2016 Manitoba Fishing

Manitoba

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M

anitoba has some of the most incredible variety of fishing Canada has to offer, with more than a dozen first-rate sport fishing species. As a result, anglers have more choices than anywhere else in the country. From walleye to trout, sturgeon to goldeye, every season has its highlights, so the action never stops.

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Manitoba Key Map

There’s fierce competition from the river anglers, and we highlight sections of three of them here: the Assiniboine, the Winnipeg, and of course, the Red River. We could fill an entire magazine with just these rivers alone, let alone the other incredible fishing rivers in the province, but the brief snapshots we’ve Manitobans can count on most provided from these three can help waterbodies to be productive. In our to get you started. first-ever Manitoba Fishing maga- We’ve also showcased just a few zine, we highlight just a few of these of the smaller lakes in the province. remarkable lakes and rivers from the southern part of the province.

Lake Winnipeg is the largest, and some would argue, the best. We’ve got a couple of highlights from this vast waterbody, with some tips for making the most of your time on the water (or the ice).

Lake Manitoba has three unique sections which can be considered distinct locations with different types of fishing at each. The northern basin is shallow and weedy. The Narrows is somewhat river-like in the way the water passes through a small and highly productive section. The southern basin is a little deeper and just as prolific.

MANITOBA FISHING 2016 Publisher Sean Simmons Production: Kathy Buhler, Jamie Svendsen, Alison Warner Contributors: Steve Bell, Josh Maniacco, Lake Manitoba Narrows Fish and Game Association, The Fishin’ Hole Winnipeg Advertising sales, printing and distribution managed by Glacier Media Inc. Manitoba Fishing 2016 is part of The Angler’s Atlas and is

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K

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com Located on First Cranberry Lake Cranberry Portage Manitoba

204-472-3337

www.vikinglodge.ca

One of them, Lake of the Prairies, them as incentive to explore, maybe is considered to be the best walleye to places that are old favourites, lake in Western Canada. maybe to brand new areas. Take Manitobans have a strong love of advantage of the remarkable fishing ice fishing -- almost even more so available to you. than the open water! Manitoba is at the heart of ice fishing country, and we have some great tips and tricks for making the most of your time on the ice.

Many of Manitoba’s lakes are stocked with fish. See the table of stocked lakes on pages 17 and 18.

Finally, check out our new app! The Angler’s Atlas can now go with you Take a look through the maps and wherever you are. Available free for articles we’ve provided, and use iOS and Android!

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 4

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Lake St. George L

ake St. George is known for its walleye fishing, both in size and number. It’s a little out of the way, but once you get there, you’ll be glad you went.

ery, as well as a hunting base. Lake St. Andrew Provincial Park is the main access to the lake. The park itself has very few facilities, apart from a rustic boat launch and picPike and perch also thrive here. nic area. The boat launch and park Nearby, Lake St. Andrew sup- are located along the lake’s western ports pike and bass.Together, these shore, just off the gravel road. lakes form the Saints Lakes group, Walleye fishing, even more so than along with Lake St. Michael, Lake fishing for pike or bass, depends a St. Peter, Lake St. John, Lake St. lot on weather and water conditions.

Patrick, and Lake St. David.

Walleye have very sensitive vision.

Lake St. Andrew used to be the They will often be more active on site of a commercial fishery. Now, cloudy days, or at times when the however, it is a thriving sport fish- water is murky. The reduced visibil-

© The Angler’s Atlas

ity allows them to both take cover from predators and to surprise prey.

Many walleye anglers will fish in the very early morning or much later in the evening, though it is certainly possible to catch walleye on a sunny afternoon. At those times, try targetting areas of cover and shadow.

LAKE ACCESS

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ake St. George is about 233 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Take Hwy 7 north towards Stony Mountain and Teulon.

At Teulon, take Hwy 17, continuing on past Fisher Branch.

Just before Hodgson, the road becomes Hwy 325.

Shortly afterwards, you’ll turn left (north) onto Hwy 224. Continue on just past Dallas, for 26.3 km, where you’ll turn left (north). 4.7 kilometres later, turn left again onto 224 Rd. The road is gravel, and you’ll travel for 32 km to get to Lake St. George. On your way, you’ll pass Lake St. Andrew Provincial Park on your right, shortly before Lake St. George.

Lake St. George Provincial Park offers 28 campsites with picnic tables, firepits and washrooms.

There is also a boat launch and a dock at Lake St. George. The park is located along the lake’s eastern shores.

*Please note: Contours are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

The Pas, 1359 Gordon Avenue, 204.623.5579 Swan River, 253 Kelsey Trail, 204.734.2722 Grandview, 145 N Railway Avenue, 204.546.2911 Carroll, Hwy 2 East, 204.483.2774 Elkhorn, 602 Richhill Avenue East, 204.845.2251

Winkler, 255 Kimberly Road, 204.325.7993 Steinbach, 930 Main Street, 204.326.2161 Winnipeg, 1600 Regent Avenue West, 204.668.8171 Winnipeg, 1070 Arlington Street, 204.480.6972

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • 129 Hectares (319 Acres) Maximum Depth • 6.4 metres (21 feet) Elevation (ASL) • 58 metres (190 feet) Survey Date • September 1968 Contour Units • Metres

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Dauphin Lake D

auphin Lake is a popular and thriving Western Manitoba fishery. The open water season is terrific, but winter is when Dauphin Lake really shines.

The following article was written by Steve Bell, Master Angler: Dauphin Lake sits just north of the Riding Mountain National Park which is great for us who travel up from the south. It’s a chance to see

bears, elk and moose as we drive through the park.

Fishing Dauphin Lake is always good for a bend in your rod, the lake is bursting full with walleye and lots of other freshwater species from bullheads to yellow perch. The lake is approximately 200 Sq mile but for its size it holds a decent amount of master angler fish, with bullhead and freshwater drum being the top two. There is also a good handful of trophy pike and walleye in residence. Picking a spot to fish isn’t too hard, the frozen lake turns into a small city with the all shacks so squeeze in somewhere - you’ll be on the fish in no time.

Winter My personal favorite time to check out Dauphin Lake is during the winter for i c e

© The Angler’s Atlas

fishing. My first visit to the lake was just over two years ago now to hook up with some new friends and of course some walleye. During the winter the lake is very accessible for snowmobiles, quads or walking on. Once we got there and set up it didn’t take long and the walleye were coming top side on the ice, they were smashing dead sticks with minnows on them. But what got me going was they were tuned right into my Fat Vibe, jigging it just off bottom and they were taking it on the fall and rise - it was a crazy day, we even had a few pike. As I mentioned before there isn’t a lot of master angler walleye but the numbers make up for size. Dauphin is in fact one of the best walleye fisheries in Manitoba!

Summer Fishing the lake in the summer is also a great time to get out on the lake, you definitely have to work a little harder to get on the fish with them being more scattered throughout the lake. Casting weed beds, points and rocky areas will always produce fish. Even trolling across these areas with small swimbaits or crankbaits will land some fish.

Another popular spot to check out is where the lake drains out into Mossy River.

Also the beach areas on the south west part of the lake are very popular for fishing from shore. Either casting lures or if you prefer to chuck out a

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Manitoba Fishing 2016

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minnow both will catch fish, it is also a popular spot to camp out for the night.

Steve Bell grew up in a small town in Scotland UK and started fishing at the age of 6 for rainbow and brown trout using bait. then He progressed into fly fishing and this is also when he started entering the tournament circuit with some success. Now Steve is a keen predator angler hunting down anything that will chase a lure but most of his time on the water is spent looking for those elusive monster pike. Now living in Manitoba, he enjoys what the sport has to offer here, it’s simply world class.

LAKE ACCESS

D

auphin Lake is located directly outside of the town of Dauphin, with Hwy 20 providing access to the beaches and parks on the southwestern side of the lake. *Please note: Contour depths are unavailable at this time. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • 51,855 Hectares (128,140 Acres) Maximum Depth • n/a metres (n/a feet) Elevation (ASL) • 261 metres (856 feet) Survey Date • n/a Contour Units • n/a

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Located on First Cranberry Lake Cranberry Portage Manitoba

204-472-3337

www.vikinglodge.ca

T

here’s lots to draw anglers to First Cranberry Lake, not the least of which is the walleye. There’s also northern pike, with some monsters lurking in the fresh, clear water.

Whitefish, lake trout and perch are also present, if not abundant.

Walleye fishing can be both exciting and challenging at the best of times, and in First Cranberry Lake, we’d hesitate to call it an easy lake to fish. However, when you do hook into one of the huge walleye here, you’ll remember it. These lunkers can get up past 30 inches.

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Page 7

First Cranberry Lake First Cranberry Lake, and indeed, the whole series of interconnected waterbodies, has several sheltered bays, islands and shoals. Walleye can often be found in shallower areas in the spring, as they come in to feed and spawn. When they move out in the summer months, expect to find them in cover and shelter.

Northern pike are another story.

They’ll go after just about anything flashy, in shallow areas but often deeper, too. While they may be one of the easier species to target, landing them can be a different story.

Make sure your gear measures

up. If your equipment is too light, you’ll have a harder time boating your fish.

LAKE ACCESS

F

irst Cranberry Lake is north of The Pas, south of Flin Flon.

From Winnipeg, take Hwy 6 north, and then Hwy 10 northwest, approximately 719 km.

Viking Lodge provides full service for anglers. Contact them for details.

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • 1,975.3 Hectares (4,881 Acres) Maximum Depth • n/a metres (n/a feet) Elevation (ASL) • 295 metres (968 feet)

© The Angler’s Atlas

Survey Date • n/a

*Please note: Contour depths are unavailable at this time. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Contour Units • n/a

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Manitoba Fishing 2016

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Page 8

Lake of the Prairies

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here are several species of fish in Lake of the Prairies, walleye being the most popular.

John Boyd, from For Your Walleyes Only, says that how you fish Lake of the Prairies will change depending on several factors.

“How and what to

use depends on the time of year and weather conditions,” he advises.

If it’s windy, while it may not be ideal conditions for anglers, it’s perfect for walleye. They’re far more active in wavy water, and in anything murky. They’re very sensitive to light, and wind, sediment and low light conditions are easier for them to manage.

Boyd says that on windy days, bottom bouncers and spinners with leeches or night crawlers are good.

That’s not to say that walleye can’t be caught on calm days. “On a calm day, trolling using Rapellas can be an option,” Boyd suggests.

© The Angler’s Atlas

“I prefer vertical jigging

using 1/8 oz chartreuse, orange, green or pink jigs with frozen minnows, leeches or crawlers.”

Boyd notes that underwater factors are important, too. “Structure plays a key role, and at Lake of the Prairies you have some great options.”

Boyd has a few favourite spots for setting up for the day. He suggests that the Roblin Bridge (#2 on the map) is a good spot from May to June, but warns anglers to be careful of snags under the bridge.

“The hydro lines south of the bridge (#3) have been known to be a good spot from May to July,” he adds.

Boyd also likes a spot down the lake towards Pyotts (#4), which he says fishes well in July and August. Also, north, by Togo Bridge (#1), seems to be good from May to the end of June, he says.

While

*Please note: Contour depths are unavailable at this time.

Please do not rely on this map for navigation. Lake of the Prairies is a dam reservoir, and water levels will fluctuate.

Please use caution when boating on this lake.

walleye are the most

popular target, they are by no means the only fish here. Boyd notes that there are also perch, pike, rock bass, red fin suckers and carp in the lake.

LAKE ACCESS

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rom Brandon, take Hwy 1 west to just past Virden. Turn right (north) onto Hwy 83 to get to the Shellmouth Reservoir / Lake of the Prairies.

Of course, there are several access points to the lake, and several options for boat launches and accommodations.

There are parks, lodges and fishing guides in the area, both in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

John Boyd is one such guide. He operates For Your Walleyes Only, offering all-inclusive full and half day trips. All bait and tackle, as well as shore lunch, are included.

Boyd can be reached at

foryourwalleyesonly.com, and by email at johnboyd57@hotmail.com.

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • n/a Hectares (n/a Acres) Maximum Depth • n/a metres (n/a feet) Elevation (ASL) • 430 metres (1,411 feet) Survey Date • n/a Contour Units • n/a

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 9

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T

he Assiniboine River is an allround great fishing river. It’s got easy access, numerous species of fish, and can be fished by a variety of methods.

The Assiniboine River, like most other prairie waterbodies, has a huge variety of sport fish. From burbot and catfish to walleye and even sturgeon, anglers will find diverse opportunities and a high success rate.

One of the best spots for fishing is out near the Shellmouth Dam. Lake of the Prairies is the reservoir for the dam. However, most anglers agree that almost anywhere you fish along the river will be a good spot.

There are three main stretches along the western Assiniboine River. The area between Shellmouth and Brandon is a prime location, first because of its proximity to one of M a n i t o b a ’s best walleye lakes, and also because of the numerous shore fishing spots along the river.

© The Angler’s Atlas

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Josh Maniacco, from The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg, says that the Assiniboine River is often

overlooked in favour of the Red River, but this is part of what helps to make it such a terrific fishery.

There are just as many catfish in the Assiniboine River, and they get just as big as in the Red River.

Maniacco says that there are a lot of bridges spanning the river, and these are some key places to target catfish.

“The catfish sit near the pillars, so if you cast out towards the pillars of the bridges, you’ll often catch a lot of fish,” he suggests.

“Try using shrimp, and especially goldeye,” he advises.

“Lots of people will fish for goldeye first. They’ll keep a couple, and cut it up, and use it as fresh bait because it’s such an oily fish, and the catfish love it.”

Steve Bell, Master Angler, agrees about fishing near bridges. “Fish love structure,” he says. He also suggests fishing around small, isolated islands and slow-moving pockets of water.

“Drop the bait in any of these areas and I can pretty much guarantee that you will hook up,” he adds.

Bell suggests that anglers use a deliberate strategy of casting near shore.

“Some parts are very fast moving so casting out into the fast flowing middle of the river is pretty much giving you way more work than you would like. If I can give you any tip on fishing the river it would be to fish at a rod’s length out from the shore, even half a rod’s length.

Either if you are using live baits or lures, concentrate on the slow moving water at the shore. It might not be that deep but the fish are moving up in there. Also check out the bends in the river, the fish will hang out

here for a rest from the river flow and to pick off any small bait fish getting tossed around in the current.”

Bell notes that the Assiniboine produces a fair share of the Master Angler records, and with such a variety of fish species, he says that, “fishing the Assiniboine has that excitement to it. You just don’t know what you’ve got till it’s in the net!”

The Assiniboine River is accessible not only in terms of fishing locations, but also because anglers of all skill levels can catch fish here.

As well, you don’t need extravagant equipment to fish the river. Bell notes that a simple hook, weight and worm will “pretty much catch everything in the river!

“Some like to add a weight to a pickerel rig and chuck that out with the same success but just a little easier to get caught up in something that’s flowing down river or get snagged up. I like to jig soft plastics like sandeels or small shads right in at the edge and slowly work my way along the shore.”

Steve Bell knows his fishing. As a successful tournament angler and lifelong fisherman, he boasts a large number of Master Angler records.

Staff at The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg are always ready to provide great advice for fishing Manitoba lakes and rivers, and they’ve got the gear to go with it! Stop by their store on Regent Avenue for all your fishing needs. *Please note: Contours are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

W

hen outsiders thinking of fishing Manitoba, they often think of the Red River, specifically, the Red River at Lockport. This is, after all, an iconic fishing location.

We all know there’s so much more to fishing Manitoba than this one spot, and Manitobans often overlook it because it can get pretty busy.

There’s a reason for that; it’s a great fishing spot!

This is channel cat country. Some of the world’s biggest channel cats hunker down in the section of the Red River between Lockport and Selkirk.

Channel catfish are in a class of their own. They have few equals when it comes to their fight. They’re heavy and tough, and fight like mad.

Anglers need to be prepared to target all depths in their hunt for catfish. Smaller fish tend to have their preferences in terms of depths and habitat, and catfish are no different, often feeding at or near bottom.

However, when they’re hungry, they’ll eat anywhere the prey is.

That doesn’t mean they’ll eat anything, though!

The Red River is an interesting study in structure. Donovan Pearase, owner of Blackwater Cats Outfitter, notes that the Red River is a river within a river. For example, what you see is not what you get in terms of river direction.

Where the river looks like it meanders, in fact it may be fairly straight underneath, and vice versa. This creates a lot of situations where you get fast water sections, water rushing up against unseen underwater channels, and back eddies.

These are all prime locations for catfish. Holes and eddies are ideal habitat, allowing the fish to lurk unseen in the depths, awaiting the feel of the bait. Because their whiskers are extremely sensitive, Pearase notes that they only have to feel the bait to taste it. You’ll catch more fish when your bait is fresh, he says.

J o s h Maniacco, from The

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Page 10 Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg, confirms that catfish are extremely sensitive.

“They cruise around the bottom rocks,” he says. “You can’t see much in the Red River because it’s so stained, and catfish go by smell and feel when they’re after prey.”

Maniacco says that the Red River is the best spot in the world for catfish.

“Ice fishing is especially good,” he says.

Maniacco suggests that anglers try a hot pink 3/8 ounce jig with salted minnows.

“Lots of people find that salted minnows work better than live ones.

With live ones, sometimes it’s not even worth it, because the fish will just take them all.”

Of course catfish aren’t the only fish in the river, and Maniacco says that pike fishing is really good.

“Try tip ups near Sugar Island, and use tullabee or smelt for pike,” he suggests.

Maniacco also says that whirly jigs work well, and will attract the fish in the current.

Jigs are a great tool for anglers to have on hand because they work very well in a lot of different scenarios. You can drop them directly below you to your target depth. They’ll even work if you’re drifting or trolling in the open water season.

Anglers will often fish the Red River with fly rods, and while catching cat-

Red River: Lockport fish can be challenging this way, it can be done with the right gear.

Sinking flies, larger flies, and those imitating baitfish will have more success for the most part, and anglers fishing for other species have often caught catfish instead.

Please keep in mind that there are some spots in the river that provide habitat for sensitive stork populations. Please avoid these areas, as they are closed to fishing for much of the year.

Stop by The Fishin’ Hole on Regent Avenue for all of your fishing gear and some great tips! For a guided adventure, get a hold of Donovan Pearase at www.blackwatercats.com.

© The Angler’s Atlas

*Please note: Contours are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

T

he southern section of Lake Manitoba is relatively shallow and full of structure. There are innumerable areas along the shoreline that are perfect fishing spots, particularly for the walleye and whitefish that are so numerous there. You’ll also find perch, sauger and silver bass (freshwater drum), which can be a lot of fun to catch.

Silver bass can be huge.

And they fight. Hard.

According to Travel Manitoba, anglers all over the world travel to Manitoba for the thrill of catching silver bass. While many anglers won’t eat them, just as many will. They feed on other fish, as well as insects and mollusks, and you’ll want to target the lower depths if you’re going after them. At the same time, they’re opportunistic, and many anglers will

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • 462,351.8 Hectares (1,142,517 Acres) Maximum Depth • n/a metres (n/a feet) Elevation (ASL) • 248 metres (814 feet) Survey Date • n/a Contour Units • Metres

Page 11 catch silver bass when they’re going after something else.

Staff from The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg say that silver bass are good fishing in July and August, which is typically when fishing for other species can slow down.

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Lake Manitoba Southern Basin Walleye are numerous in Lake Manitoba, and while early spring can be a great time to fish for greenbacks, try the fall for some real action. Labour Day to freeze up is ideal. The Whitemud River in the southwest corner has good walleye in the fall. Catch them in the bay, drift jigs and troll crankbaits. Bottom bouncers and spinners are good choices too, with worms, minnows and leeches all being good bait.

Ice fishing is extremely popular on Lake Manitoba, not only for walleye but also for pike and perch.

Try just east of Delta Beach. Twin Lakes Beaches, Lundar Beach, St. Ambrose, and Big Point are also popular and easily-accessible ice fishing spots.

The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg has all the gear to get you on the water, and all the advice to catch the fish once you’re there! Stop by and talk to the friendly, knowledgeable staff. *Please note: Contour depths are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

© The Angler’s Atlas

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 12

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Lake Manitoba Narrows T

he Narrows of Lake Manitoba present an interesting and unique fishing opportunity. At the Narrows, the water flow rushes through from one basin of the lake to the other, along with the nutrients and the fish. The following article was written for us by the Lake Manitoba Narrows Game and Fish Association.

you picture Lake Manitoba as an hour glass, the Narrows is the center of the hour glass. This is a unique spot that creates superb fishing conditions based on the direction of wind and the natural current the wind direction creates between the north and south basin.

moving water is perfect for fish of all species and anglers as well.

This current allows us to fish a variety of species all year long. In early spring, Northern Pike, Freshwater Drum and Walleye are abundant.

Spring into summer, Walleye tend to move out to A south wind will create a moving current deeper, cooler waters. At this time Jack, Drum The Lake Manitoba Narrows Game and Fish towards the north basin, bringing schools of fish and Perch are more frequently caught. In late Association is founded around the fabulous fish- by the current. As the winds change, the current summer and early fall, as temperatures start ing opportunities at Lake Manitoba Narrows. If follows. This constantly flowing current of fresh to drop, Walleye, Jack, Drum, and Perch can be caught. Late fall and early winter, Burbot (Mariah) and Walleye are more abundant, but all species can be caught during this time period.

You do not need a boat to catch master fish here.

Many have been caught right off the rocks on our hydro causeway near our bridge and marina, using pickerel and jack fish rigs. All fishermen have their unique tricks but here are a few of our tricks at the Narrows that makes fishing here so successful: TIPS FOR BOATERS

1. We use all coloured 1 ounce jigs, but hook two minnows on one jig, eye to eye (this lets the backs float freely in the water which creates a nice attractive shimmer).

2. Add a small piece of a rubber tail bait (Ex: mister twister) as a stopper to help keep the minnows on the hook. The longer the minnows stay on the hook, the greater the chance of catching.

3. The second way is to use a split rig with two ½ ounce jigs to equal your 1-ounce weight. Then we hook two minnows on each jig with the rubber tail stopper. (4 minnows in total)

© The Angler’s Atlas

4. No specific color of jig works the best; we’ve currently been using yellow, green, chartreuse and hot pink. Like any avid fisherman knows, one colour may work good one day and the next will not. So always be prepared to change your colour.

We have been catching Walleye that range from 9” to 32”, which is a good sign for the health *Please note: Contour of the lake. Catching all these sizes proves that depths are approximate, and do not reflect all there are many fish from a variety of spawning underwater structure. years. The fishing has been wonderful these past Please do not rely on this few years and that is with only one hatchery feedmap for navigation. ing the lake, as one of the hatcheries was closed several years back. Imagine the possibilities of fishing in the next 5 years if we were able to work together and get that second hatchery reopened.

The Lake Manitoba Narrows Game and Fish Association promotes fishing and conservation around the Narrows region. Throughout the year they host derbies and other events, which are a great draw with fabulous prizes. See their website at www.lmngf.ca for more information.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 13

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Lake Manitoba North As well, they aren’t fussy about their food choices. That means they can be caught on a lot of different presentations. You can troll for them with spinners and spoons, though in the north where it’s shallow, you may have better luck jigging. Fish with worms near the bottom.

Some of the most productive spots, as mentioned, are right up in the bays. North and South Twin Islands, Portage Bay and Steep Rock are all good places to start.

If you’re further south, get into Vankoughnet Bay and Watchorn Bay.

T

he north basin of Lake Manitoba is shallower than the other parts, with lots of shoals, irregular shoreline, rocks and weeds. This area is highly productive, and helps to feed the rest of the lake.

Pike fishing is a huge draw in Lake Manitoba, partly because the floods of years past have created excellent habitat. When the water flooded low-lying areas, grassland was submerged and became marshy. Pike love this. They hide when they hunt, and spring out on their prey with surprise and ferocity that other fish don’t quite match.

Staff from The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg say that ice fishing for pike in the north is spectacular. You get a lot of pike through the ice. In part this is owing to the increase in spawning habitat.

There are also walleye in the north, especially right up in the bays.

You can drift throughout this area, and also fish from shore. Jigs and worms are simple and highly effective.

In the north, the nutrients and the fish flow south with the current.

Heading south through the Narrows, all of the fish and food get concentrated, so the further south you get, the more fish there are.

Lake Manitoba’s north end is more sandy than the other parts, with enough rocky areas to provide shelter and cover for the fish.

In early spring, carp and silver bass are also prominent in the north.

Carp fishing is a lot of fun, because these fish get huge and can really challenge anglers to keep them hooked and land them.

Silver bass are also plentiful. One of the great things about fishing for silver bass (or freshwater drum as they are also known), is that when other species slow down in the heat, drum keep biting.

If you’re in need of fishing gear, or are just looking for expert advice, staff at The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg have you covered! Stop by their store on Regent Avenue before your next trip.

© The Angler’s Atlas

*Please note: Contour depths are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

L

ake Winnipeg can be intimidating, no question about it.

However, knowing where to go and how to fish it can save a lot of time.

For such a large body of water, your best bet is to fish in the bays and near shore.

The following article was written by Steve Bell, Tournament and Master Angler, and regular contributor to The Angler’s Atlas.

Fishing on Lake Winnipeg can be a daunting task due to its size, various depths and points but that’s what makes a great fishery!

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Page 14

Southern Lake Winnipeg Another top producer is the white bass with 17+ inches being the average size. I don’t use baits such as minnows and nightcrawlers very often, but will use a dead stick occasionally in the winter through the ice.

The lake holds thousands of trophy fish [of all types].

The big favourite for anglers is the walleye.

On a good day the average size is 30+ inches, and many monsters from 33-35 inches are being reported!

Summer

Traverse Bay holds nice walleye.

Trolling or casting in around 12ft of water is always a good starting point. Cast to shore and work lipless crankbaits like the Fat Vibe or swimbaits like the 3D Real Trout.

You do see a lot of other boats out there jigging minnows or trolling pickerel rigs if that’s your p re f e r re d method.

A popular spot to hunt down some walleye are just off some rock piles in the bay during the day when they are slightly deeper. During the low light conditions at night or early morning you can find the walleye in the shallower water.

Jackfish Point is another sweet spot in the bay.

Trolling along the shore into the point and back can also produce some nice fish, especially if the wind is blowing west as it pushes and holds baitfish down in the small bay of the point. Perch and saugers aren’t uncommon in the bay either.

© The Angler’s Atlas

If you like to pike fish during the warm summer d a y s , you’ll find them if you can find the thermocline which is usually around 28-30ft.

Trolling across the main southern basin can be very productive for finding larger pike as they lay waiting for a meal to pass. But also checking out the weed beds, grass and sandy shore lines can also get you on some pike, especially at first and last

light. My preferred attack is to throw big swimbaits, the bigger the better.

Winter - Ice Fishing

Without a doubt Balsam Bay is where you need to be punching holes on the ice. The bay has an average depth of around 12ft which is a perfect starting point to search for the big walleye in the lake. With it being a pretty much featureless bay there, find pressure ridges, as the small bait fish will use these as cover. Jig lipless crankbaits (with rattles) to draw them in. Also don’t sit in the one spot all day. I would maybe sit it out for 30 minutes before moving on. When moving spots I like to try and keep it with in a certain radius. I’ll start at my central point and work out 40 yards or so and continue moving around in a circle till I hopefully get on the fish. I find using this method on the ice maximizes chances of finding the fish rather than playing the ice lottery. *Please note: Contour depths are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

QUICK FACTS Surface Area • 2,427,331.1 Hectares (5,998,178 Acres) Maximum Depth • n/a metres (n/a feet) Elevation (ASL) • 217 metres (712 feet) Survey Date • n/a Contour Units • Metres

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Page 15

Central Lake Winnipeg L

ake Winnipeg supports a huge commercial fishery. When it comes to sportfishing, however, sometimes it can be intimidating because of its size. Still, fishing in Lake Winnipeg can be terrific, if you know where to go and what to target. Greenbacks (Manitoba’s green-coloured walleye), are abundant in Lake Winnipeg, as are perch, carp and whitefish.

Josh Maniacco, from The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg, says that the walleye start off in the Winnipeg River in the spring and then disperse throughout the lake as the season progresses, returning to the river in the fall. “People use bottom bouncers and spinners, and jigs from about 3/8 to 1/2 ounce.

When the river is high, heavier is the way to go.”

© The Angler’s Atlas

People generally stick to the shoreline and the bay areas.

The lake gets very windy, and the weather is highly unpredictable, so unless you’ve got a very large boat, the shore and bay areas are your best

bet. As well, because the lake is so big, the fish have a lot of places to hide, and it can be very challenging to find them, even with equipment.

Ice fishing in Lake Winnipeg is more popular than the open water fishing, again owing to the size of the lake. The fish will concentrate more in the shallower areas in the winter, and it’s much easier to target them. On many days, ice anglers will pull out walleye that are well over ten pounds. It’s hard to resist those sizes, especially when they’re backed up by the quantity of fish.

Lake Winnipeg is extremely productive and prolific.

“People use rattle baits, Rattlin’ Raps, whisker jigs. Find your depths in about 12 to 14 feet of water, including the ice, so you’re not too deep, not too shallow.”

Maniacco also describes a really effective technique that uses two lines. “Use a Rattlin’ lure on one line, and use that to attract the fish.

Lots of times they won’t hit on that one. Then you’ve got another line with a lure and bait on, and the fish will often go after that one.”

Master Angler Steve Bell, suggests that fishing around the rocks at Grindstone Point can be a good spot to start. As well, the bays and inlets right across from Grindstone Point can be productive.

One of the best and most overlooked fisheries is for whitefish.

These fighters not only give anglers a great run, but also are amazing smoked. There is a trick to catching these tasty treats, because often, their presence is barely detected.

Try going out in early or late light, and stay shallow when you’re ice fishing. They can get startled easily, so your best bet is to avoid sudden movements and jerky hook sets.

Staff at The Fishin’ Hole can help you get set up for your trip, and can also help with great advice! Their store on Regent Avenue has everything you need for your next trip. *Please note: Contour depths are approximate, and may not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 16

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

Winnipeg River © The Angler’s Atlas

fish can be once-in-a-lifetime catches, due to their size and fight.

Strictly catch-and-release, they can be caught throughout the year, but your best chances are in May and June.

The stretch from Pine Falls Dam to Lake Winnipeg is an ideal spot for walleye. Greenbacks concentrate in the river, particularly in the late fall. From the huge expanse of Lake Winnipeg, where the greenbacks spend the sum-

T

he Winnipeg River has some of the best fishing in all of Manitoba. It’s not very long, and there is a lot of great fishing packed into a small stretch.

Along its 235 kilometre stretch, there are six hydroelectric dams. As a result, the water can get very high and very fast.

Josh Maniacco, from The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg, says that there are lots of rocks and heavy current in the river, and you can catch anything from sturgeon to bass. Bass, pike and perch are big.

“Try using Skitter Pops for bass,” he suggests. “Bass are really protective of their nests. Skitter Pops make a noise when you toss them at the bass, and the bass get really worked up and hit them.”

Anglers will have a great time going after the pike in the river. Pike will target a wide variety of lures and baits, and they aren’t hard to catch.

They put up a huge fight, and can make a trip worthwhile, even if you don’t set out to target them.

When you do target them, Maniacco suggests a Five of Diamonds, and

They have a higher tolerance than many fish for warmer and colder water. Also, if the river is murky, particularly around the change of seasons, the goldeye fishery will keep producing. When fishing for other species is slower, goldeye will still strike.

For some really exciting fishing, many anglers will go after the sturgeon in the Winnipeg River. These

Another spot is right at Pinawa Dam. Maniacco says that people will often just fish right from the dam. Because it no longer operates as a generating station, and the old structure of the dam is no longer intact in many places, the log jams, overgrowth and dam structure itself provides prime habitat.

Be careful where you’re fishing in the Winnipeg River. With so much of the river being dammed, water levels and flows can fluctuate without warning.

Numerous lodges and guides operate along the Winnipeg River, and there are several camping spots as well.

Deep Tail Bouncers on the weeds.

Perch are another great option, and are plentiful in the river. Also, try your hand at goldeye fishing.

These fish are a great amount of fun, and are easy to catch. They’re aggressive, and one of the things that makes them such a great target is that there is no bad cast for goldeye. Also, they’re gentle and have no teeth.

the river has no shortage of great fishing spots. Otter Falls is one such place. Maniacco says that there are 15 rocks in a row, which helps to provide great habitat for fish.

m e r getting huge, they start to make their way down the lake as the days shorten.

Before your trip, stop by The Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg. They’ve got some of the most knowledgeable staff in the city, and they’re happy to give you great advice. As well, they’ve got all your equipment needs covered. They can be found on Regent Avenue in Winnipeg, or online at www. thefishinhole.com.

You’ll find some great fishing at the mouth of the river, near Fort Alexander, in September, and as the weather cools, walleye begin to move through the river.

Late September through November is some of the year’s best fishing for walleye, anywhere.

In general, with so many types of fish in the Winnipeg River, it can be helpful to know where to go. Josh Maniacco suggests that

*Please note: Contour depths are approximate, and do not reflect all underwater structure. Please do not rely on this map for navigation.

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 17

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

2015 Manitoba Stocking Report Waterbody ARROW LAKE BARREN LAKE BEAUTIFUL LAKE BEAUTIFUL LAKE BELL LAKE BELL POND BETULA LAKE BIRDS HILL POND BIRDS HILL POND BLACK BEAVER LAKE BLUEJAY POND R2 BOISSEVAIN RESERVOIR BRERETON LAKE BURROWS LAKE CADDY LAKE CAMP LAKE CHILDS LAKE CRAWFORD LAKE CZORNYJ LAKE DAUPHIN LAKE DEEP LAKE DELORAINE RESERVOIR DITCH LAKE EAST BLUE LAKE ETERNAL SPRINGS ETERNAL SPRINGS FALCON CREEK FALCON LAKE FLORENCE LAKE FOOT PRINT LAKE GOUDNEY RESERVOIR GROSZOK LAKE

Species SV SV BT SV SV RB SV BT RB

Released 400000 400000 1000 400000 200000 1000 300000 500 500

EB

7500

BT

500

SV

300000

SV SV SV RB SV SV SV SV SV

300000 200000 200000 3000 200000 300000 300000 200000 200000

SV

300000

SV RB BT RB SV SV SV ST

400000 15400 500 500 100000 700000 200000 100

SV

100000

SV

200000

Waterbody GULL POND HADASHVILLE POND HUNT LAKE IMRIE LAKE JESSICA LAKE KENTON RESERVOIR KILLARNEY LAKE KULHAVY LAKE LAC DU BONNET PONDS LANGAN LAKES LAURIE LAKE LIMESTONE POND LITTLE JACKFISH LAKE LITTLE SASKATCHEWAN RIVER LYONS LAKE MARSHS LAKE MCHUGH LAKE MEADOWLARK POND R6 MINNEDOSA TROUT POND MINNEDOSA TROUT POND MOSSY RIVER NORA LAKE NORTH STEEPROCK LAKE NORTH THOMAS LAKE NUTHATCH POND R5 OAK LAKE

Species RB

Released 200

RB

350

EB SV SV

2000 300000 300000

SV

200000

SV NP

300000 79

ST

500

SV BT RB

300000 9000 200

SV

400000

SV

700000

RB NP BT

3000 300 2000

EB

1500

EB

250

RB

250

SV SV

500000 200000

SV

300000

SV

300000

EB

1000

SV

1000000

Manitoba Fishing 2016

Page 18

Free maps at www.AnglersAtlas.com

2015 Manitoba Stocking Report Waterbody PELICAN LAKE PERCH LAKE QUARTZ POND RED DEER RIVER RED ROCK LAKE ROBIN POND R1 ROCK LAKE ROSSMAN LAKE SAILING LAKE SANDY LAKE SEECH LAKE SHOAL LAKE SILVER BEACH LAKE SINGUSH LAKE SNOWBERRY POND SNOWBERRY POND SOUTH CROSS LAKE SOUTH THOMAS LAKE SPRAY LAKE STAR LAKE STRAWBERRY POND STRAWBERRY POND STUART LAKE SWAN RIVER TOWER POND UNCLE BOBS TROUT POND VERRALL LAKE VIRGIN LAKE

Species SV BT RB SV SV RB SV SV SV SV SV SV

Released 1000000 30 200 700000 300000 500 1000000 600000 300000 800000 300000 600000

SV

400000

SV

400000

EB

200

RB

200

SV

300000

SV

300000

SV SV

200000 400000

BT

200

RB

200

SV SV RB

400000 600000 200

RB

500

SV SV

100000 200000

Waterbody WAHTOPANAH LAKE WARGATIE LAKE WASP LAKE WELLMAN LAKE WELLMAN LAKE WEST BLUE LAKE WHISKEYJACK POND R3 WHITE LAKE WHITESHELL RIVER WINNIPEGOSIS LAKE WOODPECKERS POND R4 WOODPECKERS POND R4

Species

Released

SV

1100000

SV ST NP SV EB

500000 500 31 200000 19160

BT

500

SV

300000

SV

100000

SV

1400000

EB

500

RB

500

Stock Species Codes: RB Rainbow Trout SV Walleye EB Brook Trout BT Brown Trout ST Tiger Trout NP Northern Pike For more information on Fish Stocking in Manitoba, visit: www.gov.mb.ca

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