It's All About That Depth

Improve your ice fishing game by understanding the structure of your targeted water body and the species that live within it.

Northeastern Ontario prides itself on having a special connection to its bodies of water and natural resources and wintertime is no exception to this.

An intertwined network of rivers and lakes meander through this region, along with a topography generously dotted with kettle ponds and lakes as far as the eye can see. In these ubiquitous waters lurk gamefish distributed along three distinct water depths:

  • Shallow or eutrophic waters
  • Mid-depth or mesotrophic waters
  • Deep or oligotrophic waters

Here, we’ll take a look at the three water depth categories, what makes them unique, and the types of fish winter anglers can expect to catch in each.

Whether they realize it or not, winter anglers take great consideration into strategies, tackle, and approach for the fish species and waters they target. Unfailingly, the waters they target fall into these three depth categories. All three classifications are well represented in Northeastern Ontario.

Shallow Eutrophic waters

Perch from Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing.

The shallow or eutrophic waters—such as Lake Abitibi or, more to the south, Lake Erie—are categorized by water depths usually less than 10’, with high productivity levels, warmer temperatures, and high levels of aquatic plant growth. These bodies of water in Northeastern Ontario are oftentimes found in the southernmost reaches, but may also be located in the north, and in back bays of larger lakes such as Nipissing and Temagami. These shallower depths are usually plentiful with two easy-to-catch and great tasting species: yellow perch and black crappie.

Don’t let their meagre size fool you—yellow perch are some of the sweetest-tasting fish you will find. In many parts of the Northeast perch are targeted and caught with regularity during winter months. Although somewhat of labour-intensive fish to prepare, you will be rewarded once they hit the table. Perch inhabit many of the nutrient-rich lakes but may also live in large, slowly moving eutrophic rivers.

Another common shallow water fish is the black crappie. Some of the best crappie fishing is had through the ice using live minnows with a small jig. This popular panfish can be found in large numbers on certain waters—a true delicacy that is considered one of the best fish to eat.

Mid-depth Mesotrophic Waters

A beautiful walleye.

Mid-depth or mesotrophic waters, such as Lake Nipissing, generally fall between 10-20’ on average, and are categorized as moderately nutrient-rich. These lakes tend to be clearer, with good amounts of aquatic plant life.

The most common and eternally popular midwater fish is the walleye, a fish that is nocturnal and by nature, more active in the early morning and late in the day (crepuscular). Though walleye can be found at other depth ranges at different times of the year, they serve as a good example of a midwater winter species.

Walleye are also highly piscivorous, in that they feed almost exclusively on other fish. With their large, distinctive marble eyes, pickerel (as they are lovingly referred to in Ontario) have learned to adapt to low-light conditions to find their prey. These light-sensitive creatures have a distinct advantage over other fish in their ability to live and feed in almost complete darkness.

Fact: An ice angler from Jackson’s Point, Ontario named Mike Wessell made history books by capturing a walleye big enough for the Freshwater Fish Hall of Fame. Wessell’s walleye, caught in 1999, was the largest ever pulled through the ice and weighed a staggering 17 pounds 12 ounces. It held the “World Record Walleye Through the Ice” title for several years.

An angler with a brook trout.

Brook trout, with its brilliant colouration, is another mid-depth fish popular among winter anglers. Pound for pound, the “brookie” is said to be one of the hardest-fighting sport fish in Ontario and can reach a maximum size of five to six pounds, depending on the lake. Northeastern Ontario offers excellent mid-depth brook trout opportunities for both natural and stocked trout.

In pursuit of brook trout? Check out James Smedley’s piece on locating and catching stocked brookies.

Deep Oligotrophic water

Deep-water lakes, such as Greater Sudbury's Lake Wanapitei, are categorized as oligotrophic, generally more than 20” deep, and account for the most common water bodies found in Northeastern Ontario. These lakes are typically deep, steep-sided with lower productivity, and sparse lake vegetation.

Lake trout are the epitome of deep-water fish in the Northeast. Of all the family Salmonidae, “lakers” are the coldest water-dwelling. Because of this cold water environment, they’re also the longes

t-living trout with varying growth rates. Lakers in the far north, for example, tend to have great longevity yet grow more slowly and exhibit a more streamlined shape (with larger heads) as compared to their southern cousin. This phenomenon is referred to as
polymorphism.

When retaining lake trout for consumption, it's wise to keep only smaller fish as larger specimens may have accumulated toxins in their fat layers. Mercury content found in older fish is of concern to anyone who plans to cook with lake trout, as it will concentrate in the fish’s fat belly meat with levels that increase gradually over time.

Lake whitefish are the second most common deep-water fish and are caught with consistency at several lodges in the region. Sharing similar habitats with lake trout, anglers will often locate whitefish on deeper lake bottoms.

Time to Hit the Ice

Regardless of which of the three depth categories you try this winter, understanding where your target species dwell will provide greater insight into the biology of ice fishing. Northeastern Ontario offers a plethora of winter fishing opportunities, so do yourself a favour and get out there!

------------------

For more information on winter angling in Northeastern Ontario and a list of great lodges that cater to ice anglers visit us at NortheasternOntario.com.

About Jeff Morrison

Jeff Morrison is an award-winning outdoor writer, book author, and nationally-syndicated newspaper and magazine columnist.

Recommended Articles

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

3 Easy Weekend Trips from Brampton

Lighthouses, waterfalls, epic hikes, and the world's biggest nickel await on these easy road trips from Brampton to Ontario's north. Plan your summer vacation today!

Eat Like It's Easter!

Check out these establishments for Easter specials & events.

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

Observe the Galaxy Like Never Before

Take in the inky night sky, just outside of the city!

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

Looking for a unique train-in Vacation? We've got you covered.

Check out this list of all the train-in experiences in Northeastern Ontario.

Increase Your Odds

Visitors to the region often wonder, how do I see the Northern Lights?

Stonehenge of the North

Huge boulders aligned with the setting sun on solstice pose more questions than answers.

How to Properly Hold and Handle Fish

Techniques & Tools

Sugar Shacks

Northern Ontario's Sweet Spring Ritual

Bring Your Fam!

7 Family-friendly places to explore in The Seven

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

Explore the Northeastern Towns of Ontario