Windy, minus twenty and whiteout snow squalls. This is what
every ice fisherman puts themselves through during the
winter months except for March and into early April for some
parts of the province. This is when the weather is changing;
the sun beams down with unbelievable heat and the fish are
often on a feeding frenzy. Every species has certain times
of the year when they are most susceptible to becoming
caught by anglers. Lake trout and walleye are my favourite
species to target during late ice because good numbers of
fish become active and many lakes offer world class size
fish throughout Ontario. These tips will help you locate and
catch fish during the best part of the ice season.
Lake Trout
When and Where
Lake Trout feed furiously on reefs, flats and at the mouths
of inflowing water sources throughout the year. During early
March I start fishing shallow during low light periods
targeting fish that patrol the shallow flats for a meal.
These low light periods grow longest during the final weeks
of the ice season because all of the snow from the year
still occupying the ice. When the snow begins to melt from
the warm, bright and beautiful days of early spring, low
light conditions diminish and lake trout can be found
roaming different depths beneath the ice. Start first by
jigging off the bottom, then reel up at increments of five
feet. Work your bait at these various depths for a period of
time before moving to the next hole.
Favourite Baits
My two favourite styles of baits for Lakers are fluttering
jigging spoons and various scented tube jigs in the 3-4 inch
range. Experiment with different jig head weights throughout
the day. I will normally start out with a 3/8 ounce to get
my bait down quick for active fish. I then change to ¼ ounce
and often by the end of the day I am usually down to 1/8
ounce jig head. The slow swirl received from a light jig
head gives the tube a deadly decent. Match the colour of
your bait to the forage in the lake. If perch are the main
forage, a fire tiger pattern would be a good choice. If
smelt, shiners or ciscoes are the main forage use white,
black and silver colour combinations. Medium - heavy to
heavy action rods are a must for battling these giants
through the ice. Double your odds by setting a tip-up with a
live bait rig for your second line (where legal).
Walleye
When and Where
Classic walleye spots shine during mid March and into April.
Spawning areas such as river mouths and rocky shorelines
produce most action throughout the day and night. When river
mouths start to open up into lakes safely launch a small
boat into the open water and jig for chunky pre-spawn fish.
Be sure to check Ontario’s fishing regulations for closing
and opening dates for the walleye season. Be careful seasons
vary throughout the province.
Favourite Baits
Strikes are vicious as the fish are feeding due to the
upcoming spawn. A medium action spinning rod is best for
fighting walleye through the ice. I always begin jigging
with a glow Shad Rapala or fire tiger Jigging Rapala.
Northlands Bucket Shot spoon is my second choice which I
always have rigged next to me to save time tying. For my
second rod down I use a dead stick close by with a spoon and
dropper rig or simple jig head with a minnow. A dropper rig
consists of a Williams or any flutter spoon with the hook
removed and a barrel swivel put in its place. Tie a 2-10”
leader of fluorocarbon line to a single hook with a minnow
hooked behind the dorsal fin allowing the minnow to struggle
and in turn gives the spoon flash. When fishing from a small
boat in the mouth of a river use an electric trolling motor
to slowly work the area with a jig and minnow. Pay close
attention to your electronics to locate schools of staging
fish and mark on your GPS potential pockets where fish might
hold.
Facts of Fishing Seminar Series
Don’t miss your opportunity to catch all the excitement, entertainment
and information that is packed into Facts of Fishing THE SHOW every week
on television LIVE!
2009 Toronto Sportsmans Show
This March Break learn a valuable lesson about the outdoors without
stepping a foot outside in the cold or inside the classroom.
Get North!
Stressed? need a vacation? Visit Get North to find your Northern Ontario
get-away!
When and Where
When and Where