On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., OPP officers stopped an MSV during evening patrols. The operator was found to have consumed alcohol, and was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Cody Bell, 31 years of age, of Mississauga, was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 17, 2026, in North Bay. Additionally, they received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS).

The OPP is actively patrolling Lake Nipissing and surrounding waterways throughout the winter. No amount of alcohol or drugs is acceptable when operating a snowmobile or any vehicle on ice. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 or contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The post Snowmobile Operator Charged With Impaired On Lake Nipissing appeared first on Muskoka411.

Each winter, Canada’s frozen lakes become the backdrop for unforgettable cold-weather adventures. For the sixth year running, FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform for booking fishing trips, analyzed species variety, angler popularity, accessibility, and insights from local guides to determine the country’s standout ice fishing locations.

This year, Ontario leads the rankings with two powerhouse lakes in the national Top 3.

Lake of the Woods, ON – Ranked #1 in Canada

Lake of the Woods takes the top spot thanks to its huge size, diverse species, and vibrant winter culture.
Ontario communities like Kenora, Sioux Narrows, and Morson offer some of the best access points, creating a lively scene of ice roads, pop-up shacks, and consistent catches, including:

• Walleye & sauger
• Yellow perch & crappie
• Northern pike
• Lake trout in deeper sections

With stunning views and a strong hospitality scene, it’s widely considered one of the country’s most thrilling winter fishing destinations.

Lake Nipissing, ON – Ranked #3 in Canada

Lake Nipissing is a winter favourite known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent fishing. When the lake freezes, North Bay becomes a seasonal hub filled with ice roads, sunlit village setups, and reliable action from:

• Walleye
• Yellow perch
• Northern pike
• Bonus whitefish & burbot

Nipissing continues to be a beloved destination for families, seasoned anglers, and winter travelers alike.

How the rankings were determined

As the world’s biggest marketplace for booking fishing trips, FishingBooker draws on extensive industry insight and angler data.
The 2026 list is based on:

• Species diversity and winter catch rates
• Accessibility and infrastructure
• Popularity among anglers
• Local guide expertise
• Broader winter tourism trends

The 9 Best Ice Fishing Destinations in Canada for 2026

1. Lake of the Woods, ON
2. Lake Winnipeg, MB
3. Lake Nipissing, ON
4. Tobin Lake, SK
5. Edith Lake, BC
6. Cold Lake, AB
7. Great Slave Lake, NT
8. Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, QC
9. Last Mountain Lake, SK

The post Ontario Lands 2 Of Canada’s Top Ice Fishing Destinations For 2026 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ontario government is safeguarding lands and waters by ensuring people do not deposit and abandon materials on public lands and waters.

The post Man Guilty For Depositing Materials On Public Lands And Depositing Materials In Water On Lake Nipissing appeared first on Muskoka411.

On February 16, 2024, just after 8:00 p.m., the North Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call from the MSV driver who advised that they were returning from ice fishing on Lake Nipissing when the MSV went through thin ice and was submerged into approximately ten feet of water.

The driver was uninjured and returned to their residence before contacting police.

North Bay OPP is reminding the public that the message is always the same. No ice is safe ice, and we encourage everyone who is venturing out onto the area lakes to exercise caution.

The ice conditions are greatly affected by weather, as well as other factors including the following:

• Type of water
• Time of year
• Water depth and size of body of water
• Currents, tides, and other moving water
• Logs, rocks, and shoals absorbing heat from the sun
• Changing air temperature

Ice does not freeze at uniform thickness throughout the body of water. When ice forms early and may look safe, it is likely not thick, strong, or stable enough to support much weight. Thickness should be checked regularly as you move further onto the ice.

Anyone considering venturing out on ice covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced outdoor enthusiast who is familiar with local conditions and water currents. Children should not play near or on ice covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious person.

The post Motorized Snow Vehicle Goes Through Ice On Lake Nipissing appeared first on Muskoka411.

On February 2, 2024, just before 9:00 p.m., Powassan OPP attended an ice shack on Lake Nipissing in Callander after a complaint was received.

At the scene officers spoke to one of the people involved and determined that they had consumed an alcoholic beverage. The person was arrested for impaired operation and transported off the lake for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher McGean, a 29-year-old from Fort Erie was charged with failure or refusal to comply with demand and operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay February 27, 2024.

The accused was issued a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the motorized snow vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The post Altercation At An Ice Shack On Lake Nipissing Leads To Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.