Harbour Harvest: What to Bring & How to Make the Most of Your Day
As of this update (Feb 11th, 2026), the weather is looking fantastic! That means… shorts, t-shirts, and sunscreen, right?
…Nice try. It’s still winter in Ottawa. Dress warm!
The best strategy is layers. Ice fishing is a balance of activity and relaxation. Sometimes you’ll be shoveling, setting up, or exploring… and other times you’ll be sitting, chatting, and waiting for that prize-winning fish to bite.
This post gives you a quick rundown of what to expect, plus a few personal tips from me (Dan Dubeau) to help you get the most out of your day. Be sure to also check out the FAQ section on our website for additional details.
🎒 What to Bring
☕ Thermos
Fill it with your favourite hot beverage. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be available starting at 9:00 AM thanks to Tim Hortons — but having your own backup is never a bad idea.
🪑 Chair
Ice fishing involves a surprising amount of sitting and storytelling. Dock chairs, camping chairs, or snow chairs all work perfectly.
❄️ Shovel (Bonus Item)
Not required — but highly encouraged. Besides helping clear fishing areas, shovels give you a competitive advantage in our snow fort and snow creature building contests. Judges will be roaming!
🧤 Extra Mitts & Socks
Sometimes enthusiasm wins over dry clothing. It happens to the best of us.
🥾 Warm, Waterproof Boots
Slush is unpredictable. Waterproof boots are ideal. Running shoes or Crocs may signal either bravery or rookie status — we respect both.
💵 Cash
Helpful for donations, the 50/50 draw, and our new raffle featuring:
- 🎣 6-hour Salmon & Trout Charter on Lake Ontario
- 🎁 Rapala prize pack
- And more!
📸 Camera (Your Phone Works!)
A prize pack will be awarded at random to someone who has shared their moments on or with our social media! Capture the memories and tag:
@dropinsports.ca
#HarbourHarvest
🍴 Snacks / Lunch
- Pancakes will be available on-site (limited supply).
- The Nepean Sailing Club restaurant opens at 12:00 PM with:
- 15% participant discount
- 50% off wings (strongly recommended by quality control… also known as me)
Note: Outside food is not permitted inside the restaurant.
🎣 Fishing Gear & Bait (Optional)
We provide the basics, including:
- Volunteer-drilled holes
- Rigged tip-ups
- Bait station (donations appreciated)
If you have your own gear — rods, augers, scoops, tents, lucky lures — feel free to bring it!
Pro tip: Many anglers swear by sardines, herring, or their secret “confidence lure.”
Need gear? Check out Sail.ca
🎯 Dan’s Tips for February 15, 2026
✅ All Participants
Already have equipment?
Head straight onto the ice — no check-in required.
Need equipment?
Visit the front lobby of the Nepean Sailing Club. Our amazing volunteers will get you set up.
🎓 Learn From the Pros
Look for Station Signs 1, 2, and 3 where experts will be sharing tips, tricks, and fishing basics.
🕳️ Getting Started
Volunteers will help you find a fishing hole and explain how everything works. If you brought your own auger, you’re welcome to drill your own hole.
⏰ Watch the Schedule
- Pancakes served: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (was an add-on purchase)
- 12:00 PM Kitchen’s regular menu opens *15% off today!
- Boreal River Rescue Demonstrations:
- 11:35 AM
- 2:35 PM
🎉 Try Side Activities
Enjoy challenges and activities hosted by:
- TPG Gym
- Scouts
- Ottawa Riverkeeper
- NEW Minnow Racing (thanks to OFAH Zone F!)
🎨 Kids Activity
Kids can create a fish craft upstairs and add it to our Sponsor & Partner Mural to earn a small prize.
🎟️ Don’t Forget
Visit the Raffle and 50/50 draw — all proceeds support our two charities.
🚧 Stay Safe
Please remain within marked boundaries (clearly marked by pylons) and review event rules.
🐟 The #1 Fishing Tip
Patience. Keep your line tight. Give the lure a little movement.
And if all else fails… try dancing. I swear it helps.
⏳ Participation Schedules
🕘 All-Day Participants
- Fishing starts after 9:00 AM (no lines in the water before then)
- Catch either the 11:35am or the 2:35 PM Boreal River Rescue demo
- Stay for prizes and presentations afterward
Many door prizes don’t require you to be present, but we’ll have bonus prizes for those who stay to celebrate, cheer on winners, and help us thank our sponsors and charities.
🌅 AM Participants (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Begin fishing after 9:00 AM
- Return borrowed gear promptly
- Watch the 11:35 AM rescue demo
- Enjoy pancakes (if pre-purchased) or restaurant options
- Door prize winners will be contacted afterward
🌤️ PM Participants (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
- If you pre-paid for pancakes, come early
- Meet the pros and collect gear if needed
- Begin fishing after 12:00 PM
- Watch the 2:35 PM rescue demo
- Stay for prizes and presentations
📣 Stay Connected
Follow updates, invite your friends, and join the conversation on our Facebook Event Page .
We can’t wait to see you on the ice!
