March 1, 2014 - Sibbald Point Provincial Park

In only its 4th year, Perchin For MS has become a major event to take note of. On March 1, 2014 the 4th Annual Perchin for MS Ice Fishing event took place at Sibbald Point Provincial Park in the Town of Georgina celebrating another great success.  Dubbed Lake Simcoe's Premier Ice Fishing Event by the fishers themselves, this event has become the place to be in the fishing community. This year saw over 460 competitors coming out for a day of fun and to fish for a cause, a cause near and dear to Doug Poirier the founder of the event.  

Well yesterday, we enjoyed another fine day on the hardwater chasing yellow perch on Lake Simcoe … undoubtedly one of the finest perch fisheries in all of North America. Today was remarkably similar to last weekend when my son Izaak and I took home about 15 jumbos for about three hours of fishing. Unlike last time though these perch were a little deeper (33-34') and way more finicky.  In fact, if it wasn't for the addition of a bunch of puny little items we brought this time- that we didn't before … we may have walked off the ice empty handed!

Despite one of the most remarkable winters in many decades here in Ontario, there have been several occasions when fishing has been extremely tough. Beautiful thick ice, cold temperatures, plenty of snow cover and a chance to safely access anywhere you like on your favorite lake. Man, you would think the fish would be practically jumping thru your holes. Ah - but with few exceptions, such has not been the case; at least not for many of us hard water fishin fanatics who are quick to admit, "Dang- fishin has been tough!"

Anglers- whether they're hard water or soft water freaks – love to blame the weather and I can be as guilty as the next guy. 

Well bass season in 2013 began the 3rd week in June for many anglers who fish in Eastern Ontario but the traditional 4th Saturday opener held firm for Lake Simcoe and the rest of FMZ 16. Still it was an early start thanks to five Saturdays in June. It would not be surprising then to still find smallmouth bass on nests in Southern Ontario's largest inland lake. My pre fish on opening day however didn't point out any nesting bass pattern. Why? Because, the windy conditions and rough waters reduced visibility beneath the surface so I didn't know if the 7-9 foot pattern with drop shot included catching bedding bass or if they were just cruisers.  What pre fish did teach me however was that drop shot ruled and 7-9 feet was key for most bass.

For Immediate Release: May 21st 2013
Lake Simcoe-Ontario: The Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that a total of eight “Fishing Line Recycle Depots” have now been installed around the Lake Simcoe watershed. These receptacles have been strategically placed at popular shore fishing areas for anglers to deposit used fishing line. Throughout the fishing season, volunteers with the bass club will monitor these units, empty and collect used line as required, then once each year, will send the used line to Berkley-Pure Fishing. From there, the line will be recycled and made into Berkley Fish-Habs ... habitat structures that enhance our public fisheries.

Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching Fishing Regulations Zone 16
Lake Simcoe has regulations that are different than the zone-wide regulations

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2013
Sibbald Point Provincial Park, Lake Simcoe: With a full field of 227 teams competing in the Third Annual PERCHIN FOR MS Fundraiser Perch Fishing Tournament on Sat. March 2...Another huge success was accomplished! This year with the temperatures holding and winds kept to a light breeze...the 3rd Annual Perchin For MS Ice Fishing event was held on Saturday, March 2nd at Sibbald Point Provincial Park. The event once again drew anglers from all over Ontario and into the United States. The event saw 455 people take to the ice in the early hours of Saturday morning all in hopes of catching the big one...while helping to make a difference.

Lake Simcoe Hut Operator Directory. Fishing Lake Simcoe provides the most updated map of ice hut operators on Lake Simcoe.

If you would like to learn more about activities and safety on ice you may find these online resources useful.

Over the period of 1991 to 2000, there were 447 deaths associated with activities on ice. Of these, 246 involved snowmobiles, 150 involved non-motorized activity and 51 motorized vehicles. Most of the deaths associated with activities on ice were related to recreational activities. (Canadian Red Cross Society 2006).

Here you can find data about Lake Simcoe ice conditions from our old Ice Watch reports between 2010-2012, submitted by our site members.