See yourself heading out into a blanket of fog for the first light bite on a quiet calm lake? This can be managed just about anywhere in the region, but if you want that lake to be your very own, you may consider a fly-in or remote drive-in option. There are lodges that also operate year-round with fully guided ice-fishing trips.

If you’re a fly angler, you’ll appreciate this region’s sheltered lakes and rivers where you can escape wind and waves amongst picturesque islands. Most species in Northeast Ontario can be caught on a fly rod, while bass, walleye, pike, and muskie all enjoy streamers of various sizes. Your lodge host will fill you in on what colours and patterns to use. Lake trout can be targeted in shallow waters in the early spring turnover when the season opens, and this is also a great time to have the lodge and the lake to yourself in the early shoulder season.

Gear anglers are set for all seasons in Northeast Ontario. Cover miles and miles of water a day as you take off from the lodge, coffee in hand, camera at the ready for wildlife sightings and personal best catches.

Lodges and outfitters have ice huts ranging from simple shelters to ice bungalows with satellite TV. You’ll find our ice-fishing culture is among the best in the nation, with whole towns springing up on ice every winter.

From the thrill of bringing a healthy winter fish up through the ice, or the feeling of contentment you get cozying up after a day spent outside, ice fishing is a quintessential Canadian pastime. And Northeastern Ontario is known for its ice fishing culture once the water ices over.

From classic ice huts to luxurious ice bungalows, you’ll find experiences below that will fit your preferences. A friends’ weekend, a couples’ getaway, or a family vacation–ice fishing is all about the memories you make on the ice–and about the killer fish you’ll find in our Northern lakes.

Before heading anywhere new, every good angler should check the region’s rules and regulations. It’s important to respect the seasonality of species to make sure you have the best vacation possible.

You also need to make sure you have the proper fishing license for the type of fishing you’re doing.