The ice hut regulations and rules you need to follow to ice fish in Ontario and how to register or remove your ice hut.
What you need
To ice fish in Ontario, you need to:
have a valid fishing license (such as sport or conservation)
follow the rules when ice fishing, including local open and closed seasons, possession limits and size restrictions indicated in the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary
register your ice hut – only in Fisheries Management Zones 9-12 and 14-20
clearly display your registration number on the outside of your ice hut
remove your ice hut on a certain date – depending on where your hut is located
Fishing seasons
We do not have ice fishing seasons in Ontario – only fishing seasons. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. For more information on fishing seasons, refer to the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
Ice fishing lines
In most waters, you can ice fish with 2 lines as long as:
* you stay within 60 meters (197 ft) at all times of any line or tip-up
* you have a clear and unobstructed view of your lines at all times
* You can’t bring any device that uses a mechanical spring to set the fishing hook (other than a fishing rod under tension) within 30 meters (98 ft.) of any waters.
Register Ice Huts
You must register ice huts used in FMZs 9-12 and 14-20.
You do not need to register ice huts:
in FMZs 1-8 or 13; or
that are tents made of fabric covering 7 m2 (75.4 ft2) or less when erected
You only need to register once. You can use the same ice hut number on all the ice huts you own. If you have an existing ice hut number, you do not need to re-register – previously issued ice hut numbers continue to be valid.
There are no costs to register.
Step 1: Sign in or create a ONe-key ID
Step 2: Create a Natural Resources Registry profile
for individuals
for businesses
Step 3: Register your ice hut
select My Services from the main menu
click on Create New Submission
select Ice Hut Registration from the registry options
complete the required information
submit the registration
registration is free
Step 4: Display your number
you’ll receive your ice hut number by email
display your number on the outside of your ice hut(s) at least 2.5 inches high (6.3 cm)
Permits/License’s
You must get a special license for commercial/tourist operations on Lake Nipissing. You may also need additional permits or authorizations if you plan to use an ice fishing hut in a provincial park. Please contact the appropriate ministry or Ontario Parks office for more information.
Remove your ice hut
You need to remove your ice hut on a certain date, depending on where your hut is located.
The removal of an ice hut does not indicate the end of ice fishing in that location. This is a safety measure to ensure all huts are removed before thawing occurs.
Remove by March 1
FMZ 17, FMZ 20
Remove by March 15
FMZ 14, FMZ 16, FMZ 18, FMZ 19, FMZ 12 (below Lake Timiskaming dam)
Remove by March 31
FMZ 9, FMZ 10, FMZ 11, FMZ 15, FMZ 12 (above Lake Timiskaming dam)
Remove before ice breakup
All ice huts must be removed before ice breakup, even if no removal date applies.
Find your fisheries management zone (FMZ)
Ice safety tips
Uneven
Ice doesn’t freeze at a uniform thickness
Near shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice farther out, especially at the start of the winter season
Check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as you move farther out
Ice that formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice
Colour
Clear blue ice is the strongest
White or opaque ice is much weaker
Stay away from ice that looks honeycombed, common during thaws or in the spring
Driving on ice
Be careful when driving snowmobiles or vehicles over frozen lakes or rivers
Snowmobiles need at least 20 cms (8 inches) of clear blue ice
Light vehicles need 30 cms (12 inches) or more
Double the thickness if the ice is white or opaque
Heavy snow on a frozen lake or river slows down the freezing process
Before you venture out
Check ice conditions with local ice hut operators or other anglers
Let others know where you’re planning to fish and when you plan to return
Wear appropriate clothing and equipment for safety and comfort
