Not good for me. Been out 3 times, hardly moving fish at all even in spots I know where they are. I am seeing very little green growth on weed beds, almost like the aquatic plant season is really late.
Nothing stupid about it. Surfers are out in conditions more extreme than that all over the world. The rate of injury death is significantly lower than driving to the grocery store. Just because you don't understand something doesn't make it stupid.
If he's a repeat offender then the punishment seems fit. If it's a misunderstanding of the possession law then it's too harsh. Someone having 4 fish in their freezer doesn't seem like much of a threat to fishing for future generations.
I have paddled and camped that entire area, all the way down to Snug Harbour. Phillip Edward is pretty steep most of the way around. There are some shallower shorelines along the south edge, but also tons of shoals and shallow rocks.
If you aren't camping, the lakes are all accessible. If you are camping, most of the lakes are part of the Algonquin Highlands Water Trails system. https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/trails/water-trails.php
The top 2 look like Icelandic sheep wool: very kinky. I have never seen Icelandic sheep wool as straight as the bottom one. The sheep wool is great for long streamers. You can get away with very small amounts of it as it 'breathes' a lot in the water.
I can vouch for Steve. Totally legit guy. He is isn't the best online communicator, but he knows his stuff and delivers. He's obviously not going anywhere: has been writing for Outdoor Out of Doors for ages. If you want good intel on nymphing for Algonquin specks, you can't go wrong with him.
No, they are not closing them because they consider them a business, they are closing them because of complaints to the Health Unit (Yes, my partner does work for the the Health Unit). Parking lots full of out-of-town vehicles could very easily generate the same level of complaints related to ice-fishing.