Fish-Hawk.Net

I have been hearing through the grapevine for weeks now about how great the fishing is on the Ottawa River just a stones throw east of Woodroffe and the Ottawa River Parkway (reports of several 10lbs+ Walleye). Right now there are two shacks there, a blue and a green one. I was there on Saturday evening and even though I suck and can't catch anything through the ice, these guys on both sides of me were catching their fair share. I witnessed a nice chunky Pike pulled through and heard them hooting and hollering with each fish they bagged.
I understand they are using live minnows.

Someone who knows what they are doing needs to check this out and fill me in on what I'm not doing right.


JasonM

Now I’m not an ice fisherman, and don’t know the proper etiquette but, wouldn't it have been ok for you to walk up, knock, and politely ask for some pointers?

I know if I were catching on the ice (which never happens), I’d have no problem giving out some basic information to help them get some fish.

I wouldn't be giving my secret lure or presentation, but at least the general technique would be beneficial.

Not exactly sure of the spot but generally that water is moving pretty fast in that area of the river so keep an eye out on ice thinkness.

Nice to hear about good fish being caught.

I used to wade that area and fish for smallies... some nice bass in that fast water.

Steve-Hamilton - I did try to strike up some conversation to get a few tips but others were not in the mood to talk.

Seaweed - Thank you for the heads up, but this area seems to be out of the strong current, more in the bay. There is presently about two feet of ice. From where I was on the ice I was looking toward shore directly at a residence of some sort and a church steeple just west of the residence.

I parked at the Des Chene Lookout and walked east, but I understand the others are parking at the residence and walking across the parkway.

JasonM

I heard the folk at this spot did really well again last night. Anyone up for giving this spot a try?

JasonM

I have to laugh at some people and how "friendly" they can be. Last Saturday fff, Jammer and I had a boat drift up beside us - about 30-40 feet away. I say "hey guys, any luck". Not one head comes up and eye contacted is avoided. Jammer belts out "Are ya catching any!" 1 of the 4 guys looks up and indicates 1 and then lowers his eyesight back to the water.

If we hadn't had 2 in the boat, I would have loved to indicate we only had 1 with a universal gesture.

How hard is it to say "hi".

I agree Markus. I am a freindly fisherman myself. I really enjoy helping others to have a great time. If someone asks me for tips I'll gladly offer advice (not that I have THAT much to offer). It makes me feel good!

JasonM

Markus wrote:Last Saturday fff, Jammer and I had a boat drift up beside us - about 30-40 feet away.

Hmmm...
A boat drifted up???
You must be in the south cause there's not too many places to fish from a boat round these parts.
Less it's parked on a trailer on the ice...
Maybe on a windy day a shack will drift by...
Wait was it a black one... No sorry, it was a white one...

Quack! Quack!


DG.

Markus,I believe they may have taken pictures of you as well or was it another boat that took a picture of you guys. The picture looks like it was taken without your knowing it

We were on the Niagara. Open water all year (with occasional ice flow )



Here we are enjoying our day on the river. Good times!

Marcus,
It must be weird fishing out of a boat at this time of year. Looks like alot of fun. Except it must get pretty darn cold. What do you fish for at this time of year????

When on the Niagara this time of year, it's mainly for salmoniods. There's a full spread of species that live in the river, so you always need to be ready for a surprise!

It's not cold. Dress properly and you never feel the cold. Investing in a survival suit is the best money I ever spend on gear.

BigFish I would also add it is different fishing from a boat in Feb. my first time ever! It was great and it wasn't too cold, an experience you wouldn't regret!

i gotta get me a survival suit if im going to keep the boat out all year. lol. wasnt cold at all. i felt the same way fishing froma boat in the middle of winter. gotta love it!!

chris

Kingmann, not even a rockie through the ice? C'mon!

I didn't do too great my 1st time out, but I'm going to keep on cracking at it. Well, "cracking" may not be the best metaphor to use when talking about ice fishing, but you get my drift! It's a whole different angle on fishing.

Markus, I love that picture! You're lucky!

W.