Top Manitoba Ice Fishing Lodges & Outfitters to Visit This Winter

Ice Fishing in Manitoba

Our cold winters are a gateway to unreal ice fishing opportunities, offering favourable access to numerous lakes and rivers and a wide variety of trophy species. Yellow perch, northern pike, lake trout, greenback walleye, rainbow trout, and black crappie are all popular choices for our loyal ice anglers, as are the remote backcountry, easily accessible fisheries, and World-Class Lodges and Outfitters that Ice Fishing in Manitoba offers in abundance.

1. Blackwater Cats

When it comes to fishing on Lake Winnipeg for giant greenback walleyes. You are talking about an experience that Donovan Pearase, owner, and operator of Blackwater Cats has spent over a decade perfecting. From experienced guides scattered across this frozen oasis in search of the next big bite - To decades of winters worth of knowledge and wisdom on this world-renowned body of water. Donovan has built Blackwater Cats into one of the most successful outfitting businesses on Lake Winnipeg.

When booking a trip on Lake Winnipeg with Blackwater cats. You can expect a seamless, well-organized excursion. Although Lake Winnipeg can be highly unpredictable, Donovan and his team have seen it all and are prepared for it all.

Your day with Blackwater Cats will start by meeting Donovan at a designated access point. From there, Donovan and his guides will lead the way onto the lake to the first spot of the morning. Generally, this first spot of the morning is where Donovan left off the day before. This generally ensures you'll be in a fishy spot to start the morning. That alone is one of the biggest benefits of going on a trip with Donovan, with a team of full-time guides and no days off - They always have an incredibly good idea of where the pods of fish are located across this largely featureless body of water.

Preparing for your Trip

Blackwater Cats will generally look to traverse Lake Winnipeg in 4x4 Truck convoys as long as the lake allows for it. The convoy will meet on the shoreline and all travel together. Traversing the lake in a convoy ensures everyone makes it to the spot safely. If someone happens to get hung up, the group is there to help you out.

However, Manitoba's harsh winters don't always allow for truck travel to be possible. Deep snow, rough ice, and pressure ridges can all pose issues to ease of travel. In these conditions, Donovan will let you know what mode of transportation will be required for your trip beforehand so you can be prepared.

Don't have a 4x4 truck or a tracked vehicle? Don't sweat it, Blackwater Cats offers several different packages to accommodate anyone's needs. From hitching a ride in their awesome tracked Suburban truck across the lake, jumping in one of the guide's trucks, or even the opportunity to rent a snowmobile for the day.

To learn more about Ice Fishing in Manitoba with Blackwater Cats check out their website blackwatercats.com.

2. Bakers Narrows Lodge

Bakers Narrows Lodge, located on the shores of the Legendary Lake Athapapuskow. Is home to some of the world's best drive-to lake trout ice fishing. Each moment your bait is soaking at the bottom of this deep Canadian shield lake, there is a legitimate chance of a 45"+ monster lake trout taking you on the fight of your life!

Bakers Narrows has also become known for its stunning main lodge building and comfortable, private cabins with all the amenities. The Lodge is just a 7.5-hour drive north of Winnipeg, where guests enjoy paved highways the entire way. The lodge itself is located on the shores of Little Athapapuskow Lake; where guests will enjoy a scenic sled ride across to the big Lake where they will be targeting these behemoth lakers.

Bakers' team of professional guides has a wealth of knowledge and experience on these waters and provides an excellent option for anglers making the drive up there to ensure their trip is everything they had hoped for. Looking for a more DIY experience? You can also head out on the ice and work towards figuring out these fish from the comforts of their many available cabins.

Bakers Narrows also has several other options available for multi-species ice fishing. From tip-ups for monster northern pike, incredible fast-paced burbot action, to beautiful backcountry walleye lakes through the breathtaking, jagged Canadian Shield.

To learn more about the Ice fishing opportunities at Bakers Narrows Lodge, Visit their website BakersNarrowsLodge.com

3. Icebound Excursions

Looking for an incredibly unique ice fishing experience chasing Greenbacks on Lake Winnipeg?

There are many different ways to get on the ice and go ice fishing. But perhaps the most efficient, comfortable, and portable method is a Snobear. Unfortunately, few people have the luxury to own one of these amazing machines for themselves. Fortunately, Mat Hobson of Icebound Excursions created a solution to this problem. Offering affordable daily rentals of his fleet of Snobears – Providing an epic Lake Winnipeg ice fishing experience.

Mat has become known for his high-tech approach to searching down and catching giant greenback walleyes. With the use of a number of modern sonar technologies, Mat has been able to put his guest on Master Angler-sized greenback walleyes on a regular basis. When it comes to renting his Snobears he offers 2 different options. The first option is to rent one of Mat's Snobears with up to 4 people. The second option, that we recommend, is to rent a Snobear with up to 4 people, with Mat as a guide. This ensures you the best chance of getting on a big bite and maximizing your time on the ice!

To learn more about Ice fishing in Manitoba and booking a trip with Icebound Excursions, visit thier website, snobearrental.ca

4. Viking Lodge

Viking lodge is a year-round fishing lodge located in Cranberry Portage in Northern Manitoba Owned and operated by Paul, Anita, Matthew, and Sharnell Wiens. The Lodge is situated on the beautiful shores of First Cranberry on the Cranberry Chain of Lakes. This system is the birthplace of the Grass River system with historic roots in the North American Fur Trade. It's fitting that a place so firmly rooted in Canadian history has some of the most incredible multi-species angling opportunities in the entire province.

Viking Lodge has become well known for its high-action lake trout fishing with exceptional average size and a chance at trophy-sized lakers every day. However, Viking also has world-class walleye fishing with an average size that is out of this world and a great chance at Master Angler with each drop of the lure. Beyond that, there are fast-paced tip-up pike fishing opportunities on a number of scenic back-country lakes and non-stop burbot action just a short hop from the laker spots!

Viking truly has a world-class fishery at thier doorsteps and offers an extremely comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to 12 people! The main lodge also offers a pile of amenities to make your packing for this trip incredibly easy. From an awesome restaurant, tackle shop with everything you will need, regular and premium gas, propane and more!

Viking also offers the services of guides Matt and Paul who know these bodies of what like no one else and are sure to make a trip to Viking Lodge, one to remember.

To learn more about ice fishing in Manitoba at Viking Lodge visit thier website www.vikinglodge.ca

5. Bruin Outfitting

Bruin Outfitting, owned and operated by Matt Cornell is a multi-species year-round fishing outfitter based out of Southern Manitoba. One of Matt's staple packages involves outfitting on the Legendary Lake Winnipeg. Covering almost 10,000 square miles; Lake Winnipeg is no joke, and the massive greenback walleyes that call it home aren't either. Bruin Outfitting has become known as one of the best outfitters on this lake. From a team of professional guides to years of experience on this vast body of water; Bruin Outfitting has been making ice anglers' Greenback Walleye dreams come true, time and time again.

One of Matt’s biggest assets is a solid crew of elite guides. There is a lot of 1 on 1 interaction between guides and guests which makes a huge impact on your day. They will instruct you from reading the sonar to how to trigger a bite when a fish is on you. The guides truly want you to catch fish, just as much as you do and it shows.

Packages

Bruin Outfitting offers all-inclusive style packages at a very affordable rate. In the morning, Matt will come to pick you up from the accommodation you are staying at. Matt will then transport you onto the lake right to the fishing Location. This is where the benefits of fishing with Bruin Outfitting really shine through. All the equipment you could ever need for the day of fishing is provided for you! For those colder days, Matt has Clam X2 thermal fish shacks equipped with propane heaters. On top of that, each guest will receive Vexilar Ice Flashers to use for the day; As well as all the rods, reels, bait and tackle you could ever imagine needing. Before you even have a chance to step out of the truck Bruin Outfitting will have it all ready and waiting for you with the holes already drilled.

Another really great feature when fishing with Bruin Outfitting is that Matt is far from a one-trick pony. He takes multi-species outfitting to the next level! Monster Lake Winnipeg Greenback walleye are just one tool in his tool belt. Matt offers guided ice fishing excursions into Manitoba's Eastern Region as well. The Eastern Region is home to pretty well every species you can imagine. Giant tip-up northern pike, Slab crappies, deep water lakers, football perch and so much more.\

Not only can you check Lake Winnipeg off your bucket list with Bruin Outfitting, but you can also tag on a few extra days and target Canadian Shield panfish and deep water Lakers to boot.

To learn more about ice fishing in Manitoba with Bruin Outfitting visit thier website www.bruinoutfitting.com

6. Clearwater Outfitters / Evergreen Resort

Clearwater Lake, located In Manitoba's Northern Region has become well known worldwide for exactly its namesake - Incredibly clear water. However, for anglers around North America, this lake has become well known for different reasons - its incredible lake trout fishing opportunities.

Nearly a decade ago this massive fishery exploded in popularity for the top-notch lake trout Ice fishing opportunities. At the forefront of this was, and is Ken Kobelka of Evergreen Lodge & Resort. Ken has been providing accommodations and guiding ice anglers in search of their catch of a lifetime since the beginning of this surge in popularity. More recently, Ken's Grandson Josh Kobelka has taken over for the guiding portion of this business under the name Clearwater Outfitters. Josh has learned from the best...his Grandpa, over the course of his lifetime, and we assure you, you're in good hands with Josh.

Accommodations:

Evergreen Resort's accommodations include a number of cabins, a loft, a suite and the main lodge. These accommodations have nearly all the amenities of home and are sure to suit the needs of any angler.

Clearwater Lake itself is one of only 3 "Blue" Lakes in the entire world. The water is crystal clear and totally free of pollutants. The lake is about 15 miles long and 15 miles wide. Water depth can be more than 100 feet in many parts of the lake which provide excellent habitat to grow trophy lake trout. Ice anglers often enjoy the use of an underwater camera on this lake as visibility is still great in depths in excess of 80 feet! Check out the video below of Uncut Angling's experience while targeting a giant Lake Trout on Clearwater lake from Evergreen Resort.

If you would like to book a trip to Evergreen Lodge on Clearwater Lake, visit evergreenlodgeandresort.com. If you'd like to book the guiding services of Josh at Clearwater Outfitters, Please visit bigbearhunts.com

7. Moak Lodge

Moak Lodge, located on the shores of Cross Bay of the Massive Cedar Lake. Is home to some of the best drive-to ice fishing found in the province. Trophy Pike, feisty walleye, giant lake whitefish and some of the best spring burbot fishing on the planet. Is just a taste what anglers have come to expect in this spectacular fishery.

Left: Josh Mutchler 31.75" Master Angler Burbot Right: Donna Lee Bean 106.5 cm Master Angler Northern Pike - Both at Moak Lodge

But the fun doesn't stop there. Just 10 minutes down the road is one of the best-stocked trout fisheries in the province. Foot Print Lake. Home to the "Foot Print Four", anglers can target Master Angler-sized tiger trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Rainbows, browns & Tigers have all been recorded in the high 20-inch range in this body of water and each year more and more ice anglers flock to this location. Check out the video below for just a sample of what a day on the water at Foot Print Lake can be like!

Moak Lodge is located just 450 km out of Winnipeg. This travel includes paved highways all the way to the turn-off for the lodge. Moak has a number of spacious cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests each. Each Cabin has all the Luxuries of home. Including a full kitchen, bathrooms, showers, satellite TV and more.

For more information on Ice fishing in Manitoba at Moak Lodge visit www.moaklodge.ca

Pictured: Stewart Boyd 25" Master Angler Whitefish

8. Riverside Lodge

Riverside Lodge is a year-round hunting & fishing lodge specializing in a number of big game, migratory and upland species. However, once the landscape shifts from autumn orange to winter white, and the lakes begin to freeze over. The sole focus of Gildas and Joanne Paradis of Riverside Lodge switches to Lake Dauphin and the plentiful walleye, pike and perch that call this frozen paradise home for the winter.

With the lodge located right beside the lake. It makes for a short and easy 1-mile journey across their property out onto Lake Dauphin to the best fishing spots. Riverside Lodge will shuttle their guests to and from the fishing location via their beautiful tracked Yukon truck and their "people mover". - Which is a custom-made enclosed heated sleigh they can transport across the frozen lake.

Fishing at Riverside:

When it comes the fishing, Gildas describes it best. "It's a super great fishery that is perfect for families, birthdays, friendly gatherings and corporate events. On a typical day of good fishing. You'll see people running all over the ice picking up their baited rods with hungry fish on them. Everyone really has a great time catching fish through the ice". Gildas also mentions how the lake can be a huge skating rink for kids to get out of the shacks and just have a good time playing on the ice. Before quickly racing back when Dad hollers fish on!

Lake Dauphin is a high-quality managed lake. The main fish targeted on the lake is walleye, with a limit of 4 per person. The slot size ranges between 45cm and 70cm (which must be released). Lake Dauphin is known for abundant fish with average size walleye often just over the “keeper” size. Some really big ones are in the 24-26" range. Although very rare the biggest they have seen reached an amazing 34 inches.

Now when it comes to the shacks, these are all custom-made wooden shacks. They are designed to maximize the experience of the guests. You will fish in comfort with 4- 6 holes in each shack. All are heated by woodstoves to ensure maximum comfort for guests while out on the lake. With a variety of sizes, they can easily accommodate small to large groups.

Accommodations:

When it comes to off-accommodations when not fishing, Riverside has you set. With a comfortable Guest lodge capable of sleeping 9 people and complete with a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms and all the amenities. Riverside also has 3 additional private guest cabins that can sleep 5 people each, also fitted with kitchens and bathrooms. When it comes to meals, guests can bring their own and prepare them themselves. They can also have all or certain meals catered during their trip from a delicious menu. Including meal delivery on the ice via the tracked truck! Guests can also request both a guide for their trip as well as fresh shore lunch prepared on the ice.

Guests can bring their own transportation on the ice. But it is recommended that they bring tracked machines only as the conditions allow for wheeled traffic for just short windows of the winter. But again, if this is not an option. Riverside is more than happy to provide an on-ice shuttle service with the track truck. Riverside can accommodate any angler of varying degrees of fishing experience. Guests are welcome to bring as much ice fishing gear as they like, or none at all. Riverside can outfit your group with everything you need. They will even fillet and package your fish for you to take home if that is something you'd desire. You just catch em!

The biggest takeaway from the many options that Riverside Lodge provides for ice anglers. Is that their packages are highly customizable. With that Riverside Lodge, Ice fishing trips ensure that you will want to return more than once for this enjoyable experience.

For more information on Ice fishing in Manitoba at Riverside Lodge visit www.huntriverside.com

Check out our HuntFishMB ice fishing page to learn more about these incredible outfitters and to learn more about Ice fishing in Manitoba!

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