The ice fishing season is fast arriving in Southern Ontario. I always look forward to early ice fishing perch in Cook’s Bay on Lake Simcoe. This is when I’ve found to be the most productive and enjoyable fishing.
I prefer early ice, as there is significantly less noise and traffic to spook the fish. There’s a short window between when the ice is safe and when snowmobiles and hut operators are up and running. Once that happens, it’s usually best to try and get away from the crowds in even 40-50ft of water for better fishing.
Be Safe!
While the ice may be thick enough in one area, it may not form evenly. This can be affected by factors including temperature, water depth, wind and current. You have to be very careful, making sure to use a spud bar and carrying safety equipment such as safety spikes, wearing a floater suit or even a life jacket. We’ve had days where we’ve driven all the way out there, only to see unsafe ice conditions and had to fish elsewhere.
With less traffic, we can usually sight fish in 12-20ft of water and watch schools of fish hone in on our baits without a flasher or fish finder. At some points, there will be so many fish around that you’ll be pulling your bait away from small ones, in order to give the jumbos the opportunity to eat. Sight fishing also allows you to see if you’re around vegetation. If so, it usually won’t take long for the perch to come find you!
My favourite bait to start with is a small lipless crankbait or rattle trap (All the fish caught above were on a Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap). Ripping the bait and hearing the vibration can call fish from far away. Once thee fish are beneath you, lightly jigging, pausing, or raising the bait can trigger big perch to eat! Read more about my Simcoe Perch “Must-Have” lures.
Tie 1 On - Fishing 