Ice fishing is one of the more popular winter sports in Ontario, and may be done during any time of the day, with the most active times during dusk and dawn.
As conditions permit, the ice shacks are dragged or trailed onto the lakes behind an ATV, snowmobile or SUV. They are usually constructed of wood or metal and have runners on the bottom for transporting. Inside, and depending on the size, the ice shacks may be as basic as having only a bench over the holes or may be equipped with a stove, beds, and heaters.
In addition to the maps and surveys of lakes to assist in placing the ice shack on the ice, ice fishermen may now use sonar to show the shape and content of the lake bottom as well as indicating at what depth the fish are, and how to set the number and type of lines.
Ice fishing generates significant revenue to Ontario and local economies, from ice fishing package offers of numerous resorts, lodges and inns to the local bait and tackle shops. In most winters, ice shacks are on the lakes in early January, however, with the winter experience in Ontario thus far, the ice conditions in a number of locations is of poor quality or non-existent. With debate ongoing with respect to climate change, there is discussion that in the future, many areas of southern Ontario may no longer have ice fishing available as a winter sport and will be reduced elsewhere around the province.

