Canada Guided Fishing Trips | Ice Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
Guided ice fishing on Ottawa and Madawaska RiversHeated portable shelters with all gear provided includedSmall group trips for maximum two guests
When the ice locks down the Ottawa Valley's best waters, that's when things get really interesting. Our guided ice fishing trips put you right on top of Ontario's premier winter fishing spots – the Ottawa River, Madawaska River, White Lake, and Calabogie Lake. You'll be targeting some serious fish while staying warm in our heated portable shelters. No need to haul your own gear or worry about safety equipment – we've got you covered with everything from rods to bait to the latest ice safety gear. It's just you, a buddy, and some of the best ice fishing Ontario has to offer.
This isn't your grandfather's ice shack experience. We're talking heated portable shelters that actually keep you comfortable while you're working the holes. The Ottawa Valley serves up some of the most consistent ice fishing in Ontario, and we know exactly where to set up based on current conditions and fish movement. You'll be fishing in small groups – just two anglers max – so there's plenty of room to work your lines and no competition for the good spots. The ice season here typically runs from late December through March, giving us a solid window to target fish when they're most predictable. Our guides have been working these waters for years and know how to read the underwater structure, even when it's buried under two feet of ice.
We handle all the grunt work – drilling holes, setting up tip-ups, and rigging your lines with the right tackle for current conditions. You'll be working with quality rods designed specifically for ice fishing, sensitive enough to feel the lightest bite but with enough backbone to handle a good fish. We use a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working, and our tackle boxes are stocked with everything from jigs to spoons to live minnows. The technique changes based on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. Some days it's an active jigging game, other days we're running tip-ups and waiting for flags. The key is reading the fish and adapting – something our guides excel at. Safety is huge out here, and we carry all the necessary ice safety equipment including picks, rope, and flotation devices.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Ottawa Valley ice fishing, and for good reason. These fish stay active all winter and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere in Ontario. Walleye typically hold in 15 to 30 feet of water during the ice season, relating to structure like drop-offs, points, and weed edges that are now buried under ice. They feed heavily during low-light periods – early morning, evening, and overcast days – making them perfect targets for day-long trips. What makes walleye so exciting to catch through the ice is their fight in cold water. They don't give up easy when the water's near freezing, and a good walleye will test your drag and keep you on your toes. Plus, they're fantastic eating, so you'll go home with some of the best table fare Ontario waters have to offer.
Muskellunge fishing through the ice is a whole different animal – literally. These apex predators don't shut down just because there's ice overhead, but they do become more predictable in their behavior. Winter muskies tend to relate to deeper water adjacent to their summer haunts, usually holding in 20 to 40 feet near rock piles, deep weed edges, or underwater humps. The Ottawa Valley system holds some true giants, and ice fishing gives you access to areas that are tough to reach during open water season. Musky through the ice requires patience and the right approach – we're talking bigger baits, heavier tackle, and a willingness to wait for the right bite. When a musky hits your tip-up and that flag goes flying, your heart rate spikes like nothing else. These fish can push 40 inches or more in our waters, and landing one through an 8-inch hole is something you'll never forget.
Ice fishing in the Ottawa Valley offers something you can't get anywhere else – world-class fishing in a winter wonderland setting, without freezing your tail off. Our heated shelters, quality gear, and local knowledge take all the guesswork and discomfort out of the equation. You just show up ready to fish, and we handle everything else. The ice season books up fast, especially weekends and holidays, so don't wait until the last minute. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with walleye or chase the musky of a lifetime, this is your chance to experience Ontario ice fishing done right. Give us a call and let's get you set up for a day on the ice that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to shore.
Our 2015 Godfrey Pontoon makes ice fishing the Ottawa Valley waters comfortable for your group. This 20-foot boat handles the transition from open water to winter fishing spots with ease, powered by a reliable Mercury 9.9 engine. When the ice sets in, we'll have you fishing from heated portable shelters on prime spots across the Ottawa River, Madawaska River, White Lake, and Calabogie Lake. The spacious deck gives you room to organize your gear and move around freely. We provide all the rods, tackle, bait, and safety equipment you'll need. Just bring yourself and get ready to drop lines through the ice for some great Ontario winter fishing action.
Esox MasquinongyMuskellunge are the apex predator of our Ottawa Valley lakes - true freshwater monsters that can reach 40+ inches and 20+ pounds. These tiger-striped giants lurk around weed edges, rocky points, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water, waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime muskie time when they're feeding heavily before winter. What draws anglers? The sheer power and unpredictability - muskies are called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. When one hits, it's explosive. They jump, run, and test every piece of gear you've got. Use heavy tackle with 50+ lb leaders and large lures like bucktails or jerkbaits. Here's a local secret: work figure-8s at boatside after every retrieve. Muskies often follow lures without striking, and that final flourish triggers strikes. It's addictive fishing that creates lifelong memories.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after fish in our Ottawa Valley waters. These golden-colored beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing 25+ inches. Their distinctive glassy eyes help them hunt in low light, making dawn and dusk prime time. You'll find them hugging rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and gravel bars in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallow to feed. What makes walleye special? They fight smart rather than flashy, and they're absolutely delicious - firm, white, flaky meat with no muddy taste. My go-to tip: use a jig and minnow combo, but work it slow. Walleye often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely. They're subtle biters, but once you dial in their pattern, you'll fill the cooler.
Toronto