Ice Fishing on a River?

[elkrub]

Hey Guys,

Has anyone tried to ice fish on a river? If so how about the athabasca?
Just Wondering

[Scott N]

I think it would be very dangerous due to the unstable ice conditions.

[brett01]

i'm not 100% sure on this, and i can't seem to find my fishing regs, but im sure in there it states that you are not permitted to ice fish any flowing body of water. Makes sense because most if not all rivers are closed during winter anyway. I'll look and if i find anymore info i'll keep u posted

[MathewsArcher]

You can ice fish in flowing water in most parts of the province there is a discussion in the link provided.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=9168

I have ice fished the athabasca (under permit) to collect scientific samples in several areas (check to see if it is open for angling). Backwaters and pool areas definately congregated mountain whitefish and pike.

Never had any issues in those areas with ice conditions but still used extensive safety equipment including harnesses, safety ropes and observers on shore. Would hate to go down and end up trapped under the ice.

It doesn't take much current to end up being swept away if you were to go through.

[SNAPFisher]

I don't know if this is a troll or not...

If it isn't, let me know how ice fishing a river works out for you. I am happy enough to stick to the lakes and potholes without risking my life further on a river.

[MathewsArcher]

Took a quick check. Athabasca is closed Oct. 31 -
So likely a bad idea

[Izumi]

Depends on where you are on the river. It is open all Year in NB4

Athabasca River
River
Open all year – Arctic Grayling limit 2 over 35 cm (limit 0 from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31); Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm; Walleye limit 0 from Apr. 1 to May 31, and 3 over 43 cm from June 1 to Mar. 31; Pike limit 3 over 63 cm; Burbot limit 10; Goldeye limit 10.
Tribuatries except Clearwater and Hangingstone rivers
June 1 to Oct. 31 – Arctic Grayling limit 2 over 35 cm (limit 0 from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31); Walleye limit 3 over 43; Pike limit 3 over 63 cm; Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm; Lake Whitefish limit 10; Burbot limit 10; Goldeye limit 10; Bait allowed.
Nov. 1 to May 31 – CLOSED

And the NSR is open all year in the PP2 area.

The RDR is closed for only a brief period in PP2 also.

Also there was another thread that was discussing the regs involved in ICE fishing flowing water and I believe it was only in the ES (Zone 1) areas where it was not allowed.

[gonefishin]

According to the regs, you are not allowoed to ice fish through the ice on a beaver pond or into flowing waters in Zone 1 (Eastern Slopes). So I guess you can in Zones 2 and 3.