On an overcast but, mild, Friday, January 5th, we headed out onto Rock Lake near Sault Ste. Marie in beautiful Northern Ontario. I was joined by members of the FishingNorthernOntario.com staff including Mitch Larouche, my web manager and Derek “Kippy” Patterson, my marketing manager. We were looking forward to trying our hand ice-fishing or “hard water’ fishing, as the die-hards call it, for some walleye, pike and perch which the lake is known for.

We set out on the northern end of the lake, and headed out to a pre-destined location. (We had been out the day before on a “scouting mission” to check ice conditions and see if anybody was or had been fishing. Although no one was on the lake, we found plenty of evidence of recent fishing. More than 35 holes were spread out over a tight area near the open water of the Thessalon River. After checking the ice conditions thoroughly, for safety’s sakes, we decided to come out the next day). After setting up our lines, using the Tasmanian Devil Lures, in various colours, we tipped them with live minnows and started out our day ice-fishing.

We used an Eagle Fish Finder, specially rigged for ice-fishing, and recorded little fish. After a few hours of little or no luck, we decided to check out other areas of the lake with the fish finder and one baited rod. We determined a lot of varying depths, giving us a better idea of the topography of the lake, and marked a fair number of fish as well. We returned to our original spot, changed up the bait on our fishing rods and got them back into the frigid water.

By this time, a number of other hard water fishermen had made their way out to our area. Soon after, there was some action reported by the other anglers, some solid hits, and before we knew it, some nice jumbo perch were being hooked and brought up. Hoping a school of fish was roaming the area, we kept up jigging and watching our stationary rods for any action. Unfortunately, we did not have the same luck as our neighbours and after the better part of the day, we left with no fish. However, as the saying goes “the worst day fishing, is better than the best day at work”, worked for us as we got out nice and early in the new year, enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fresh air of Northern Ontario Outdoors.

The ice fishing season is upon us, so get out to your favourite lake and give ice-fishing a try. Remember, to always check ice conditions before venturing out on any body of water, have fun, and enjoy some of the best that Northern Ontario Outdoors has to offer.

Kraig Edwards
President/Editor
FishingNorthernOntario.com

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