A Guide to Winter Fishing at Ontario Resorts
Ontario is home to more than 250,000 lakes, making it one of the largest freshwater fishing destinations in the world.
When winter temperatures drop and the lakes freeze, ice fishing becomes part of the season across much of the province. From Lake Simcoe and Lake Nipissing to smaller inland lakes in Muskoka and the Kawarthas, anglers head onto the ice in search of perch, walleye, lake trout, northern pike, and whitefish, supported by a network of resorts, outfitters, guides, and maintained ice access points.
Staying at an Ontario resort makes it easy to ice fishing, whether you’re new to the sport or an old pro.
This article will explore:
New to Ice Fishing? Here's what you need to know.
Looking for an ice-fishing-friendly resort? Here's some of our favourites.
New to Ice Fishing? Here's what you need to know.
For first-time visitors, one of the biggest surprises about ice fishing is how accessible it can be when you choose a resort or outfitter that provides the right support.
Heated huts, equipment rentals and local knowledge can remove much of the guesswork, particularly if you have never fished through the ice before.
Preparation matters:
- Dress in layers and bring insulated, waterproof boots, gloves and warm outerwear. Sunglasses are useful on bright days when sunlight reflects off the snow and ice, while hand warmers and snacks can make a long day outside more comfortable.
- Ice conditions require particular attention. Ontario advises anglers to check local conditions before venturing onto a frozen lake because ice does not freeze uniformly. Areas around springs, flowing water, pressure cracks, old ice holes and river mouths can be weaker than surrounding ice.
- It is also important to remember that Ontario does not have a separate "ice fishing season." Fishing on the ice is governed by the same species-specific seasons, limits and regulations that apply elsewhere, so anglers should check the current regulations and have a valid fishing licence.
For anyone new to the sport, the easiest approach is often to let the resort or a local operator help. With the right conditions, a warm shelter and a little patience, ice fishing can become one of the most memorable ways to experience an Ontario winter.
Looking for an ice-fishing-friendly resort?
Keep scrolling for some of our favourites.
Blue Water Acres
On the shores of Lake of Bays in Muskoka, Blue Water Acres offers easy access to one of the region’s deeper, clearer lakes. The lake is known for lake trout and whitefish, making them two of the main draws for anglers heading onto the ice. Ice-fishing spots can be set up within walking distance of the cottages, so a day on the lake is never far from a warm place to thaw out.
Fern Resort
Overlooking Lake Couchiching near Orillia, Fern Resort brings ice fishing into a full winter resort experience. The lake is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway and offers a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. With nearly two kilometres of waterfront, Fern provides plenty of room to get out on the ice before returning to the resort for a warm meal or one of its many winter activities.
Sherwood Inn
Lake Joseph is one of Muskoka's signature lakes, known for its deep, clear water, rocky shoreline and countless bays and inlets. At Sherwood Inn, guests can experience the lake in a very different season, with ice fishing among the winter activities. It is an appealing choice for anglers who want to spend part of the day on the ice and the rest enjoying a quieter Muskoka winter escape.
Bayview Wildwood Resort
Home to northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass and more, Sparrow Lake is a popular fishing lake in the Muskoka region. At Bayview Wildwood Resort, ice fishing offers a chance to experience the lake after it freezes, with the resort's extensive waterfront providing direct access to the winter landscape. For families, fishing can easily be combined with skating, snowshoeing and other winter activities.
Springwood Cottage Resort
On Kennebec Lake in Eastern Ontario, Springwood Cottage Resort is a strong choice for anglers who want fishing to be a central part of their winter getaway. The lake reaches depths of around 100 feet in its eastern basin and supports smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and panfish. In winter, the resort can help with ice huts rentals, which provide a comfortable base for spending time on the lake, even when temperatures drop.
Beachwood Resort
Lower Buckhorn Lake in the Kawartha Lakes is known for its varied fishing habitat, from weed beds and rocky shoals to deeper underwater structure. Anglers can find walleye, bass, muskie, perch, crappie, bluegill and sunfish, making it a diverse fishery throughout the year. Beachwood Resort has been a fishing destination for generations, with cottages along more than 1,400 feet of shoreline. For a winter visit, check current fishing and ice conditions with the resort before heading onto the lake.
Great Escapes Magazine is a publication of Resorts of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for resorts, lodges and inns of Ontario's tourism industry.
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