Despite a bit of a late start, ice fishing season is in full swing in Mitchell’s Bay.
Dave McCready, owner of Ed’s Bait in Wallaceburg, said he is hearing there is anywhere from 4-6 inches of ice on the bay, and similar out of St Luke’s.
“A lot of people have been heading out of the bay front for perch and the majority of the fishermen are reporting having to sort through a lot of smaller perch,” McCready said. “Middle grounds and pintail have been a little slow fishing for sunfish and bluegills, we hear the water is a little dirtier in this area, fishing should pick up as it cleans up.”
McCready said St. Luke’s has walkable ice now, but it is rough.
“I am unsure how far out most are able to get, but the quality (size) of the perch is better,” he said. “We’ve been hearing of some nice catches in this area lately.”
McCready added: “All perch reports we’ve had are a mix of bead spoons (slab grabbers, Ken’s hooks etc.) and bluegill have been on various small teardrops and jigs tipped with either a wax worm or spike.”
It is still up in the air how long the ice fishing season will last this year, McCready said.
“At this point it’s anyone’s guess on how long of a season we will have, but I would imagine we will be good through February,” he said.
“Only tips I would have is carry a spud (heavy ice chisel) with you to check for thinner ice ahead of you while walking and be very wary of the Sydenham and Thames ice. They both seem to have frozen over but so far I’ve heard it’s very uneven and not very safe.”
Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario. However, there is an upcoming license-free weekend coming up from February 13 to 15.
Give McCready a call at his shop to pick up your license at 519-627-6466 or stop by 127 Earl Street in Wallaceburg.
