Table of Contents
What is the Best Month to go Ice Fishing in Canada and the Northern U.S.?
Generally speaking, the best month to go ice fishing is February when the ice is usually at its thickest in most of Canada and the Northern U.S. States. Perch and Walleye are the most active during the coldest months, and weather conditions tend to be a bit more stable than early or late in the season, so fishing is the most pleasant.
The best month to go ice fishing in Canada and the northern United States can vary depending on the specific location and the species of fish you are targeting.
In general, ice fishing season begins in late November or early December, when the water has frozen over and the ice is thick enough to support the weight of a person and their gear.
The ice fishing season typically lasts until March or April, when the ice begins to thaw and the lakes and rivers become unsafe for ice fishing.
The best time to go ice fishing will depend on the species of fish you are targeting, as different fish have different patterns of behavior and feeding habits.
Some species, such as perch and walleye, tend to be more active in the colder months of the year, while others, such as pike and lake trout, may be more active in the warmer months.
In terms of the specific month, it is often best to go ice fishing in late January or February, when the ice is at its thickest and the fish (at least Walleye and Perch) are typically more active. These months also tend to have more stable weather conditions, which can make for more pleasant and comfortable ice fishing conditions.
Ultimately, the best month to go ice fishing in Canada and the northern United States will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific location, the species of fish you are targeting, and the weather conditions.
It is always a good idea to check the local fishing regulations and to be cautious when venturing onto the ice, as conditions can vary widely and can change rapidly.
What is the Best Time of Day for Ice Fishing?
The best time of day for ice fishing generally, is early to late morning, and early to late evening, but that will vary depending on the target fish species.
The best time of day to go ice fishing can vary depending on a number of factors, including the species of fish you are targeting, the time of year, and the weather conditions.
In general, however, early morning and late afternoon are often considered the best times to go ice fishing, as many popular species of fish tend to be more active during these times.
This is because the cooler water temperatures and lower light levels can make the fish more sluggish and less likely to feed during the middle of the day. A few exceptions to this general rule may be sunfish and pike which are often best caught during mid-day.
It is also important to consider the weather conditions when planning your ice fishing trip. On sunny days, the surface of the ice can become much warmer, which can make the water underneath less oxygenated and less conducive to supporting a healthy fish population.
On the other hand, cold and overcast days can be ideal for ice fishing, as the water is likely to be cooler and more oxygenated, and the fish may be more active.
Overall, the best time of day to go ice fishing is largely a matter of personal preference and will depend on the specific conditions you are facing. Often, the weather for the day (specifically, the wind conditions) are calmer very early or late in the day, so these are often target times for many anglers.
Some anglers prefer to fish early in the morning when the lake is still and the fish are just starting to become active, while others prefer the late afternoon when the fish are more likely to be feeding.
Ultimately, the best time to go ice fishing is the time that is most convenient and comfortable for you, as long as you take into account the factors that can impact the success of your trip.
One last thing to consider is the “best” time as it relates to the comfort and convenience for the angler. Often fish species will bite as well at 7 am as they do at 10:30 am. For many anglers (like me) who appreciate their beauty rest, 10:30 is a far better time that I’m likely to appreciate and enjoy more than the early hours and lack of sleep.
What’s the Best Time to go Ice Fishing for Trout?
Trout can be caught almost any time through ice in the winter months when the lakes are frozen. However, the best time for ice fishing for trout can vary depending on the location and the specific species of trout, but generally, morning and evening hours are best during Winter just as they are in the other seasons.
Also, the best time for ice fishing for trout is when the water is cold and the fish are active. This can vary even day to day depending on the specific species of trout. Some species are more active in cold water than others.
It’s also important to consider the weather and ice conditions when ice fishing for trout. The best conditions for ice fishing are generally when the weather is cold and clear, with a solid ice cover on the lake or river.
The thickness of the ice should also be considered, as it should be thick enough to support the weight of the angler and any equipment.
What’s the Best Time to go Ice Fishing for Walleye (and where)?
Like with trout, the best time to go ice fishing for walleye can vary depending on the location and the specific conditions, but fishing for Walleye during the hour before sunset and up to 3 hours after sunset are often the most productive hours. The hour before sunrise is also at the top of the list of favorite times for veteran walleye anglers.
One of the most important factors to consider is the time of day. Walleye are often more active at dawn and dusk, so these times can be good for ice fishing.
In addition, walleye tend to be more active when the water is colder, so targeting them during the colder months of the winter can be more productive.
It’s never a bad idea to consider ice conditions when ice fishing for walleye. The best conditions are generally when the weather is cold and clear, but preferably, not snowing heavily or extremely windy and unsettled.
The thickness of the ice should also be considered, as it should be thick enough to support the weight of the angler and any equipment.
In terms of location (while we’re talking about walleye fishing), walleye can often be found in areas with structure, such as drop-offs, points, and weed beds, as well as areas where water sources (like streams or rivers) enter the lake.
These areas can provide cover and ambush points for the fish, and can be good places to focus your efforts, but be careful in areas where rivers enter a lake since ice thickness can decrease rapidly as you approach the point of water entry into the lake.
If I had to sum it up, I would say that targeting the fish during the colder months of the winter, at dawn and dusk, and in areas with structure can increase your chances of success.
What’s the Best Time to Go Ice Fishing for Crappie (and where)?
Crappie are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, so these times can be good for ice fishing. In addition, crappie tend to be more active when the water is colder, so targeting them during the colder months of the winter can be more productive.
It’s also important to consider the weather and ice conditions when ice fishing for crappie. The best conditions are generally when the weather is cold and clear, with a solid ice cover on the lake or river. The thickness of the ice should also be considered, as it should be thick enough to support the weight of the angler and any equipment.
In terms of location, crappie can often be found in areas with structure, such as drop-offs, points, and weed beds. These areas can provide cover and ambush points for the fish, and can be good places to focus your efforts.
Overall, the best time of day to go ice fishing for crappie is during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when the fish are most active. In addition, targeting the fish during the colder months of the winter and in areas with structure can increase your chances of success.
What’s the Best Time to Go Ice Fishing for Pike (and where)?
Basically, pike are most active and can be more easily caught during the colder Winter months when the water is ice-covered (as opposed to very early Winter or as ice is thawing). Most often, mid-day pike fishing is as good or better than any other time, so it’s best to start no earlier than 9 am and think of finishing around 3 pm.
Cold weather is good because pike are cold-water fish, and they are sluggish in warmer water. In the northern parts of their range, pike can often be caught through the ice from late November to early April.
Often, the biggest pike of the year are pulled through the ice and usually caught on some of the colder days of the entire Winter season.
In the southern parts of their range, the ice fishing season may be shorter, lasting from late December to early March. It’s important to note that the thickness of the ice should be at least 4 inches before venturing out on the ice.
During winter months on a frozen lake, it’s important to understand that pike can be caught in two very different locations, though both may not be equally effective on the same lake at the same time.
In general, some pike will be caught in 5 or 6 feet of water near the shore, while other pike will go deep and suspend near baitfish or submerged mid-lake structures. It’s really a matter of finding out where they are on your lake on the day you’re fishing!
What’s the Best Time to Go Ice Fishing for Perch (and where)?
Perch are a popular target for ice fishermen because they are generally abundant and can be caught in large numbers. In the northern parts of their range, perch can often be caught through the ice from late November to early April. In the southern parts of their range, the ice fishing season may be shorter, lasting from late December to early March.
As with most fish species, the best time to go ice fishing for perch depends on the location and the specific body of water being fished. In general, perch are most active and can be more easily caught during the colder months when the ice is the thickest.
This is because perch are cold-water fish, and they are more sluggish in warmer water.
Perch can often be found in shallow, weedy areas near drop-offs or in the vicinity of underwater structures such as rocks or sunken logs. They are known to move around in search of food, so it may be necessary to drill several holes to find where the perch are actively feeding.
Perch will typically bite on a variety of baits, including minnows, worms, and small jigs. When ice fishing for perch, it’s a good idea to use a light line and small hooks to allow the bait to move freely and to make it more difficult for the perch to steal the bait without getting hooked.
What’s the Best Time to Go Ice Fishing for Catfish (and where)?
While catfish can be most easily caught in the late evening and through the night in warm water environments (ie. Summer in Alabama), catfish are more active from late morning to early evening under the ice in Northern environments.
Catfish are a popular target for ice fishermen because they are generally abundant and can be caught in a wide variety of lakes and rivers. In order to catch catfish through the ice, it’s important to know where to find them and to use the right techniques and equipment.
Catfish tend to be found in deeper water and near structures, such as sunken logs or rocks. They can be caught using a variety of baits, including worms, minnows, and prepared stink baits.
When ice fishing for catfish, it’s a good idea to use a heavy line and a large hook to help hold the bottom and to prevent the catfish from stealing the bait. It’s also a good idea to use a heavier rod and reel to help handle the weight and strength of the catfish.
What’s the Best Time to Go Ice Fishing for Sunfish?
In the northern parts of their range, sunfish can often be caught through the ice from late November to early April. In the southern parts of their range, the ice fishing season may be shorter, lasting from late December to early March. Midday is typically the best time to fish on the ice for sunfish.
During the mid-winter, when the water is at its coldest, sunfish may be more active during the warmer parts of the day, such as late morning and early afternoon. This is when the sun is at its highest and the ice is likely to be at its thinnest, which can help to warm the water and stimulate the sunfish’s metabolism.
However, it’s important to note that sunfish can be caught at any time of day, and it’s often a good idea to try different times and techniques to see what works best. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the weather and to fish when the conditions are most favorable.
For example, sunny days may be more productive than cloudy days, as the sun can help to warm the water and make the sunfish more active.
Sunfish are a fun species to fish because they tend to be closer to shore in shallower water, they’re easy to catch, they’re really colorful and they’re good to eat.
Sunfish can often be found in shallow, weedy areas near drop-offs or in the vicinity of underwater structures such as rocks or sunken logs. They are known to move around in search of food, so it may be necessary to drill several holes to find where the sunfish are actively feeding.
Sunfish will typically bite on a variety of small baits, including small jigs, worms, and minnows. When ice fishing for sunfish, it’s a good idea to use a light line and small hooks to allow the bait to move freely and to make it more difficult for the sunfish to steal the bait without getting hooked.
Sunfish are known to move around in search of food, so they may not necessarily “hide” in one specific place during the winter. However, they tend to be more sluggish in colder water and may be more likely to be found in deeper, slower-moving areas where they can conserve energy, or near moving water like a brook or creek that enters a lake.
Sunfish can often be found near underwater structures such as rocks or sunken logs, as well as in shallow, weedy areas near drop-offs.
It may also be helpful to use a fish finder or other electronics to locate schools of sunfish under the ice.
Can I Ice Fish at Night?
Yes, it is possible to go ice fishing at night. Many ice fishermen choose to fish at night because the colder temperatures can make the fish more active, and there may be less competition from other anglers. Some species of fish are more easily caught at night such as Walleye and Catfish.
However, it’s important to be prepared and to take safety precautions when ice fishing at night.
Here are a few tips for ice fishing at night:
- Wear warm clothing and bring extra layers in case it gets colder than expected.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help see what you’re doing and to make it easier to move around on the ice.
- Use a bucket or portable chair to sit on, rather than standing on the ice for long periods of time.
- Check the thickness of the ice before venturing out, and be aware of any areas that may be thin or unstable.
- Bring a first aid kit and a charged cell phone in case of emergencies.
- Consider fishing with a partner for added safety.
- Use caution when drilling holes and setting up your gear, as it can be more difficult to see what you’re doing at night.
- Pay attention to the weather and be prepared for any changes that may occur.
- By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable night of ice fishing.
Ice fishing can be an enjoyable experience even at night. Specialized headlamps and underwater lights are available to help you spot fish while they are hunting for food.
Be sure to wear reflective clothing and have a trusted buddy accompany you if possible, as these can improve your visibility on the ice should an emergency occur after dark.
Additionally, check with local regulations before heading out at night as some waterways may be closed to angling activity during certain hours or times of the year.
Lastly, bring along any necessary safety equipment such as life vests, rescue whistles, and ice picks in order to ensure maximum safety when ice fishing after sunset.
When Can I Go Ice Fishing In Ontario?
The legal ice fishing season in Ontario, Canada varies depending on the specific body of water being fished, and the species of fish being angled. In general, ice fishing is permitted anytime there is ice, and the season runs from around January 1 to March 31, although some exceptions may apply.
Certain water bodies may be closed seasonally or have special regulations in place that restrict ice fishing during certain times of day or night but those would be very rare exceptions.
It’s important to check with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) or a local fishing guide for the most up-to-date information on the ice fishing season and any regulations that may be in place.
When Can I Go Ice Fishing in Canada?
Ice fishing season in Canada is dependent mostly on whether there is ice or not. Provincial fishing regulations are the actual guidelines for when you can fish for any species in a particular province, so there are no national regulations for fishing. If the regulations for the province in which you’re fishing indicate that a species is in season and there is ice on the lake, then you can go ice fishing!
The best way to find out if a species is open or closed to angling is to consult each individual province’s fishing regulations guide.
NOTE: Below is a set of links that will direct you to each province’s fishing regulation guide. Just click on the province in which you’d like to fish:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Determining When is the Best Time to Ice Fish – Summary
The exact timing of your ice fishing outing is largely determined by a number of factors such as:
- Is the fish in season?
- Is the ice thick enough?
- Will the weather conditions allow me to be safe and comfortable?
- Are the fish active and feeding during the time I’d like to go?
Aside from those factors, the best time, in summary, would be during the coldest months of the season, and typically early/mid-morning to about early-afternoon for most species on most lakes while species like Walleye and Catfish are best caught before sunrise or after sunset.
