Athabasca river

[Double_A_Ron]

Looking for a report if the river is froze over and if anyone has punched any holes what the ice thickness is like, or even been catching. Thanks

[davegrant]

I would not venture anywhere on Athabasca river. Strong current causes very uneven ice 18 inch along shore and 2-3 inches in flow. 2 skidoos fell thru last year at Whitecourt both riders DEAD . Let's all be careful and smart on any river ice leave the fish till spring.

[Xiph0id]

That river never fully freezes.
Scary ass ice. I would never go on it.

[Chewie66]

Isn't fishing closed on the Athabasca river during the winter?

[davegrant]

NB1 closed Nov 01 - June 01
NB4 open all year

Somebody around Ft. Mac might have some better ice reports but still is a river
and extreme caution is needed.

[skidderman]

I worry about lakes. Could not imagine wanting a fish bad enough to risk my life to go on river ice. If you go in you won't have time to say good bye.

[Double_A_Ron]

Nothing ventured nothing gained, just looking for info right now but if I do plan to let the river breath a bit I would be extremely cautious and take the proper precautions, thanks for all the concerns and info guys

[baptiste_moose]

It's cover in ski-doo and side x side tracks in the athabasca area. 15 km of the athabasca river runners trail is on the river. It's fine come jan.

[JReed]

I'm surprised it's legal to fish through the ice into flowing waters in NB4.

It states in the ES1 regs that it's illegal to fish through the ice into flowing waters. Interesting.....

[pickrel pat]

river ice fishing is huge in some places.

[Warmbreeze]

Never knew that in NB4 it was open year round. Why can't the whole thing be open all year? NSR open all year ruins the safety argument.

[Albertacoyotecaller]

Fished up by Fort Chip on the river. Awesome fishing!