The Winter Window
Safe ice usually arrives in January, and the season runs strong through February. The same giant walleye that migrated in for fall are still under the ice. That makes Quinte one of the few places on earth to ice-fish for 10-pound-class walleye.
Where and How
Deseronto, Big Bay, Hay Bay, and Picton Bay are the classic hardwater zones, with jumbo perch filling the action between walleye bites. Jigging spoons and rattle baits tipped with minnows work for walleye at dawn and dusk. Small tungsten jigs and minnows take perch all day.
Respect the Ice
Current runs through the bay, so thickness changes fast, and conditions can shift week to week. Local hut operators check ice daily and move their huts to safe, productive water. A heated hut rental is the smartest first ice trip you can make.
Huts and Guides
Several operators around Belleville, Napanee, Deseronto, and Picton rent heated huts, supply bait, and shuttle you out. Guided packages run day trips at family-friendly prices. Bring a flasher if you have one — watching a giant walleye rise to your bait on sonar is winter's best television. Find operators on the charters and guides page.