North Shore / Manitou Islands

Has anyone been up by the north shore of the lake or the Manitous recently? Planning on being out this way tomorrow and just want to double check the ice is safe. Any recent reports would be appreciated. First time to the Manitous so I'm looking forward to it!

This post has been edited by danalan on Jan 30, 2025 - 09:00 pm

Fished the Manitous January 9, 10, 11th.

At that time there was 13 to 13.5 inches of black ice so imagine it is pushing 16 to 18 by now.

We left from the government dock in North Bay. There was a pressure crack running north south about 2 km east of the Manitous at that time. First day and a half it was only a foot wide but the last day and a half it was anywhere from 6 to 12 feet wide. Not a problem for a snowmobile once you found a flat spot with no ridges. Big problem for wheeled vehicles though.

From what i have heard the crack has mostly sealed since then.

Lots of fish and lots of variety (we managed 6 different species).

I am heading out there this weekend as well and do not anticipate any problems. There were already 2 seasonal huts (one is owned by my neighbor and he put it out on the 8th) out there at that time and a third was hung up on the North Bay side of the crack.

That's my general area and it's safe.

Watch for snow drifts.

50+ fish today. 18 inches black ice.

83 fish today

That's some good fishing.

That's some good fishing.

Thanks man. Will put up a full report next week. Currently chilling by the woodstove sipping whisky and watching Godfather.

Hard to believe that back in the day there was a hotel and dance hall on the big Manitou until it burnt down.Sounds a bit crazy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_Islan...Lake_Nipissing)