Muddy York Ice fishing in Ontario
From January, the lakes north and east of Toronto freeze and a different season starts. Each lake guide shows what Ontario's records say lives there, what's open through the ice season under the official rules, and how cold this winter has been so far.
We never rate the ice
We don't rate ice safety and never will. Check the ice yourself as you go, ask hut operators and locals, and follow Canadian Red Cross and Lifesaving Society guidance.
Lake guides
Winter seasons at a glance
- Yellow perch and crappie are open all year in Zones 16, 17 and 20.
- Walleye: Zone 16 January 1 to March 15; Zone 20 January 1 to March 1; Zone 17 closed in winter (second Saturday in May to November 15).
- Lake Simcoe lake trout, whitefish and cisco: January 1 to March 15 under the lake's own rules.
From the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary. Lakes can have their own exceptions; each lake guide applies them.
Ice season in the app
When the ice season is on, Muddy York Fishing shows lakes near you with this winter's freeze progress, what's open today and a fishing-weather outlook. It never rates the ice.
Start your free 7-day trialFrequently asked
Where is the best ice fishing near Toronto?
Lake Simcoe is the best known, about an hour north, with perch, crappie, pike, lake trout and whitefish. Lake Scugog and Rice Lake are closer to the east for perch, crappie and pike, and the Bay of Quinte is known for winter walleye.
Is walleye open in winter in Southern Ontario?
It depends on the zone and the lake. Zone 16 (including Lake Simcoe) is open January 1 to March 15, Zone 20 (Bay of Quinte) January 1 to March 1, and Zone 17 (Rice Lake, Lake Scugog) is closed in winter; Lake Scugog's walleye are closed all year.
How do you know when the ice is safe?
You check it yourself, every time, and ask the people who know the lake. We show how cold the winter has been, which helps you judge when ice season is likely, but no website can see the ice.
Winter fishing near Toronto · Fishing licence · Free fishing weekend · Regulations by zone