A spiteful blast of winter last week has led to "the worst-ever start" to Orillia's annual Perch Festival.
On Saturday - Day 1 of the 38th annual festival - 23 anglers were able to get out on to the ice-sheathed lakes, but none was successful in catching any fish.
“It's the worst ever start we've had for all the conditions we're dealing with,” said Doug Bunker, the event's organizer. “This is very strange. It's kind of throwing us off because the anticipation is high and it's not getting anywhere.”
But there are still many more days, until May 12, to catch any of the 70 tagged fish swimming in the icy waters of lakes Simcoe and Couchiching. Bunker said 65 fish are carrying tags worth $500 and five are tagged for $1,000. Anglers can also bring in one live untagged fish to enter the daily draw.
Right now, fishing off the shore is difficult until the ice cover melts, he noted. However, some anglers have been able to take boats out into the water.
“The only ramp open right now is the Blue Beacon Marina,” he said. “All other ramps are closed, including the one at Lake Couchiching. They can't get a boat in because of the ice.”
Being out on the lake is a little precarious right now, added Bunker, reminding anglers to be cautious. It’s especially tricky out on Lake Simcoe, he said, warning the ice sheets start to shift and they could block off access back to the shore.
“I would definitely not recommend walking on the lake because it's melting now, and you could be stepping on unsafe ice,” said Bunker. “We wouldn't want to see anybody get hurt just because they went fishing out there. We really just want people to go out and enjoy the sport.”
He hopes with the upcoming higher temperatures the ice will recede from the shores, giving more people, including kids, a chance to reel in some fish.
“We feel bad that some people plan their vacations around this festival and Mother Nature has decided otherwise,” said Bunker. “There will be people coming up from Toronto and there really is some limited fishing.”
The weather doesn’t necessarily affect the perch, he said.
“There are probably a lot of perch in the lake,” said Bunker. “At this time of the year, the oxygen levels are a little low in the lake because of the ice cover, so the fish is lethargic.
“They're kind of wary of sunlight,” he said. “They seem to be out more early in the morning and late at night. That could also just be because they're at the bottom of the food chain.”
With online registration closed, Bunker said anglers looking to register now can visit Tudhope Park, which is the festival headquarters, Trombly's Tackle Box, Blue Beacon Marina or Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods.
Registration fee is $20 per adult and $5 for kids under 16.
For more information, visit orillia.com.
