West Kelowna

As temperatures warmed up on Sunday, many folks on the Westside decided to head outdoors and enjoy the day on a frozen Shannon Lake.

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe

Warm temperatures brought out a number of Westside residents to Shannon Lake Sunday afternoon.

Nigel Tearle was one of many who were out skating and ice fishing Sunday afternoon.

"Mark, a guy I cook with at the college, we're doing the chef program together. He brought some fish in earlier in the week that we smoked, so I'm out here trying to get some more," says Tearle, who admitted this was his first time ice fishing.

Tearle was born in Toronto, but moved to Melbourne, Australia when he was eight years-old. He moved to Kelowna three years ago and on Sunday, chopped a hole in the ice and dropped a line into the chilly waters for the first time.

"The entire concept is what makes it interesting to me. I've never drilled holes and sat on top of ice. It still freaks me out being on top of ice."

Tearle did note how it was easier to keep his beer cold while fishing in conditions like this.

Mark Misutka was also enjoying the afternoon on the frozen pond.

"I'm braving the cold trying to catch some fish," says Misutka, who took advantage of his day off to try his luck.

"I've only been out here an hour, but I'm hoping to catch something by the end of the day."

Shannon Lake proved to be a popular spot with around 20 ice-fishers and another 30 lacing up their skates for a afternoon of exercise.