Rice Lake Ice Fishing

Anglers start your augers! Ice fishing has returned to Rice Lake for the first time since the 1920's... and it's hot. What a fantastic way to cast away the winter doldrums!

Known as a popular Canadian winter past time, ice fishing in Ontario is enjoyed by all ages. Anyone can participate from fishin' buddies out seriously fishing, or as a family just out enjoying some of our fine Canadian heritage.

Rice Lake offers year-round fishing for panfish such as perch, crappie and bluegill and an extended fishing season for bass and muskie. (Be sure to check the new changes to zone 17 fishing regulations for limits and exceptions before heading out.)

If you don't have a hut, BJ Tackle and Rice Lake Hut Rentals in Bewdley will set you up with what you need. BJ Tackle and Fergusons Live Bait have all the artificial and live bait needed for the lake. They will also have local ice conditions: be sure to check with local tackle and hut rental shops before heading out!

If you don't have a fishing license and would like to try ice fishing for the first time mark February 13-15 on your calendar, for those days Canadian residents can enjoy fishing license free during the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. 

The key to this popular activity is to play it safe. If you are unsure about ice conditions, do not go out on the ice!

Here are some quick tips to help keep your head above the ice:

• Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be particularly evident at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out. Anglers should check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as they move further out on the ice.

• Ice that formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

• The strongest ice is clear blue in colour. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice with a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided.

• Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double these amounts if the ice is white or opaque.

• A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down freezing.

• Remember to ALWAYS know your location, and never ice fish alone. 

Related Links

MNR - Ice fishing hut and rod regulations

Ontario Fishing Net - Crappie