4 reasons to gear up and get outside this winter, in the Haliburton Highlands, Ontario
Winter in the Haliburton Highlands is the perfect place for you to find adventure and seek out new experiences.
Ice fishing may not be at the top of everyones “must do’s” this winter, but we’d like to challenge you to take a fresh look at this winter activity.
1. Fun for soles of all ages
As far as winter adventures go, ice fishing demands very little except patience and a desire to spend time with friends and family in the great outdoors. It's the perfect opportunity to have a sociable, relaxing, outdoor adventure that results in an ultra-local meal, if your luck holds!
Weather conditions are never a deal breaker with ice fishing; snow or shine, the fish don't care. So, throw on your snow pants and fill up your thermos. Get a fishing licence. Find a frozen *lake that’s at least 4 inches thick, drill yourself a hole, and you can make the most of whatever the day brings.
*all of our cottages are lakefront so you don't have to go far!
2. 2-for-1 adventure
On those perfect days, you can turn an outing on the frozen lake into both an ice fishing adventure and a pick-up hockey tourney! So, it can’t hurt to bring your skates and sticks along. This proves very handy if you and the little ones need a warm-up activity to get the blood flowing.
3. Fishing for Gold
Our native Lake Trout, known as “Haliburton Gold” is found in only a handful of lakes in Haliburton County. They have been designated as a heritage species. Ice fishing, in particular, offers the angler the opportunity to fish for the unique “Haliburton Gold” Lake Trout as well as for Brook (Speckled) Trout and Lake Trout which are all typically more active through the cooler months.
4. Easy on the budget
Here's what you need:
An Ontario fishing licence
A hook, line and sinker (lead-free tackle please!!)
A manual auger. Everyone can take a turn, it's a great activity to warm you up and much more affordable than electric or gas options.
Bait from a local bait shop to your area
Stay with us here... a rod is optional! If you can locate a stick with some spring to it you are good to go! (see photo below).
Those camping chairs that are always laying around are enough to keep your caboose cozy
*Optional: cleats for your winter boots to give you extra grip on the ice
From there, ask a local business like us or the Haliburton Forest for the best and safest lakes to try your hand at ice fishing.
Ice skimmer, bells or tip-ups, a sled with cover, pop-up ice shelter and depth finder are a few items you can purchase if you want to get more involved. All items can be purchased at your local Home Hardware store.
Don't want to fuss with buying the gear but can't wait to try ice fishing? Yours Outdoors has a curated experience just for you: Guided Ice Fishing in the Haliburton Highlands; half and full-day options to keep you on budget.
It's ohfishale: Time to turn this adventure into a rich tradition that your family can enjoy in Haliburton’s winter wonderland time and again! We have a variety of comfortable and cozy cottage rental options for your winter getaway needs.
> visit cottagecarerentals.com or call us at 705-457-3306