Cook's Bay

There's something special about these late-ice trips. The sun is high, you can fish in a hoodie when the wind dies down, and the camaraderie on the ice has a relaxed, celebratory feel. It was just so much fun. It might be the last hurrah, but if it is, what a way to go out. Tight lines, everyone!

Catch & Cook. Had a great time ice fishing for Perch with Beika Zhan. The day started off with a thick fog but as soon as we hit the ice, the bite was on! Ended the day with some fresh fish to eat. What more could you want?

Common dace caught while ice fishing in lake simcoe

Lake Simcoe delivered today! A perfect solo mission in the silent cold. My 2-person popup tent was a palace for one—instant shelter from the wind, turning the ice into a cozy, focused fishing hut. Hauled everything out on the Simtty sled, which made the trek across the ice an absolute breeze. The ice drill (powered by my trusty hammer drill) blasted through the foot-plus of ice in seconds. Dropped the ice jig, tipped with a frozen minnow head, down the hole… and the perch were on it! It was a steady pick all morning. That subtle tap, the quick lift, and another beautiful Simcoe yellow perch would come flashing up. Ended the session with a solid dozen in the bucket. Sometimes, a solo trip with the right gear is exactly what you need. Everything worked flawlessly. Already planning the next one. ❄️

Managed about 30 of these guys in the 6-8 inch range. I could see much larger ones but they refused to commit. That may be why they’re larger. I was very pleased that they took my custom blade bait and Viking series rattler fly. 100 yards on 18 inches over 10 feet. Ice 4