Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Services (Cook ‘s Bay and Lake Couchiching) information is provided as a guideline.
Every year when Lake Simcoe’s surface changes into “hard water” communities of ice fishing enthusiasts spread all over the lake in search for their favourite target fish species.
Lake Simcoe is one of the most diverse areas for fishing in Ontario and fish species such as Herring, Perch, Lake Trout, Whitefish, Pike and Walleye call it home.
The lake for the most part freezes over completely in winter and because it does ice fishing has become the winter pastime and thus Lake Simcoe has become known as the “Ice Fishing Capital Of Canada”.
The lake itself is has an average depth of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 M), a maximum depth of 135 feet (41 M), a maximum length of 19 miles (30.5 KM) and a maximum width of 16 miles (25.7 KM). It is best to target the more frequented areas especially if you’ve never fished Simcoe.
Kempenfelt Bay, Simcoe’s western bay leading into Barrie and the main lake areas outside of Oro Beach, Parkside Beach and Palm Beach along the northwestern shore are the deepwater spots of Lake Simcoe.
The shallower spots of the lake are down to about a depth of 30 feet and these are include Cook’s Bay, Virginia Beach and Georgina Island in the southern parts of the lake.
Also, remember the weather on Lake Simcoe can change in a matter of minutes so make sure you get your bearings straight or use GPS.
Ice Hut Rental Operators offer half day, full day, evening and weekend rentals making the excursion a family friendly winter getaway adventure.
Notice: Ice conditions are never considered “SAFE” and a signed liability and damage waiver may be requested. Remember, if you are intending to do any fishing you are required to carry a valid fishing license. Please refer to the FMZ Map for rules and regulations for the species of fish you are targeting.
