Ice fishing in Ontario made easy

Before you go

Fishing licence

You’ll need a fishing licence in advance of your ice fishing trip. Find out how to get your fishing licence in Ontario.

Ice safety

Experienced ice anglers will agree that safety is first and foremost when planning your trip. Be sure to ask about ice conditions. Get information and tips on ice safety.

Dress warmly

Pack appropriate clothing. Layers are best.

Fishing gear

The best fishing rods for ice fishing are generally only 24 to 48 inches long, much shorter than the rods used over the rest of the year. Ask your host what is best based on the species available, plus any specialized lures that you may wish to bring with you.

Find out more about getting started in ice fishing.

Where to go ice fishing

Here are ten suggested companies that will help you enjoy the great Canadian tradition of ice fishing.

Perreault’s Prime Time Ice Fishing

At Perreault’s, located in North Bay, you can choose to stay in a two-, four- or six-person ice bungalow or just come out for the day. If you’re looking to do something new with the kids this winter, their huts will keep you cozy throughout the day and night.

With a propane furnace, lights, barbecue, cooktop stove, private washroom, bunks, predrilled holes both inside and outside the hut, transportation to and from your bungalow in an enclosed sleigh and proximity to all the big city amenities in North Bay, you can’t go wrong with Perrault’s.

Location: Lake Nipissing, North Bay

Chilly Willy’s Ice Fishing Adventures 

Located on Lake Nipissing, this great fishery is popular among ice anglers. Whether you’re looking to catch walleye, pike, perch or whitefish, success is almost certain on Lake Nipissing. Chilly Willy’s insulated bungalows allow you to fish all day long.

With private, heated, attached toilet facilities, a full-size barbecue, bunk beds, transportation to and from your bungalow and an ice road (weather depending), you can even visit their site in advance to see what you need to bring with you. In the deluxe bungalows, sit back with a line in the water, watching a video on your TV and cook up some of your fresh catch in the full-size oven.

Location: Lake Nipissing, Callander

Snowfari Adventures

Lake Nipissing is famous for its ice fishing, and with Snowfari Adventures all you have to do is show up and fish. They provide ice bungalows that will sleep two to ten people. Fishing holes inside and outside your bungalow will be drilled and your thermostat-controlled furnace will be on. The bungalows are supplied with basic comforts, like a propane stove, lights, a barbecue, dishes and bunk beds.

Location: Lake Nipissing, Callander

South River Resort

Experience overnight fishing on Lake Nipissing in two- to eight-person bungalows equipped with a private heated washroom, large bunk beds, furniture, dishes, drilled holes inside and out, a stove and a full-size barbecue.

Groups are transported to the bungalow in a “people mover” that comfortably fits up to eight anglers and all their equipment. They can even accommodate CPAP machines if notified in advance. Bait is also supplied.

Location: Lake Nipissing, South River

Rob’s Five Star Fishing 

Operating for over 36 years on the epic Lake Nipissing, Rob’s offers four- and six-person bungalows fully equipped with propane heat, stove, barbecue, portable toilet facilities, bunk beds, transportation to and from your bungalow, lines and holes ready for your arrival. They’re also located on an OFSC trail, so whether you arrive by vehicle or sled Rob’s will guarantee a great ice fishing experience.

Location: Lake Nipissing, Callander

Bayside Ice Fishing

Spend a day on the ice on Lake Erie with Bayside Ice Fishing. They will transport you to and from your hut (day use only) and provide bait, a wood stove and the wood to keep you warm all day. You just need to bring your tackle, snacks, beverages—and of course your fishing buddies. Lake Erie perch await your arrival. Call and reserve your fishing hut today.

Location: Lake Erie, St. Williams

Tim Hales Fish Huts 

Located in the town of Beaverton on the east shore of Lake Simcoe, this ice fishing spot is about a 2-hour drive north of Toronto. Take advantage of free parking for your vehicle. You will be shuttled to a comfortable, clean hut in an enclosed transporter or heated Bombardier Snow Bus and supplied with bait, minnow pails and nets. Cottage facilities are available if you want to stay longer.

Location: Lake Simcoe, Beaverton

Lucky’s Sons Ice Rentals

Enjoy full-service ice fishing with day huts and luxury bungalow rentals as well as overnight bungalows. All bungalows contain a two-burner propane stove, heat and battery-powered lantern and the fishing holes will be drilled for you.

The day huts are located about one kilometer out on Lake Simcoe at the mouth of Cooks Bay. Lucky’s Sons supplies a bucket of minnows and transportation to and from your private heated hut—just bring your fishing equipment and have fun.

Location: Lake Simcoe, Innisfil

Little Hawk Resort & Marina

Nestled between Haliburton and Muskoka, this resort is located right on a snowmobile trail so you can sled to the lodge and take full advantage of great accommodations and food all while enjoying ice fishing in a heated hut. You can even have your meals delivered to the fishing hut if you wish. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Location: Little Hawk Lake, Algonquin Highlands

Aiden’s On-Ice Bungalows  

Mention of Lake of the Woods brings fishing to mind for most, and that doesn’t stop in the winter. Aiden’s On-Ice Bungalows offers epic angling year-round, including winter ice fishing.

With different packages to choose from, you can opt to stay in one of their winterized cabins or choose a fully appointed ice bungalow, where you can sleep and fish in the same location. With stove, fridge, indoor bathroom, furnace, fold-down bunk beds, pre-drilled indoor holes and more, the custom-made ice bungalows truly are like staying in a luxury cabin, but on the ice.

Location: Lake of the Woods, Nestor Falls