Sprague RCMP are currently investigating a report of a missing fisherman who was believed to be ice fishing on Lake of the Woods.
On December 16, 2025, at 8:50pm, Sprague RCMP received a report of a missing 71-year-old male, from Buffalo Point First Nation, who had gone out earlier in the day on a side-by-side to his ice fishing shack on Lake of the Woods. The ice fishing shack is located approximately five kilometers north of the Buffalo Point Marina.
RCMP immediately responded to assess the situation. Members say that due to weather, light conditions and open water in some areas, officers could not conduct a physical search of the ice.
On the morning of December 17, RCMP Search and Rescue attended Buffalo Point First Nation to assist with the search. An RCMP drone was launched to conduct an aerial search and subsequently located side-by-side tracks leading from the shore to a fishing shack and then from the shack to a pressure ridge in the ice.
Police believe that the side-by-side went through the ice at this location with the driver being unable to exit the vehicle before it went under.
Sprague RCMP continue to investigate this incident.
