Wil Wegman

Question:

I plan on doing some ice fishing on Lake Simcoe this winter. Seeing as I have never fished Lake Simcoe and was introduced to ice fishing last year, I was wondering how far approximately I should be walking out? And perhaps the depth I should be fishing perch in!! Thank you so much for your time!!

Heidi Pokraka

Answer:

Hello Heidi,

Thanks for your question about ice fishing Lake Simcoe.   We’ll be walking on water before we know it! Typically the distance to walk out for perch on Simcoe is nowhere near as far as you would have to walk for lake trout and whitefish.   Having said that, it all depends on the time of year (ie early winter perch are closer to shore than mid winter) and the location on the 725 sq km lake.   Early season, look for bays and near shore areas in water less than 20 feet.   As season progresses there is a progression of perch to deeper, water (around 30’) – so you’ll have to walk out further. A walk to the west side of Georgina Island for instance could be several kilometres from access in Virginia.  However, a walk from Lefroy on the other side of the lake would mean only a kilometre or two before you hit deep water.

Hope that helps and that you have a great ice fishing season Heidi ... I’ve still got a month of solid open water bass fishing to go before I even think of the ice fishing period.

Wil