Ontario Ice Fishing
On Lower Manitou Lake
Snowmobile-In Lake Trout Trips at Barker Bay
Lake Trout Fishing
Muskie Fishing
Bass Fishing
Pike Fishing
Walleye Fishing
Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing on Lower Manitou Lake
Ice fishing Lower Manitou Lake in the winter is just as beautiful and peaceful as it is in the summer, and if possible, with even less people around. Lake trout are the main attraction through the ice. We are accessed only by snowmobile in the winter, guaranteeing privacy and the best fishing spots.
You do not have to go far from camp to ice fish. Enjoy a day of ice fishing and an evening of relaxation inside our beautiful winterized cabins with a fire or spend your evening relaxing in the sauna and hot tub.
What You Catch Through the Ice
Lake trout are what most guests come for during winter, and Lower Manitou Lake is a strong trout fishery in any season. Trout mostly run 2 to 6 pounds, with fish caught every winter that are considerably larger. Walleye, northern pike and yellow perch are all taken through the ice as well, and perch are very good eating at the end of the day. The lake is deep and cold – 220 feet at its deepest, which is what keeps the trout population as strong as it is.
When the Ice Fishing Season Runs
Winter trips run from mid-January to mid-March. By mid-January the ice is thick enough to travel on with confidence, and starting around the middle of March the season begins to wind down. That is the prime window for ice fishing here, and dates go quickly. Current openings are on the Packages & Rates page.
Getting In: The Snowmobile Ride
There is no road to camp in winter. Guests ride in on their own machines – roughly a 12-mile run from the end of the road to camp, on a lake that is yours for the day once you arrive. We do not rent snowmobiles, so plan on bringing your own. Remote access is the main reason you will not find another group parked on your spot.
What Is Available at Camp
Portable ice shacks are available to rent. Bring your own auger, rods and tackle. Winter guests stay in wood-heated cabins at Barker Bay. There is also a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub at camp to warm up at the end of the day. Starlink internet is available at all three of our properties if you need to stay in touch.
Manitou Weather Station
Ice Fishing Photos
Ice Fishing on Lower Manitou Lake: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Manitou Weather Station for ice fishing?
By snowmobile. Lower Manitou Lake is reached by snowmobile only during the winter months, which is part of what keeps the lake quiet and the best ice fishing spots unpressured. Winter guests stay in wood-heated cabins at Barker Bay, with a wood-fired sauna and hot tub at camp.
When is the ice fishing season on Lower Manitou Lake?
Winter trips on Lower Manitou Lake run from mid-January to mid-March, which is when the ice is reliably safe to travel on. Access in winter is by snowmobile, and winter guests stay in wood-heated cabins at Barker Bay.
What fish can you catch ice fishing on Lower Manitou Lake?
Lake trout are the main target through the ice, and Lower Manitou Lake is a strong lake trout fishery – trout most commonly run 2 to 6 pounds, with considerably larger fish caught each season. Walleye, northern pike and yellow perch are taken through the ice as well, and perch make for very good eating at the end of the day.
Do I need my own snowmobile and ice fishing gear?
Winter guests ride in on their own machines – it is roughly a 12-mile ride to camp. Snowmobiles are not available to rent, so plan on bringing or trailering your own. Portable ice shacks are available to rent at camp.
How far do you have to travel from camp to ice fish?
Not far at all. The fishing is close to the cabins at Barker Bay rather than a long run out across the lake, so the day is spent fishing instead of riding – which matters more in February than it does in July.
What is there to do at camp after a day of ice fishing?
The cabins are wood-heated, so there is a fire waiting. There is also a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub at Barker Bay for the end of the day.
Do I need an Ontario fishing license to ice fish at Manitou Weather Station?
Yes. Every angler needs a valid Ontario fishing license and an Outdoors Card, and one license covers lake trout, walleye, northern pike and yellow perch alike. Buy both before you arrive, online from the Ontario government, at any ServiceOntario location, or from tackle and outdoor stores in Fort Frances on your way through. Non-residents choose between a Sport license and a Conservation license; the Conservation license costs less and carries lower catch limits. Winter seasons and limits are set by Ontario regulation and change from time to time, so check the current fishing regulations summary before you travel. There is Starlink internet at all three camps, so you can check the regulations or sort a license online from the lake if you need to. Visitors from the United States also need a passport or another approved document to cross the border at Fort Frances.
How do I book an ice fishing trip at Manitou Weather Station?
Trips are booked directly with Manitou Weather Station. Current packages, open dates and rates are on the Packages & Rates page, and the Contact page will reach the family with any questions before you book.