Central Ontario, mainly the Lake Simcoe area, is fast becoming one of the world's hottest spots for entertaining one of the most coldest of sports, ice fishing!
The frozen waters of Central Ontario will beckon fisherman from afar as the bone chilling, sub-freezing temperatures begin to freeze both the land and water. Forming a temporary, seasonal splendor, an ice fishing heaven. As all good fisherman know, if your lucky and have what it takes, you too can have a chance to catch and taste what generations of local fisherman and visitors rave about!
You will need a Fishing License to legally fish any waters, in any season, unless otherwise specified. Please see the Ministry of Natural Resources, or your local tackle and bait shop for more information. Safety is just as imperative and must include proper clothing, protection from the elements, compass, communication, wather and ice thickness.
Ice Safety
Less than 4 inches – STAY OFF! There is no reason to test the newly formed ice at this time.
4-6 Inches – Ice fishing, foot travel in single-file lines, and small spaced seating on the ice should be safe, presuming the ice is clear and clean.
6-10 Inches – Snowmobiles and ATV’s can travel safely on good ice that is over inches thick.
10-16 Inches – Small cars and pick-ups can begin to venture on to the ice. However, it is best to avoid driving on the ice, whenever possible.
16+ Inches – A medium-sized car or mid-size pickup can drive on good clear solid ice.
Remember that many factors such as wind, rain and temperatures increasing can change safe ice to unsafe ice overnight! Always check beforehand! Proceed with caution, if at all, across pressure cracks. Have a communication device with you and prepare those at home with your arrival time at home. As well have a GPS, compass or mapping system in place and a BUDDY system. Do not venture out alone!
Ice will not form safely in areas with swift currents which leaves open areas that freeze thinner. Off-shore winds can shift the ice forming pressure cracks, like the one pictured above. The late winter warm spells can also destroy the texture of the ice, forming rotten or soft ice. Beware that it may be the required thickness but will not adequately support weight. Smart fisherman carry a self-rescue device made of two spiked handles connected by a string used to pull themselves out of the water and onto the ice. Many cars, trucks, SUVs, snowmobiles, and fish houses also fall through the ice each year. Current environmental regulations require the speedy recovery of the vehicle or structure. In some cases divers must be hired, and when the trouble occurs far from shore, helicopters may be employed for hoisting and or search and rescue. Other risks associated with ice fishing include carbon monoxide poisoning from fish house heaters and frostbite due to prolonged exposure to wind and low temperatures. Make sure you have room inside your hut for all of those in your party, including pets.
Safety Tips & Hints
- Wear Layers of Clothing. Layering makes it easier to remove or put clothes back on if you are getting too hot or too cold. Your initial layer should be thermal underwear that draws away moisture.Your next layer should be insulating like fleece, wool or flannel . Your last or outside layer should be windproof and waterproof, your jacket should be a down-filled coat with a hood. Remember to wear a warm wool, fleece or knitted hat. Avoid cotton because it does not hold heat well, especially when wet. Boots should be insulated & waterproof, wear liner socks plus a pair of thick wool or non-cotton socks. Wear your boots loosely fitting to avoid cutting off circulation of blood to your lower extremities. Make sure to wear neoprene or waterproof nylon mittens.
- What else should I bring? A small bag of sand or kitty litter to sprinkle around your ice hole or vehicle, for better traction. An additional set of dry clothes and socks in case you get wet. High energy snacks and warm drinks to fuel you through the cold day. Rope to use in case someone falls through the ice. First aid kit. Matches stored in a waterproof container (35mm film canisters work great). Home-made ice awls or store bought ice picks, in an easy to reach OUTER pocket. PFD seat cushion to use as a seat and/or flotation device. Hand and foot warmers.
- Pay attention & watch where you are going!
- Never fish in an area where the ice is less than 4 inches thick.
- Avoid areas where there are feeder streams and springs, all running water.
- Stay away from ice areas that are dark, honeycombed, porous, wet, soft or slushy.
Falling Through the Ice
If you fall through the ice, don't panic. You must remain calm.
- Use your ice awls to pull yourself up onto the safe ice.
No ice awls? Try "swimming out," which lets your body rise and allows you to get onto firm ice.
- Use your legs to kick behind you, to help keep from going under.
Once on the ice, remain low and distibute your body weight over as much of the ice surface area as possible. Spread out.
If you can't get to safety, you must call for help. Yell as loud as you can.
- Slip your boots off to make treading water easier.
- Keep your clothes on, as they will insulate you from the icy water.
When is Enough Cold, Enough?
If you, your chidren or your pets are either wet, tired, cold or all three it's probably time to head home! In the meantime, change into dry clothes and seek out warmth in all forms.
Keep an eye out for frostbite (pale skin on exposed flesh) which can happen within minutes in extreme winter conditions. Seek medical assistance asap.
Watch out for signs of hypothermia (shivering, loss of judgment). Treat it with warm fluids, dry clothes, a blanket and warm shelter. Seek medical assistance asap.
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