- This event has passed.
Family-friendly Ice Fishing – Chain Lakes Provincial Park – EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO COLD WEATHER!
February 17 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
This is a free event.
Dear Friends and Family of the CACC,
You’re on the list of participants interested in joining us for the 2nd Annual Calgary Chefs Family Day Ice Fishing Outing.
The essential details map / location are in the previous email in this thread.
Here is a quick recap and update on what to expect and what to bring.
When: Family Day Feb 17th, 2025
Where: Lower (1st) Parking lot near boat ramp and southern dam (see map), Chain Lakes Provincial Park
Time: 9am – 2pm (Come earlier if you like!)
Recommended fishing equipment and supplies
– a rod (short fishing rod that is made for ice fishing is best), a small reel and fishing line for ice fishing (easy to buy as a kit at Bass Pro, Canadian Tire or the Fishin’ Hole $20-$25 for starter equipment – Bass Pro is likely cheapest. Look for the finest line on the rod/reel combo – smaller line is best for trout
– 1 or 2 small jigs (pink, orange, green, white and gold are good colours) ask for “small jigs to fish trout bait in stocked lakes (Chain Lakes)”
– bait (live bait can be found at the fishing store in a refrigerator – keep cool, but do not freeze)
– trout worms, mealworms, shrimp tend to be the best baits (good idea to buddy up on baits to have variety and share)
* If you don’t have any equipment but are interested in trying ice fishing – just let me know and I will bring some extra gear for you.
* Those of you who have already indicated that you need to borrow some gear, I have enough for you.
* If you want to borrow gear but do not let me know, you might have to do handline fishing which is much more challenging 🙂
Ice Safety, Driving on Ice, Parking on Ice:
With this cold weather, it may be possible to drive a capable 4wd or all wheel drive vehicle onto the ice. If you decide to drive on the ice, you do so at your own risk. Please check with your insurance company to see what coverage they offer. They will tell you there is no coverage for driving over water.
If you do drive on the ice, drive slowly (less force on the ice) and with care. There will likely be lots of people on the lake on February 17th. Pulling sleds, skating, dogs, children running around – Please Drive Slowly and Be Careful.
For on ice parking, please park 3 car lengths away from other vehicles to reduce heavy weight concentrated on small areas. Make sure the area ahead of your vehicle is clear when you park so that you can drive off safely in case of emergency.
Parking in Gravel Lot – Walk in:
A small sled or toboggan is a wonderful thing when ice fishing. Load up your sled or backpack a walk straight out towards the centre of the bay towards the dam. Our group will be a bit further out this year – looking for the big one. We will be easy to find. Hopefully the big one is too!
Cold Weather Clothing:
Even if the weather is forecast to be warm and sunny it is hard to stay warm when standing on a frozen lake. It is impossible to have fun when you’re cold. Over dress in loose fitting clothes and bring extra clothing. Be ready to lend some clothing to a buddy if they are cold…You get the idea.
Must Have:
– Insulated, oversized winter boots – The absolute warmest that you have, water proof is best
– Thick socks, wool or polyester (no cotton – cotton doesn’t stay dry/warm), multiple layers of socks is good but do not make your boots fit tight on your feet (stay loose and warm).
– Snow pants, ski pants / bibs or onesie – insulated is best, windproof and waterproof is great to have
– Very warm coat or ski jacket with thermal layers underneath – choose loose fitting options to add layers if you get cold
– extra layers, polar fleece and puffy jackets are are great for layering. Hoods can help you keep heat inside your jacket.
– Warm toque / ski hat (I bring two, one light, one heavy – I often wear both at the same time)
– Gloves or mitts (mitts are warmer and easier to take off and put back on when you’re fishing…and catching slimy fish!)
– a towel or paper towel to wipe your hands
– toilet paper/tissue- there is an outhouse at the provincial park site
– hand sanitizer
– Sunglasses and sunscreen
Highly Recommended for Walk-in:
small sled to pull your gear
Nice to Have (you will be fine if you don’t have these things)
– traction footwear that go over your boots (ice breaker, ice gripper etc)
– a camping chair
– a small tray to use next to your fishing hole as a workstation
– needle nose pliers for unhooking the fish you catch
– a foam mat to stand on or sit or lay down on, keeps feet and body warm.
– a small folding table as a stand to work from
– a bucket to carry your equipment
– an auger (Nice to have a couple of these)
– fish finder sonar or underwater camera
– a cooler bag and ice pack if you want to take fish home (limit is five trout per person see regulations guide)
Food, Water, Thermos:
– hot tea or coffee or hot water to make instant soup broth
– snacks (healthy or junk food)
– water
Attractions:
* Hot chocolate, snacks, prizes, fresh air, great scenery, community atmosphere, fun for all ages and skill levels.
* Free Fishing in Alberta on Family Day – No license is required, other regulations apply
Final Notes:
We have roughly 20 participants planning to join again this year.
The weather is usually cold in February. If it is very cold (like it is currently at -25C we may cancel the event for comfort and safety.
It is important that we pay attention to the weather and plan and dress accordingly. We will regroup on this a day or two day before the event.
If we do have a good turnout like we did last year, we will host a fun ice fishing derby for those that are interested in competing for prizes. We will start the derby at 9am. Prizes will be awarded for:
#1 the angler who catches the largest rainbow trout ($50 gift card prize)
#2 the angler who catches the largest sucker ($25 gift card prize)
#3 the angler who catches the greatest number of fishes ($25 gift card prize)
If the weather is suitable for outdoor cooking – there may be an opportunity to do a catch and cook. This will likely work best once the derby is done (around 1pm).
Thank you to all of you who have replied and been keeping in touch. We had an excellent time together last year. Watch the video from SAIT’s foodstory https://foodstory.
Looking forward to seeing you back out on the ice along with some new joiners this year!
Tight lines 
Yours in fishing,
Mathieu
paremathieu@gmail.com