Ontario Ice Fishing | Up To 4 Guests Included
When the lakes freeze solid and the snow starts flying, that's when the real fishing action begins up here in Ontario and Quebec. I'm talking about prime ice fishing territory where walleye, northern pike, and brook trout are just waiting under that thick ice. This multi-day adventure takes you and up to three buddies to some of the most productive waters in the region - Lake Abitibi, Dagenais River, Duparquet River, La Reine River, La Sarre River, and Low Bush River. You'll be fishing with Kammoe and his sons, who've been working these waters for years and know exactly where the fish are holding. Pack your warmest gear and get ready for some of the best hard water fishing you'll ever experience.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical weekend ice fishing trip where you're wondering if there's anything down there. We're talking about multiple days on proven fish-holding structures across six different water bodies, each with its own character and fish populations. Lake Abitibi is massive and holds some serious pike, while the rivers like Dagenais and Duparquet offer excellent walleye action in the deeper holes and current breaks. The beauty of this setup is variety - if one spot isn't producing, we've got five other prime locations to hit. Kammoe and his sons have been fishing these waters through multiple seasons and they know the underwater terrain like the back of their hand. They'll have you set up over the best structure, whether that's a rocky point holding walleye or a weedy bay where pike are ambushing baitfish. The ice conditions up here are typically solid by mid-December and stay good through March, giving you a long season to work with.
Gear Setup & Ice Techniques
Ice fishing up here means dealing with thick ice and cold temperatures, but that's exactly what creates the best fishing conditions. We'll be using a mix of tip-ups and jigging rods depending on what we're targeting. For walleye, expect to work small jigs tipped with minnows or perch eyes in 15-25 feet of water, especially around rocky structure and drop-offs. Pike fishing is a different game - we'll set tip-ups with larger sucker minnows and let them work while we actively jig for other species. The key is having multiple lines in the water since these fish can be finicky about depth and presentation on any given day. Brook trout require a more finesse approach with smaller baits and lighter tackle, especially in the river systems where current creates oxygen-rich zones under the ice. You'll need a valid Ontario or Quebec fishing license depending on which waters we hit, and don't forget that ice cleats and warm layers are absolutely essential. The guides will handle hole drilling and fish houses if needed, but bring your own cold weather gear because comfort equals more time fishing.
Top Catches This Season
Walleye are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 14-20 inches through these systems, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional wall-hanger pushing 24 inches or more. They're most active during low light periods - early morning, late afternoon, and especially at dusk when they move up from deeper water to feed. What makes walleye so exciting here is their aggressive winter feeding behavior. When you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish from the same hole before they move on. Northern pike are the apex predators in these waters, and winter pike fishing is something special. They're sluggish but when they hit, there's no mistaking it. Expect fish in the 24-30 inch range with some real monsters lurking in the deeper bays and along weed edges. Pike over 35 inches aren't uncommon, and those fish will test your tackle and your nerves when they come up through the hole.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller, but they're incredibly fun to catch and excellent table fare. These waters produce jumbo perch in the 10-12 inch range that fight like fish twice their size. They school heavily under the ice, so when you locate them, you can have fast action for hours. They're also great for beginners or when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. Brook trout are the jewels of the river systems, especially in Dagenais and Duparquet. These native char are absolutely beautiful fish with their olive backs and bright orange fins, and they're incredibly selective feeders. Most brookies here run 12-16 inches, but the fight they put up is memorable. They prefer the cleaner, more oxygenated water found in current areas, and catching one is always a highlight of any trip.
Time to Book Your Spot
This multi-day ice fishing adventure gives you access to some of Ontario and Quebec's most productive winter fisheries with guides who know every productive spot across six different water systems. Whether you're after a wall-hanger walleye, a trophy pike, or just want to experience world-class ice fishing in prime northern territory, this trip delivers. The four-person capacity means you can bring your fishing buddies or make it a family adventure. Since lodging isn't included, you've got options - book Kammoe's private accommodations for the full experience or stay at a local hotel if you prefer. Either way, you'll be fishing with locals who live and breathe these waters year-round. Don't wait too long to book - the best ice fishing months fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Get your license sorted, pack your winter gear, and get ready for some serious hard water action.