Tired of Winter? Try Ice Fishing !

Canada has a long winter but it does not mean that Canadians are staying  indoor all the time.

There are many winter activities we can enjoy outside. For those lucky few who live in the countryside, close to a lake, there are many fun things people can do once the lakes are frozen over, usually in January ad February.

A Winter Farm Scene - Keswick, Ontario

Today we visited a small lakeside town, Keswick, about fifty km  north of Toronto  People young and old were out there in the middle of the frozen lake doing different winter activities.

Snowmobiling - A Favorite Winter Sport in Canada

It was a beautiful winter day with crisp fresh air caressing our faces. The temperatures were around minus 7, but we were dressed for our winter walk - boots, long warm winter pants, gloves, hats, scarves and layers of clothing which kept us toasty warm.



For those who enjoy the thrill of speed, snowmobiling is a favorite sport for them.

 As we were walking towards the lake, three snowmobiles sped by us.

Having Fun on the Frozen Lake!

With the lake frozen over, there is a complete different landscape on the lake.

Dotting the surface of the frozen Lake Simco were numerous snowmobilers racing across the lake as well as small ice fishing huts with die hard fishermen in them huddling over the ice fishing openings.

Ice Fishing Hut in Keswick, Ontario

Each ice fishing hut is registered and labelled clearly with a number above its door and the huts have to be removed off the lake by a certain date.

Ice fishing is a winter sport many Canadians enjoy in our long winter season.

Drilling a Hole for Ice Fishing

In Keswick, you'll need a fishing license to fish regardless whether it is summer or winter.  With the purchase of a fishing license,we were told that you could catch up to 50 fish a day!

To do ice fishing, one will need to drill a hole through the frozen lake.    Using an auger,  the ice fisher drills a hole about 8 inch in diameter through the frozen ice to get to the water below.

The drilling takes about five minutes before the auger reaches the water.

Getting the Ice out of the Opening

A large ladle is used to remove the ice pieces a few times from the new opening. Voila! the opening is ready and a fishing line can be dropped into the opening to catch the fish.

Setting Up a Tent on the Frozen Lake

 Instead of renting and paying for a ice fishing hut on the lake, there is another option.

Some people prefer to bring their own tents and set it up right on the lake.

Protected from the Elements in the Tent

With the tent set up, the little ones ( and the big fellows alike) can take a rest,  be sheltered from the cold temperatures and enjoy the fun activities our Canadian winter has to offer!

Having Fun on a Frozen Lake - Flying a Kite on Skies

The most interesting winter sport we saw today out on the lake was a couple of people on skies and flying a colourful kit at the same time.

( Not sure what it is called - ski kiting, maybe? I'll need to look that up.)

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If you are tired of winter and staying in your comfortable house, why not come out and enjoy one of the many winter sports?

Once you have experienced the beauty of the winter scenery and the refreshing outdoor air, you will enjoy and look forward to our winter!

R.T.  Keswick, Ontario, Canada