The middle of winter (and ice thickness measurements) signals a migration of entire communities onto the frozen lakes and rivers in search of fish, friendship and frivolity …
…….
While travelling along the Ottawa River recently we snapped these photos of a small ice hut community out on the frozen water.
Ice-fishing is weather-dependent but the season generally runs from late January to early March.
To fish, you must have a provincial fishing licence and follow provincial fishing regulations.
This Government of Canada Fisheries & Oceans web site provides helpful links.
Centre de Pêche des Sportifs, where these photos were taken, is on Route 344 on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.
Route 344 follows the Ottawa River from the Town of Grenville across the bridge from Hawkesbury, Ontario.
Small to extra-large ice hut cabins are rented out. Bait-fish and “tip-ups” (or in french, les brimbales, ice fishing equipment) are available.
Here are 10 top ice fishing tips from Outdoor Canada, an online source for all things fishing in Canada. You can also check interesting fishing tips on Bonfire Bob.
No more than five lines per person please.
Hockey just happens. It’s Canada, after all.
I’m sure there’s beer in there somewhere.
Limits: FIVE Dorés (walleye), SIX Brochets (Northern Pike), 50 Perchaudes (Yellow Perch), SIX Achigans (Bass), and don’t even think about Muskie or Sturgeon.
People are friendly. They just can’t help it.
Ice fishing derbies happen on a regular basis. Entry is about $20.
– bonne chance – good luck –
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