Over the past three years, I’ve traveled to the Elliot Lake region in Northern Ontario, to explore the fishing opportunities found throughout. My trips have included spring, summer, and fall fishing adventures, however I had not yet checked off ice fishing in this beautiful area until just last week. I was really looking forward to hitting the hardwater here, and in particular, targeting brook trout. I’m excited to share how this experience unfolded! I have partnered with the City of Elliot Lake for this fishing trip.
Our Accommodations: Nestle at the Nook
Photos: The living room and dining area (left), and the kitchen area (right).
Joining me for this fishing trip was my significant other, Eric. We opted to stay at Nestle at the Nook, an AirBNB located in a quiet neighborhood in the city. Although we didn’t get out ice fishing on Elliot Lake for this outing, this home has a walking path that leads to a beach area on this body of water. We really enjoyed our stay at this home which was very cozy, clean, and spacious. It always amazes me that just a short drive in any direction from the heart of the city takes you into rugged wilderness, surrounded by lakes, rivers, and breathtaking views. Itās one of the many reasons I love this place!
Our Ice Fishing Adventures
Photo: Ashley with a smallmouth bass.
We managed to check out a few different bodies of water during our outings, as well as bring three different species topside. During our first afternoon, Eric and I got out for a few hours to explore a lake not far from the city that we could easily access on foot. I landed my first smallmouth bass of the season, which can be targeted year-round in this part of Zone 10, unlike back home. I caught this fish on a 1/8oz Sebile Vibrato blade bait. This brief outing was the perfect way to kick off our trip, however the excitement for the following days made it hard for me to sleep!
Over the next two days, we got out on the ice with Danny Bacon, a local angler that I connected with through social media and first met at fishing industry trade shows. Danny is a member of the Serpent River First Nation, and I had the opportunity to learn about his family’s deep-rooted history and their long-standing connection to the area, which spans several generations. Prior to this visit, I had chatted with Danny about my fishing trips to the Elliot Lake area, and we had talked about getting out on the water together at some point. I’m so glad we were finally able to make it happen!
Photos: Eric and Danny (left), Danny with a northern pike (top right), Ashley and Danny enjoying a campfire (middle right), and sausages cooking over an open fire (bottom right).
Danny was so kind as to to bring along his machines and show us around the area. The sight of the frozen lakes and landscape blanketed in snow was mesmerizing. We spent some time on Quirke Lake, where Danny picked up a chunky northern pike. We also targeted brook trout on two smaller back lakes. I enjoyed the journey as we ventured to the lakes, cooked our lunches over an open fire, exchanged stories, and basked in the late-winter sunshine amidst snow showers. With the days growing longer and warmer, this is truly my favourite time to be on the ice.
Photo: Ashley with an 18-inch brook trout.
My most memorable fish of the trip was a beautiful and colourful 18-inch brook trout! I picked up this fish in about 5 feet of water near a beaver lodge on a 1/16oz Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoon in silver tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. I was jigging when this fish came charging in, and crushed my little spoon! Eric and Danny were gathering firewood when I hooked into this fish, and I gleefully got their attention once I landed it. This stunning fish was definitely a highlight of my ice season! Danny also landed a 17.5-inch brook trout using a traditional set line with a live minnow. You can see more from our ice fishing adventures in my latest video:
Favourite Dining Options
We did not keep any of our catches during this trip, but we certainly enjoyed delicious meals while in Elliot Lake. Some of my favourites of this trip included Eggs Benedict at Elliot Lake Blossoms, Cappelletti and Dessert Poutine at FireSide Classic Grill, and the Teriyaki Chicken Sizzler at Chuck’s Roadhouse, which is new to the area.
Photos: Eggs Benedict (left), Teriyaki Chicken Sizzler (top middle), Dessert Poutine (bottom middle), and Cappelletti (right).
A big thank you to the City of Elliot Lake for hosting us, and to Danny for bringing along his machines & showing us around! It was certainly a memorable trip, and I cannot wait for our next visit!
Read about my past fishing adventures in Elliot Lake.
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