Collections of ice fishing huts appear where ever fish, particularly walleye, might be found. One hut appears. Then another. Then another. The appearances begin around mid-December, when ice is thick enough to support a person. As winter progresses, ice will support snowmobiles and ATV’s. And of course, huts.

Joussard. Faust. Kinuso. Driftpile. Hilliards Bay. Cutbank in the west. Widewater. Canyon Creek. Slave Lake. Marten River in the east. While numbers will vary, the most popular spot is in front of Joussard. There are about 120 huts on the lake right now. More will probably arrive.

Last year is mostly described as “slow” for fishing of all species during winter. So slow in fact that a few people are calling for walleye to be stocked into Lesser Slave Lake. This year, the few reports we’ve had describe fishing as good to excellent.

Huts have to be off the ice by March 31. Which means there is plenty of time to take in the fishing. No hut is needed but you do need a fishing license. Coming up on February 20, Family Day, no license is required.

For those looking for some of the comforts of home, huts can be rented.