What to do?, info

[perchingone]

I would like to venture away from the crowds this year and try some stocked lakes. I have never been to the ones I am looking at, but I am not allowed to ask about smaller lakes on here? So how do I find out about conditions and possibly parking without driving three hours from Hamilton. I usually fish alone but I am definetly up for meeting anyone who can help me and offer any insight. I am looking towards the Minden area ifI am allowed to say, if not please let me know and Ill change the thread, thanks in advance

[dereks2]

I would recommend posting asking about ice conditions on here or maybe one of the fb groups. You’ll obviously get some comments saying to check it yourself but some people will generally let you know.

[perchingone]

I am watching the around the area and when I think their should be safe ice I will ask again, I may have to just spend the day searching and talking to some locals I suppose. Always nicer with a plan in mind though. Thanks again

[Winterfisher]

I generally look at satellite images and once its iced over, watch the daily weather in that area daily and you can get a pretty good idea of how the ice is. The images are mostly cloudy, but you get the odd one where you can see if the the lake your looking at is iced over.

https://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/region_map.html

[rayray89]

Sometimes ya just gotta gas up and go

[Fishnhunt]

Most of the small back lakes that are stocked require some effort to get to but there are some close to the road also. These lakes are not in places where parking is a problem,usually pulling well over on the side of the road is good enough. Just use common sense.
Start with fish stocking lists and go from there. There are several lakes stocked in that area that you can park off pavement and see/ walk to. Once you get comfortable with that the sky is the limit. Ontario has no shortage of fishing opportunities. Good luck!

[markweist]

What ‘fish hunt’ said. Check fish online and find stocked lakes close to the road. Shouldn’t go alone if youuh are new to back country ice fishing; lots can go wrong. Take a friend, a spud, rope, ice picks, floater suit, etc. Good to time to go as little snow in the bush makes it an easier hike. However ice thickness is shallow and variable. Be safe!

[theskydiveguy]

I've been on two back lakes this weekend/today and there was over 8" on both.

Spud your way everywhere.