Fish-Hawk.Net

Hey Folks,
I'm heading out to try around James Island on the Rideau this Saturday. I'm doing some scouting trying to find a decent place to bring 15-20 cub scouts for an afternoon of fishing later in February, and thought that perhaps this might do the trick. Anyone ever fish this spot in the winter. From what I've seen there are a lot of huts on the south west side out from the park. I've fished around there in the summer and had some luck with pike, bass, and muskie. Really all I'm looking to do is get the kids into some pan fish or hammer handles. Was thinking of trying away from the huts perhaps more between the island and shore where it might be shallower and weedy...
Actually, if anyone has any suggestions for spots I'm all ears...The spot has to be close enough to Barrhaven as we're having the parents drop off the kids, and we'll want a decent spot for drop off/pick up (ie. no park-on-the-side-of-the-busy-road spots).
Thanks!

This post deserves a bump, unfortunately I know nothing about ice fishing, but I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions/pointers from other members.

Good looks on involving are youth in fishing!

Long Island locks would be a good bet. Waterfront parking lot and lots of perch as well as pike.

I'm sure someone here can help you.

I think it might not be a bad idea to PM RJ. I don't know anyone who knows that area better and will be able to give you other options as well.

RJ is a class act!

There are fish there. I haven't been there this year... or last... but people still fish it. Not real sure they catch any panfish there (I didn't). Not sure if it's the best spot to keep kids entertained all day (unless the local guys are running their dirt bikes on the ice oval they used to make there) Between the island and shore might be too shallow, in the summer (before they lower the water in the fall) there might be 2 - 3 feet of water and you can actually hit stumps with your boat. Checking it out before hand like you are doing is your best bet.
I have heard good enough things about Long Island but I have never ice fished it.