What's Swimming Under The Ice?
What's swimming around under the ice in the bay at Petrie Island? Being part of the Ottawa River which connects with the Rideau water system and the mighty St-Lawrence River, there are probably a few dozen species of fish and other creatures you have a chance to catch. Here are just a few of the fish species swimming around under the ice.
Bullhead
Bullheads are are members of the catfish family and most easily identified by their long whisker-like barbels that protrude from the mouth of the catfish. Best bait to catch bullheads at Petrie Island are worms or minnows.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are most easily identified by their long whisker-like barbels that protrude from the mouth of the catfish. Best bait to catch channel cats at Petrie Island are worms or minnows.
Catfish
Catfish are most easily identified by their long whisker-like barbels that protrude from the mouth of the catfish. Easily caught in winter. Best bait to catch catfish at Petrie Island are worms or minnows.
Crappie
These guys are easily caught while ice fishing at Petrie Island. Effective bait and lures are minnows, small jigs, worms and grubs..
Click image for a live view...
Perch
These fish are the most abundant at Petrie Island. If a person is serious they can catch more than 100 in a day. Popular lures and bait include small jigs, spinners, worms and grubs. Click image for a live view...
Sunfish
Second only to Perch for the most abundant fish at Petrie Island, these fish are not usually caught during the winter. Effective bait are small jigs, worms and grubs. Click image for a live view...
Smallmouth Bass
Any kind of bass are rarely caught in the winter months, but they are there. As they are out of season in winter, ice fishermen at Petrie Island do not target these fish. Click image for a live view...
Largemouth Bass
Like all the other bass species, these guys are down there, but rarely caught in winter. As they are out of season in winter, ice fishermen do not target these fish. Click image for a live view...
Rock Bass
As with all fish in the bass family, they are there. As they are out of season in winter, ice fishermen do not target these fish. Click image for a live view...
Sturgeon
A few are caught each season while targeting walleye. As they are out of season in winter, when caught, they are quickly photographed and returned to the water. Click image for a live view...
Northern Pike
Probably the fish of choice to most who fish at Petrie Island, only because of it's potential size. Bait includes minnows, jigs and pretty well anything in your tackle box. Click image for a live view...
Musky
Muskie are rare at any time. These are out of season in winter and if caught, must be quickly photographed and released Click image for a live view...
Carp
Rare at Petrie Island in the winter. These guys can weigh well over 30 pounds, so good luck getting one out of the hole. Bait includes worms and minnows. Click image for a live view...
