Manitoba Fishing: Walleye, Pike & Ice Fishing Hotspots | Lodges

Manitoba Fishing Guide: Walleye, Pike & Ice Hotspots

Welcome to Manitoba, where the water is vast, the fish are giants, and the fishing stories are legendary. This isn’t just another fishing destination; it’s a pilgrimage for anglers seeking world-class trophies. From the coveted “greenback” walleye of Lake Winnipeg to monster northern pike lurking in the weeds and a vibrant ice fishing culture that transforms the province into a winter wonderland, Manitoba delivers an unparalleled angling experience.

This no-fluff guide cuts straight to the chase, giving you the specific spots, lodges, and local know-how you need to plan your ultimate Manitoba fishing trip.

Why Manitoba Bites (The Hook)

What makes Manitoba a bucket-list destination? It’s the sheer diversity and quality of the fishery. We’re talking about a province with over 100,000 lakes and rivers, teeming with apex predators and panfish alike.

Core Species Spotlight

• Walleye (The King): Manitoba is the undisputed king of walleye fishing, famous for the unique, emerald-hued “greenback” walleye of Lake Winnipeg that grow to incredible sizes.
• Northern Pike (The Beast): These aggressive, toothy predators are everywhere, with countless opportunities to land a 40+ inch monster.
• Lake Trout (The Deep Dweller): Head north to the clear, cold shield lakes to battle these deep-water behemoths, with trophies regularly exceeding 30 pounds.
• Channel Catfish (The River Giant): The Red River is a world-renowned channel catfish factory, offering a real chance at a 30+ pound fish right from shore.
• Perch & Crappie (The Panfish Feast): Abundant and fun to catch, these species provide fast action for the whole family.
• Burbot (The Winter Oddity): Also known as the “poor man’s lobster,” this unique, eel-like fish is a prized catch for ice anglers.

Trophy Grounds: Top Lakes & Rivers

Forget vague “best spots.” Here are the specific, proven waters where you’ll find the fish of a lifetime.

Walleye Central

• Lake Winnipeg: The epicenter. This massive inland ocean is home to the legendary greenback walleye. Its sheer size and nutrient-rich waters produce more trophy walleye than anywhere else on earth. The south basin and Traverse Bay are classic starting points.
• Winnipeg River: From Pine Falls to the Seven Sisters, this river system is a walleye factory with both numbers and size. The current breaks and deep holes consistently hold fish.
• Red River: Famous for its massive channel cats, the Red also boasts a phenomenal walleye fishery, especially during the spring and fall runs near Lockport.
• Lake Manitoba: The Narrows area is a key bottleneck that concentrates huge schools of walleye, making it a reliable hotspot year-round.
• Lake of the Prairies: A long, deep reservoir on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border known for producing consistently large walleye, perch, and pike.

Pike Paradise

• Lake Winnipeg: The same fertility that grows giant walleye also produces gator-sized pike. The shallow, weedy bays in spring and fall are prime hunting grounds for a true monster.
• Dauphin Lake: A shallower, productive lake that warms quickly, leading to aggressive pike action from spring through fall.
• Whiteshell Provincial Park Lakes: A network of pristine Canadian Shield lakes like West Hawk, Falcon Lake, and Big Whiteshell Lake offer classic structure fishing for big pike.
• Saskatchewan River Delta: A remote, wild labyrinth of channels and backwaters where giant, unpressured pike grow old and fat.

Trout & Deep Coolers

• Clearwater Lake: Aptly named, this stunningly clear lake is a designated trophy lake for a reason. It’s one of the best drive-to destinations in the province for giant Lake Trout.
• Kississing Lake: A legendary northern fishery known for producing incredible numbers of trophy Lake Trout, Walleye, and Pike.
• Gods Lake: A fly-in destination synonymous with giant fish. If you want a real shot at a 40+ pound laker, this is the place.
• Wekusko Lake: Another fantastic drive-to northern lake that offers a multi-species paradise, including world-class lake trout fishing.
• Nelson River System: This powerful northern river offers incredible fishing for those willing to explore its vast, moving waters.

Winnipeg Day Trips

Based in the capital? You don’t have to go far for great fishing.

• Red & Assiniboine Rivers: The forks in downtown Winnipeg offer excellent shore fishing for catfish, walleye, sauger, and more.
• Delta Marsh: Located at the south end of Lake Manitoba, this area is fantastic for pike and perch.
• Gimli Harbour: A hotspot for jumbo perch, especially in late fall and through the ice.
• Grand Beach: Provides excellent shore access to the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.

Hidden Gems

• Cranberry Portage Lakes: This area is a sleeper for giant black crappie.
• Dorothys Lake & William Lake: Located in the Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, these lakes are stocked with trout and offer great family fishing.
• Moose Lake: A large, remote lake that offers incredible, unpressured fishing for walleye and pike.

Ice Fishing Mecca: Your Frozen Playground

When the lakes freeze, the action heats up. Manitoba’s ice fishing scene is a culture unto itself, with entire communities popping up on the ice.

• Lake Winnipeg: The Epicenter: This is the heart of ice fishing in Manitoba. You’ll find sprawling “shanty towns” with rental operators, permanent heated shacks, plowed ice roads, and resorts dedicated to the winter angler. It’s your single best bet for a trophy greenback walleye through the ice.
• Top Ice Destinations:
  • Lake Manitoba: Fantastic for walleye and perch at The Narrows.
  • Dauphin Lake: Excellent walleye action in a smaller, more manageable setting.
  • Red River: Open-water fishing for greenbacks can last late into the season, and the catfish bite remains strong.
  • Whiteshell Lakes (West Hawk, Falcon): Great for lake trout, pike, and walleye in a beautiful, forested setting.
  • Clear Lake (Riding Mountain National Park): A popular spot for pike, walleye, and whitefish.

The Ice Essentials

• Gear Rentals: No gear? No problem. Shops in Winnipeg and towns like Selkirk and Gimli offer full rentals, from augers and rods to heated shacks.
• Local Bait Tips: The go-to bait is a salted or frozen minnow (live minnows are restricted in many areas). Parker Minnows (often called “salties”) are a local staple.
• Safe Ice: Always check local reports and with bait shops or outfitters before heading out. Ice thickness can vary dramatically.
• Heated Shack vs. Hole Hopping: Renting a heated shack is a comfortable way to fish all day. For more aggressive anglers, “hole hopping” with a lightweight auger and sonar is a proven tactic for finding active fish.

Reeling in Your Stay: Lodges & Resorts

Your home base can define your trip. Manitoba offers everything from rugged outposts to luxurious, family-friendly resorts.

Fly-In Adventure Lodges

For the ultimate trophy quest in remote, pristine waters.

• Gangler’s North Seal River Lodges: Access to 12 different lake systems in Northern Manitoba.
• Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge: A world-class, five-star destination known for service and trophy fish.
• Kississing Lake Lodge & Outposts: Offers both a main lodge and remote outpost camps for a customized experience.
• Gods Lake Lodge: Situated on one of the most famous trophy lakes in Canada.

Drive-To Comfort & Access

Excellent fishing without the flight.

• Lake Winnipeg Resorts: Numerous options in towns like Gimli and Grand Marais offer cottages, hotels, and guide services.
• Whiteshell Cabins & Resorts: Find accommodations at Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake that put you right in the heart of the park.
• Clear Lake Lodges: Stay in Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park for a resort town experience.
• BUDD’s Gunisao Lodge: A drive-to lodge on a remote lake that feels like a fly-in, known for incredible walleye fishing.

Ice Camp Specialists

These outfitters live and breathe ice fishing.

• Lake Winnipeg Ice Resorts & Outfitters: Operators like Icebound Excursions offer multi-day, all-inclusive packages with modern, comfortable on-ice shacks.
• Selkirk & Gimli Outfitters: The towns surrounding the south basin are hubs for day-shack rentals and guide services.

Choosing Your Base

• Remote vs. Accessible: Fly-in lodges offer unparalleled fishing but come at a premium. Drive-to lodges provide fantastic fishing with more flexibility and budget-friendly options.
• Family vs. Hardcore Angling: Resorts in the Whiteshell or Clear Lake are great for family trips with other activities. Dedicated fishing lodges focus purely on maximizing your time on the water.

Shore & Small Craft: No Boat? No Problem

You don’t need a 20-foot boat to catch trophy fish in Manitoba.

Prime Shore Spots

• Lockport Dam: The most famous shore fishing spot in the province. Cast from the banks below the dam for world-class walleye and channel catfish.
• Winnipeg Beaches (Gimli, Grand Beach): Casting spoons or crankbaits from the pier or beach can produce pike, walleye, and silver bass.
• Assiniboine River Parks (Winnipeg): Numerous city parks provide easy river access for a quick evening session.
• Clear Lake Marina: A great spot to cast for pike and walleye that hang around the docks.
• Lac du Bonnet Public Access Points: The town and surrounding area offer numerous docks and shore access points to the Winnipeg River system.

Kayak & Canoe Hotspots

• Lee River & Pinawa Channel: Slower-moving water perfect for paddling, with excellent pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass fishing.
• Whiteshell Back Lakes: Explore smaller, quieter lakes in the park that are inaccessible to larger boats.
• Smaller Winnipeg River Sections: Explore bays and shorelines away from the main channel’s current.

Gearing Up: Manitoba Essentials

Plan smart to fish hard. Here’s the practical info you need.

Local Know-How

• Licenses: Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased easily online through the Manitoba eLicensing portal. Save it to your phone.
• Bait: Winnipeg is home to fantastic tackle shops like The Fishin’ Hole and Cabela’s. When in doubt, a jig tipped with a frozen shiner or a simple spoon will catch nearly every species.
• Maps: Digital maps are essential. Navionics and Lakemaster chips for your sonar unit will reveal structure and safe routes on major lakes.

Season Savvy

• Spring (May/June): The legendary walleye runs are on in the rivers. Pike are ultra-aggressive in shallow, warming bays.
• Summer (July/August): Fish move to predictable summer patterns on main-lake structures like reefs, points, and weed lines.
• Fall (September/October): Fish go on a major feeding binge to fatten up for winter. This can be the best time of year for a true giant of any species.
• Winter (December-March): Ice-on! The bite is on for walleye, perch, pike, and lake trout under the hard water.

Respect & Regulations

• Master Angler Program: Caught a big one? Submit it to Manitoba’s long-running Master Angler program to get a certificate and badge. It’s a fantastic way to commemorate your catch.
• Know Your Slot Sizes: Be aware of special regulations, especially the protected slot size for walleye on Lake Winnipeg, which is crucial for maintaining the trophy fishery. Always check the latest Manitoba Anglers’ Guide.
• Conservation Ethos: Practice selective harvest. Keep smaller fish for a shore lunch and release the large, old spawners to ensure the future of the fishery.

Start Your Manitoba Fishing Trip

The legends are true. The trophies are waiting. The next step is yours. Whether you’re planning a fly-in adventure of a lifetime, a family trip to a cozy cabin, or a weekend battling giants on the ice, Manitoba is ready.

Check lodge availability and book well in advance, especially for popular destinations. Monitor weather and ice conditions closely for winter trips. And don’t hesitate to hire a local guide—their knowledge is the best investment you can make for a successful trip.

Get your line wet in Manitoba. You won’t regret it.