Friends of Murphys Point Park

It was a beautiful bright, crisp day for the kids and parents who joined the Friends for the Ice Fishing SKIP program on Sunday!

The afternoon kicked off with “Just Keep Swimming!” – a fishy-themed predator/prey game of tag led by interpreter Alida Lemieux to get us warmed up for the main event.

“Just keep swimming!” with Alida.

Next Conservation Officer Mike Dubé and Park Superintendent Curtis Thompson gave us some ice safety rules and we set off for the ice fishing station on Loon Lake behind the Park Store/Chalet.

Curtis and Mike keep us safe.

The trek!

Mike demonstrated how to drill a hole in the ice and then we all had a look at some perch that had been caught earlier and kept in a live well.

20 inches thick!

Perch on display.

Curtis demonstrated all of the different equipment that can be used for ice fishing – everything from fancy rods and reels to homemade ones – not to mention the high-tech gadgetry that can be used to detect the fish.

Note the pop-up fishing hut in the background!

Then everyone had a chance to get fishing!

The fish were pretty elusive (possibly chilly!), but we did see a few.

Curtis caught one!

We could also warm up in Mike’s portable ice hut or trek back to the chalet for some heat and hot chocolate.

It was a great opportunity to do some ice fishing together during Family Fishing Weekend, too!

Mike with his kids!

A huge thank you to CO Mike Dubé for spending his time with us on Sunday, as well as Park Superintendent Curtis Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Robert Gunn and our volunteers (Alida Lemieux, Don Goodfellow, Linda McLaren and Stephanie Gray) and all the kids and parents who joined us.

Be sure to check this space for details of our next SKIP event on March 3: Campfires and Outdoor Cooking and More! Click here to pre-register.

Join the Friends of Murphys Point on Sunday, Feb. 17 for ice fishing at the park!

As part of Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, the Friends are hosting a Super Kids In Parks event that will introduce children and families to the popular winter sport. Ontario Family Fishing Events give people a chance to experience ice fishing licence free in Ontario.

SKIP is an outdoor learning program at Murphys Point Provincial Park that aims to help kids ages 7 to 10 connect with nature through a range of activities that promote active and healthy living. Activities are geared towards 7- to 10-year olds, but the whole family can get involved.

Conservation officers and Friends volunteers will run the program, which features a demonstration of ice fishing equipment and techniques, as well as an opportunity for everyone to give it a try.

“This is a fun introduction to ice fishing for anyone who has never tried it before,” said Stephanie Gray, Friends’ education committee chairperson, “and it is also a chance for those who frequently go ice fishing to come out for an afternoon at the park and show their skills.”

Ice fishing at SKIP in 2011.

Equipment will be provided, but anyone who has their own is welcome to bring it along.

The program will start from the Park Store at 1 p.m. and runs until 3. Participants should dress for the weather, although a warm shelter (and hot chocolate!) will be available.

Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred so the Friends can ensure there is enough equipment and volunteers. If ice conditions are not safe enough to run the program, a message will be posted here on the website by 10 a.m. on Feb. 17.

Children ages 7 to 10 can be dropped off (with a signed permission form) for the program or families can take part. For fees and registration information (including the permission form), check the Super Kids In Parks page. Space permitting, registrations may be accepted at the door.

Two more SKIP programs will be held this winter and spring, including an outdoor cooking and shelter-building experience on March 3 at the Lally Homestead and a pond study in the main park on April 28. Watch for details!