hotspot for ice fishing adventures.

Where to Ice Fish 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 or huts. Additionally, there are several desirable smaller lakes and rivers favoured by local and visiting winter anglers suitable 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 locations around Lake Nipissing, Trout Lake and Callander Bay, along with numerous accommodation, ice hut 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.

Ice Fishing Season and Ontario Fishing Laws

The general rule is that ice fishing season opens when the ice is safely and sufficiently 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

Walleye, Perch, Pike, Whitefish, Burbot, Bass

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 summer and winter.

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.

Ice Fishing Tips, Gear and Best Baits

Read an 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.

Ice Fishing Outfitters

North Bay and the surrounding area have numerous options to support winter anglers, below are a few outfitters that can help you with whatever you need for your ice fishing adventure.

With the wealth of ice fishing services available, the proper gear, knowledge of ice safety and the stunning frozen landscape, North Bay is the backdrop for a thrilling ice fishing experience, where the anticipation of a bite is rewarded with plentiful catches and the pure enjoyment of the beauty of winter.