Ice Fishing in Manitoba
Imagine yourself cruising on a brand new sled with light, powdery snow flying through the air as you and your machine dance across the groomed trails in Manitoba. The power of the machine and your excitement combine, almost bursting with anticipation as you and your group traverse the frozen lands that were once impassable by early settlers. They’re now your very own recreational paradise.
As you pull into your favorite off-shoot, you carefully weave in and out of the old-growth forest stands as you make your way to that special lake retreat. The meandering trail provides shelter from the wind as you slow down to take in the pristine, natural setting. Your machine pulls you and your equipment up and down the rolling hills in this majestic wonderland as you arrive at lakeshore.
The sun rises as you prepare the setup. You’ve got the ice fishing tent, the heaters and the lawn chairs. As the sun finally reaches the edge of the tent, you’ve already got the holes marked and drilled, and the day begins.
Within ten minutes the temperature inside is 40 degrees warmer than outside, and you’re experiencing a weekend vacation unlike any other. It’s the bold nature of your character and your willingness to experience something new that has rewarded you here, today.
After a day of fishing, you pack up and return to your vacation retreat a few miles away to enjoy a delicious five-course meal, then head to the hot tub to complete the night, ready for day two of this magic adventure to Manitoba.
Proper clothing, a good guide and some not-so-new technology can be the catalyst that your winter vacation needs. A host of lodges, outfitters and opportunities await you in Manitoba. Invest the time to check it out – Manitoba, a winter weekend paradise.
The AIR in Manitoba awaits you
Things have changed remarkably in the last few decades in the world of ice fishing – portable tents, heaters, super depth finders and fish finders of all types have really turned a fair-weather sport into one of extreme excitement, whether it’s a mild -5°C or a ground-crunching -30°C outside.
The “Absolutely Incredible Resource” (AIR) found in Lake Winnipeg’s southern basin has become legendary for the frequency with which Manitoba Master Angler fish are caught throughout the winter months. Those who can really able to take advantage of a weekend excursion include Minnesota, North Dakota and Ontario residents, as driving distance tends to be less than a day to Manitoba.
Greenback walleyes dominate the winter landscape – the greenback is quite common to this area which is geographically positioned about an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg. Lodges and outfitters in the area are in good supply, with a host of casinos, entertainment and cultural activities within a short drive.
If you‘re interested in catching perch by the pail full, Lake Manitoba is for you.
For years, local ice anglers have been accessing the south basin of Lake Manitoba through Twin Beaches, or just north of Portage la Prairie at the Assiniboine diversion spillway. While the lake can sometimes be accessed by car, snowmobiles, ATVs, or Bombardiers are advised. Lake Manitoba perch travel in huge schools; once one is located, the school will supply non-stop action and some excellent table fare.
For those wanting a more northerly ice fishing adventure, Lake Athapapuskow near Flin Flon and Clearwater Lake near The Pas have been producing some outstanding lake trout ice fishing over the last few years. For those interested in pike, there are many lakes to choose from, but one of the most consistent producers of these Manitoba monsters through the ice is Cedar Lake near Grand Rapids. Once April comes around, most of the lakes in the north remain open for ice fishing, with some of the best action of the year!
Whiteshell Provincial Park is located east of Winnipeg. This beautiful park is a winter wonderland, with pine and Precambrian shield making it an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast. With a myriad of snowmobile and cross country ski trails, a landscape dotted with lakes also makes it a haven for ice anglers. Some lodges in the region offer ice fishing packages. There are many different species to choose from in this park; lakes in the region are stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and crappies are also a real possibility in a few of the lakes.
