North American Outdoorsman
    What's Hot

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023

    Where Memories Are Made

    June 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    North American OutdoorsmanNorth American Outdoorsman
    • Current Issue
    • Publications
      • North American Outdoorsman
      • North American Deer Hunter
      • North American Bowhunter
      • Crossbow Magazine
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Newsletter
    Facebook Instagram YouTube
    SUBSCRIBE
    • Hunting
      1. Whitetail
      2. Bowhunting
      3. Big Game
      4. Stories
      5. How to Hunt
      6. View All

      15 Best Late-Season Deer Food Plots

      February 13, 2023

      Offseason Wintertime Whitetail Prep

      December 30, 2022

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Spot-and-Stalk Whitetail Hunt with my Dad

      October 14, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Hunting Woodland Caribou: A Newfound Passion

      August 7, 2022

      Bow Birds

      April 1, 2022

      Fishing Hawaii

      December 7, 2022

      A Picture Perfect Hunt for Coulee Muley

      October 13, 2022

      Grizzly Hunt: Too Close for Comfort!

      October 4, 2022

      A Change of Heart — Let’s Hunt Elk

      October 3, 2022

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      A Boy’s First Goose

      May 12, 2023

      A Bear Primer

      April 6, 2023

      For Goose Hunters, the Best Kind of Snowstorm

      February 19, 2023

      21 Rookie Coyote Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

      April 9, 2023

      Where to Shoot a Black Bear

      April 8, 2023

      Getting Back to the Basics of Turkey Calls

      February 17, 2023

      A Family Affair: Women and Family Range Days

      February 16, 2023

      Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

      June 3, 2023

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      Sidearms for Hunters: What to Look For

      May 17, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023
    • Fishing
      1. All Fishing
      2. Fly Fishing
      3. How to Fish
      4. View All

      Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

      May 24, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023

      5 Best Tactics for Spring Bass Fishing

      April 29, 2023

      The Cast That Changes Everything—The Double Haul

      April 27, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      Essential Equipment for Fly Fisherman

      December 20, 2022

      Fly Fishing: Backing, Leaders And Tippets – All You Need to Know

      August 9, 2022

      Lake Texoma: Queen of Inland Striper Fisheries

      March 6, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      How to Make Winter Walleye Bite

      February 15, 2023

      Hooked! My Love of Ice Fishing for Lake Trout

      February 2, 2023

      Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

      May 24, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023

      5 Best Tactics for Spring Bass Fishing

      April 29, 2023

      The Cast That Changes Everything—The Double Haul

      April 27, 2023
    • Gear
      1. Gear Reviews
      2. New Outdoor Gear
      3. View All

      New Garmin Handheld Dog Tracking and Training System – Alpha 300 series with TT25 and T 20 Collars

      May 12, 2023

      Pros and Cons of Every Turkey Shotgun Gauge

      April 6, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      B105 Kydex Belly Band Review

      August 15, 2022

      Garmin’s New Lineup of Outdoor Navigation Devices

      March 15, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      TRUE KNIVES SWIFT EDGE HUNT PROCESSING KIT

      December 27, 2022

      THAW’S HEATED SEAT PAD

      December 26, 2022

      Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

      June 3, 2023

      Sidearms for Hunters: What to Look For

      May 17, 2023

      New Garmin Handheld Dog Tracking and Training System – Alpha 300 series with TT25 and T 20 Collars

      May 12, 2023

      Best Handguns for Beginners

      May 4, 2023
    • Field to Table
      1. #eatwhatyoukill
      2. Recipes
      3. View All

      Venison Tacos on a Pellet Grill

      February 21, 2023

      Goose Recipes: Bacon Benedict with Duck Fat Hollandaise

      February 3, 2023

      Fish Stock – Jeff Benda

      May 26, 2022

      Salisbury Steak – Ky Loop

      May 24, 2022

      Goose Recipe: Szechuan Style

      April 16, 2023

      Wild Game Jambalaya Recipe

      April 6, 2023

      Venison Tacos on a Pellet Grill

      February 21, 2023

      Goose Recipes: Bacon Benedict with Duck Fat Hollandaise

      February 3, 2023

      Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

      June 3, 2023

      Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

      June 3, 2023

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

      June 3, 2023
    • News
      1. Conservation
      2. Editorial
      3. Press Releases
      4. View All

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022

      Help the Yelp

      March 25, 2022

      Conservation Hunts For Spring Snow Geese

      February 6, 2022

      Tools and Equipment For Whitetail Habitat Management

      February 3, 2022

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Newly Approved IGFA World Records

      April 19, 2022

      USCCA Congratulates Georgia Governor for Signing Constitutional Carry Bill

      April 15, 2022

      The RCMP’s Secret Long-Gun Registry

      January 31, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Exclusive Women’s Issue

      October 4, 2022

      Kimber Releases New 1911 RAPIDE, R7 Mako, and Limited-Edition Micro 9

      August 19, 2022

      Armed and Responsible: Sweetheart Grips, Significant Others and Self-Defense

      February 19, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022
    • Book a Trip
      • Hunting Trips
      • Fishing Trips
    • Login
    North American Outdoorsman
    Home » All Articles » Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event
    Featured

    Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

    Lisa RoperBy Lisa RoperMay 24, 20238 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Tumblr Email
    ice
    Build it and they will come. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    As winter descends upon us and lakes begin to freeze, the anticipation of the ice fishing season sets in like the prospect of presents wakes children early on Christmas morning. Ice fishing is a winter sport that has gained immense popularity in the past 10 years. Drilling a hole through the frozen surface of a body of water and dropping a line with a baited hook into the frigid waters below may sound intimidating, but it is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter season.

    Ice fishing has often been perceived as a male-dominated activity. However, that’s changing rapidly as more women are discovering its joys and proving their worth in frigid temperatures.

    lisa
    Lisa at the catch-and-release workstation.

    As someone who loves ice fishing, I find myself spending the majority of my winters on frozen lakes in pursuit of pike, walleye and trout, regardless of the weather conditions. It’s a thrilling experience to bait a hook and wait patiently for a bite in the frigid, crystal-clear water before skillfully reeling in a fish through a smooth hole that has been drilled in the ice.

    In the past few years, I’ve received many inquiries from women seeking guidance on how to fish, and I am excited to share my knowledge and passion with others. That’s why I knew I needed to create a welcoming environment where women could come together and enjoy the excitement of ice fishing.

    baiting
    Baiting hooks and catching smiles. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES

    A Ladies’ First

    In the winter of 2022, I orchestrated and led the very first Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event in Canada. It was meticulously designed to offer a warm (pun intended) and inclusive setting where all attendees could freely share their questions and fears and feel empowered to attempt something new.

    My top priority was to guarantee that every participant, no matter their skill level, had an enjoyable and safe experience. I was thrilled about the chance to cultivate an extraordinary community of women who shared a passion for the outdoors and I eagerly anticipated witnessing the amazing memories we would create as a team.

    dani
    Dani putting her skills to the test.

    The response to the event was overwhelming. All  50 spots filled within just one week. It was incredible to see so many women come together on the ice to learn new skills, build a sisterhood, and have fun. With the success of the first event, I decided to increase the number of participants and volunteers for the 2nd Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event. That  took place in March of this year on Lac La Biche Lake.

    Organizing this event takes much effort and planning from everyone involved. A 40-by-40-foot outfitters’ tent is the central hub. There are  12 heated ice-fishing tents where volunteers  showcase their gear and expertise. Sponsors like Cenovus Energy, Panattoni Development, Len Thompson, Calnash Trucking, The Coverall Shop, Jiffy Ice Drills, Zebco, Cabela’s and  many others make it all possible.

    moments
    Forever moments. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES

    Volunteer Teachers

    As participants gather around the ice-fishing tents, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air. Knowledgeable female volunteers, including three conservation officers, warmly welcome everyone and begin guiding them through the basics of ice fishing. With patience and encouragement, they teach participants how to auger a hole, bait a hook, read a fish finder and reel in their first catch. As the participants begin to feel more confident in their newfound skills, a sense of pride and empowerment radiates from within them.

    Most of the participants have never fished before, which only adds to the thrill of the event. It’s an opportunity to embrace  fears, take on a new challenge  and meet other like-minded women. But this event isn’t just about learning to fish. It is about the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with participating in an all-ladies event. There is something special about being surrounded by other women who are all there for the same reason. It’s a feeling of solidarity that comes from knowing that you are not alone in your quest to try something new: a type of sisterhood.

    renee
    Renee’s big pike. What a moment!

    A Shared Meal

    Back on that blue-sky, sunny day in March, after savoring a delicious, barbequed meal of hamburgers, potato salad and fresh vegetables, the women put their newly acquired skills to use and enjoyed an afternoon of fishing on the ice. Despite having numerous lines jigging baits in the icy cold water, the beginning of the afternoon was uneventful, with no bites reported. At around 2 p.m. though, the pike finally began to bite.

    denise
    Denise is taking it all in. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES

    Helped by the volunteers and cheered on by fellow participants, a woman named Dani triumphantly landed the first northern pike of the day. Despite the pike’s spirited aversion to giving up the bait, Dani persisted. Much like mastering the art of the yo-yo, fishing for northern pike takes time, effort, co-ordination and skill to keep the fish interested and hooked. Dani’s dedication and patience paid off; the pike gave in. With a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, we carefully removed the hook and posed for a quick snapshot with the fish. The event puts the focus on conservation to ensure that future generations of anglers may experience the thrill of the catch. There’s also a zero-limit catch on Lac La Biche Lake for pike, so this fish was gently released back into the water to continue her journey.

    The next angler to be rewarded was Denise, who had driven three hours to participate in the event. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were apparent and she was determined to land a fish. When the flag went up, signaling there was a fish on the tip-up, Denise ran through the deep snow and knelt over the hole. With some guidance, she managed to set the hook.  I watched as her hands shook and her voice trembled with emotion while seeking further instructions. After a short battle of retrieving line and letting the pike run, she succeeded in reeling in her very first fish. Overcome with tears and pride, she held up her impressive catch for the camera: a beautiful, big pike.

    jiffy
    Jiffy Ice Auger girls. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES

    “This is an experience of a lifetime,” Denise exclaimed, turning to me. Her words deeply touched my heart, affirming why I had organized this event in the first place.

    For several hours, the northern pike feeding frenzy continued, with numerous women catching their first-ever fish. It was  an unforgettable moment, and the thrill was undeniably intense. Witnessing someone reel in that first fish and seeing their unbridled excitement and emotions as they celebrate their victory is an unparalleled feeling.

    robin
    Robin teaching at the tip-up station. HOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES

    Renee was a true example of this. From the moment she felt the tug on her line, you could see the rush of adrenaline energizing her. This big pike wasn’t making it easy, but together Renee and I waited patiently for this aggressive pike to make the next move so we could be ready to make ours. The pike kept taking the line out, and then Renee would pull it back, only to have this challenging pike position itself horizontally at the bottom of the hole.

    There was nothing we could do but wait until this predator was ready to run again. So, we waited. Finally, the pike ran, taking line with her. Renee allowed the line to slip from her hands but was ready to retrieve it when the pike stopped. Renee’s patience paid off;  she brought the pike’s giant flat head and elongated body through the hole. The other participants had gathered while the anticipation was building. With trembling hands, Renee happily held her accomplishment as the camera captured this spectacular moment. Upon releasing the big northern pike, a grateful Renee said that for her, this was “a pike of a lifetime.”

    sponsors
    Blessed to have amazing sponsors.

    It’s the Connections

    The Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event is a wonderful opportunity for women to connect and build lasting friendships. While ice fishing is the primary activity, the real value of the event lies in the connections made during the workshops.

    The sense of camaraderie and support among participants is  evident as they share tips, stories and laughs throughout the day. The event provides a supportive and encouraging environment for women to explore their passion for ice fishing and connect with like-minded individuals. The sense of community and belonging that is fostered during the weekend  lasts long after the fishing is done.

    As this year’s event came to a close, participants looked forward to meeting again on the ice in 2024. The Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event is truly a special opportunity for women to network, learn and grow, both as anglers and as individuals.

    sisterhood
    Sisterhood: the group. PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLFROG IMAGES
    May 2023
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleSidearms for Hunters: What to Look For
    Next Article Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners
    Avatar photo
    Lisa Roper
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    Lisa Roper is enthusiastic about all things outdoors. Enjoying her time in the woods and on the waters in Western Canada, she doesn’t just spend some of her free time pursuing her passion, she has been creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join Lisa Roper Outdoors on Sportsman Channel Canada and World Fishing Network on an authentic outdoor journey. Lisa engages the viewer’s emotions in an exciting and wildly inspiring fishing experience. Between the beautiful scenery, delicious shore lunches, fishing tales shared among friends, and phenomenal trophy fish on the line, Lisa will surely have you hooked! Lisa is a strong advocate for conservation and ethically sustainable hunting and angling. Her greatest joy comes from introducing people, particularly women and youth, to the amazing opportunities and adventures that accompany hunting, angling, and the outdoors! Through her journeys, outdoor writing, engagements, and workshops she strives to educate and inspire others to find joy and confidence in an outdoor lifestyle.

    Related Posts

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023

    Where Memories Are Made

    June 3, 2023

    Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

    June 3, 2023

    Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

    May 16, 2023

    A Boy’s First Goose

    May 12, 2023
    Don't Miss
    Featured

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023By Brad Fenson11 Mins Read

    It was warm for mid-October, and the still morning air was perfect for our sandhill…

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023

    Where Memories Are Made

    June 3, 2023

    Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

    June 3, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Be the first to know about new issues, premium industry gear discounts, access to exclusive content, & more!

    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    about
    NAO is the window into the outside environment for readers pursuing their passions in hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and all pursuits in the outdoors on the North American continent. We will present stories, tips and techniques to be a better outdoorsman, and be completely at home in the outdoor environment for a day, week, or a lifetime.
    Recent Articles
    • Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky
    • Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog
    • Where Memories Are Made
    • Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners
    • Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event
    Quick Links
    • Current Issue
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Advertise With Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    Useful Tools
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Save On Gear
    • Hunting Resources
    • Where to Hunt
    • Where to Shoot
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    © 2023 Outdoor Specialty Media. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • North American Outdoorsman
    • North American Deer Hunter
    • North American Bowhunter
    • Crossbow Magazine

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.