Generations of Bottings from Cadogan are hopeful as they await their supperat Capt. Ayre Lake in a heated pop-up ice fishing tent on a recent Saturday morning. Jeff’s son Cameron, 8, also took in the activity with rainbow trout and tiger trout on the menu. They’d been here an hour already, they told The News — but so far, no bites. With fishing rods in hand is Jeff (top left) with father Stan. As for how long they’d spend here, it depended on how many fish they’d caught. They were allowed to take five a-piece according to the rules in Alberta. Asked what the best cooking method is, Stan says “I usually deep fry mine. I fry lots of it too.” They knew of someone who recently caught a 6.5 lbs fish at the same lake. The fishermen said that the ice was 30 inches deep and the water goes 15 feet down. Jeff’s favourite part of this activity is “probably the food.” Stan meanwhile says it’s spending quality time together. This was their first outing this year. Ice fishing generally starts November or December, usually lasting until March. See more photos in The Provost News dated February 25, 2025. ©Provost News Photo.