Muskoka ice fishing - year 1

Was able to sneak out for a few hours in the morning each of Friday, Saturday and today (haven't done that kind of consecutive day fishing in ages but wanted to fish the last few days where I was still comfortable on the ice). Ice was still doing quite well when I left and likely will be fine for Monday and even Tuesday (at least for walking and where I was fishing). Tried alot of spots during the three days. Lost one (likely whitefish) and my last vibrato I had in my arsenal due to old leader issue and that was on day 1 of course (damn!). And I didn't have the time or the energy to run to a store to get some more (living out here is not as convenient that's for sure). Hit another spot and had some lakers marked and they were interested in chasing. Landed a good eating sized one on a white hand-tied fly (not by me) that could have looked like a small minnow or insect larva. Saturday, lots of marks and some chases but did not end up with nay. I did help someone land two whities within 5 minutes of chatting with him on my way out. Today, had two hits after chases and both times, I felt the fish and both times no hook in mouth (I suspect they grabbed the tails of small plastic minnows I had on - I didn't want to use trailer hooks as the fish seemed a bit spooky to begin with). Ended up with nothing for dinner but good excitement with the lakers chasing the lures for a while. Lots of people on the lake and saw some good catches. I will be better prepared next year For those still fishing...stay safe and good luck.

Sounds like a good first season considering the ice. Just wait, in 4 weeks the open water whitefish will be insane.

Yes I am eagerly awaiting that: whitefish fishing on softwater is coming....

Glad you were able to get out for a couple days and put some time in on your water John. All those rod hours will add up in the long run as you become more familiar with the area.

Yup, yup and yup. I am hoping to get a water craft before the open water comes and take advantage of the whitefish in a calm bay that is only 10 min. away...I can have a line in the water within 12 min. (for ice fishing) and maybe add a few more minutes if using a paddling boat (the offloading and loading up). I probably would not have fished more than 2 or 3 trips this season IF not I didn't live so close to some pretty amazing fishing (worth heading out even if for a couple of hours since there is almost no driving time). That was the plan for moving up here and it's worked out so far to get some fishing time in. Hearing about the early open water whitey fishing is firing up the excitement...hope that doesn't lead me to an impulse buy of a water craft that is beyond what I should buy
Am learning lots about the lake already and it's only a very small part of the lake...so tons to explore still and tons of other lakes around here to explore as well.

That's a familiar story! Sounds like my last outing on Friday although, eventually, I did land two small lakers.

Now, I'm going to be putting my ice gear away and waiting -- impatiently -- for the start to open water fishing from my canoe.

+1 on the canoe!!!

RE: Flukes

All you need is a tin boat, a fish finder, and anchor, and someone in front to pull said anchor up 50 times in one day until you find where they are. If you really want to get fancy, add a powerdrive on the front and fire the anchor guy. Can get this setup for less than 5k. And then fill it with whitefish.

I can't wait for open water up there this year


Used to love the ice fishing but the distance is just too far these day for me so getting to the cottage is the best option

I have an anchor deployer/puller but he's about 8-10 years away ))) Actually, I have a friend who likes to canoe (has a fancy canoe) but not that much into fishing (catching is okay) so if I can't get a decent fishing kayak that suits my budget this year, I will invite him to be my spotlock (he's always talking about practicing control paddling of his canoe so what better way than be my spotlock as I shout instructions at him?) or my trolling motor (he needs more endurance as well for his solo canoe tripping so what better training that to drag ballast around and providing me with an extra line in the water as I sit back with some chips and a cold drink after getting set up with lines in the water). The mouth can be a much better remote control of the propulsion system than fancy computers. $5K is well beyond my budget for a watercraft. A paddling craft is good enough for me on this bay of the lake and some small lakes around here and I don't have to worry about poor weather on weekends as my work schedule is quite flexible to allow me to fish mainly weekdays and can usually make up for work on weekends (the main problem has been too much work + work around the house, etc. but things are clearing up)