Shirley's Bay 2023 Ice season

[CCLad]

Hi folks, just posting another thread for the bay. It's been very useful with all of the input from everyone on here. Of course I realize that this is early to start the conversation regarding the hard ice season, I was just wondering if anyone has been down to the bay recently and can confirm if the NCC have removed the 2 boulders at the top (parking lot end) of the launch yet?
Thx, CCLad.

[Bear]

Haven't been down and not fished Shirley's in a looooooong time.
Following the thread

[CCLad]

We had a short season last year (hut was out for less than a month) but without a doubt, the best ice season we have had! I used to work in North Kanata so it was easy to pop by and check stuff out. Depending on if we get a reply or not, I'll try and stop by next weekend.
Cheer's.

[Fordpodolski]

Too soon to already have the ATV loaded and outfitted for ice fishing?! Haven’t been by as I don’t think I could handle seeing open water, but I’ll pop by within the next day or two and confirm! These mild temps are killing me

[John Zach]

The bay will definitely be open... I believe that some of the smaller lakes retained a thin layer of ice, but the forecast isn't looking great. The small likes might make a tiny bit of ice, but I doubt the bay will be frozen for a few weeks. I know this is killing the rest of you as much as it's killing me....

[CCLad]

Thanks FP, much appreciated, let me know if the boulders haven't been moved and I'll contact the NCC.

As for the ice being ready its been pretty consistent. 3 yrs ago we set up on Jan 4, 2 yrs ago Jan 3 and last season not until Jan 22 but we were not ready to set up when the ice was ready. I'll wager huts will be out front by the 2nd week of Jan latest.... But I hear ya, looking forward to getting out there!

[smitty55]

Saw a pic on 613 showing Shirley's with ice. Looked like the boulders were moved. This snow on Friday will definitely slow down ice making though.

[CCLad]

Thx Smitty, good to hear from you again. If the river is frozen this snow dump will certainly slow things down. Oh well, it will be ready when its ready...

[JimmyV]

Was out yesterday. About 3" - 4" twenty feet from shore. However, it's open water about one hundred feet out... Mostly though, there's about 3" of slush on the top of the ice. It's a sloppy mess. Hopefully some cold weather soon.

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[levitch]

Thanks for the report!
I was just wondering how far along it was out there

cant wait to get out there

[CCLad]

Thanks for posting Jimmy. Looking at the long range forecast I'll guess it will be good for huts some where around the 2nd week of Jan.

[John Zach]

We'll probably check it out sometime over the Christmas holidays, got the go-ahead from the "matriarch" to fish all we want so long as we stay home from Christmas eve to boxing day.... I'll post an update at the end of the the month or 1st week of Jan.

Looking forward to getting out!

[Mav]

Thanks so much for the pics and updates!! I'm itchin to get fishin on the Bay!!

[JimW]

I am thinking (does not happen often)....

Maybe a little Fish-Hawk Shirley's Bay ice fishing get together????

A little late afternoon BBQ, before the evening bite.... a few draw prizes.... ?????

[John Zach]

YES! That sounds freakin' awesome!