30 Species 30 Legendary Catches Celebrating 65 Years of the Manitoba Master Angler Program
For 65 years, the Manitoba Master Angler Program has recognized trophy fish across an incredible range of species. From northern wilderness lakes to prairie rivers and stocked trout ponds, Manitoba has produced record-class catches that rival anywhere in the world.
To mark this milestone anniversary, we’re showcasing 30 of the most impressive submissions ever recorded, each representing a different species in the program. Together, they highlight not only the fish themselves but also when and where they were caught, giving anglers a chance to appreciate the history of Manitoba’s fisheries and inspiration for planning their own adventures in pursuit of trophies.
Arctic Char
On a snowy January day in 2019, Kevin Smerechynski landed a 24.5-inch Arctic char from Snail Lake, one of the only lakes in Manitoba where this rare species is found. Stocked specifically to give anglers a chance at char, Snail Lake offers a one-of-a-kind experience deep in the backcountry of the Duck Mountains. Mid-winter trips here not only provide the chance to chase this unique Master Angler species but also the thrill of a true northern ice fishing adventure.
Arctic Grayling
Back in the summer of 1998, William Chisholm landed a 22.5-inch Arctic grayling from Nueltin Lake, one of northern Manitoba’s most breathtaking waters. Late July is prime time for grayling, when fly anglers can sight-fish these elegant, sail-finned species in crystal-clear rivers and lakes. Today, opportunities to pursue trophy grayling are still available at a select handful of fly-in destinations such as Ganglers North Seal River Lodge and Munroe Lake Lodge. Even decades later, this Master Angler catch stands as a reminder of Manitoba’s untouched grayling fisheries and the remarkable northern adventures they continue to inspire.
Black Crappie
On December 23, 2021, Kayla Jorgenson pulled a massive 17.43-inch black crappie from Brereton Lake. This fish broke the record and still stands as the largest black crappie ever entered into the Master Angler Program. Ice fishing in Whiteshell Provincial Park is renowned for producing giant panfish, and Brereton continues to be a hotspot for trophy action through the ice. For visitors planning a winter fishing trip, the chance at a record-class crappie combined with the park’s stunning boreal scenery makes this a truly memorable destination.
Brook Trout
Here’s an awesome throwback: in April 2007, Terry Tooley landed a legendary 30-inch brook trout at Barbe Lake. This giant broke the Manitoba record at the time and still hasn’t been topped to this day. Early spring in the north, when winter still has its grip and the ice is hanging on, creates some of the best conditions for targeting trophy brook trout. Nearly two decades later, Tooley’s fish remains one of the most iconic Master Angler submissions and a reminder of Manitoba’s world-class trout fishing.
Brown Trout
In July 2024, Liam Puchailo landed a 33.95-inch brown trout at Laurie Lake. With this Catch, Liam broke his own Manitoba record brown trout of 33.46" that he set just a couple of months earlier in May. Summer is prime time for targeting browns in Manitoba’s stocked fisheries, which are among the best in North America. These catches are a reminder that world-class trout fishing can be found close to home.
Bullhead
In late May 2019, Robyn Grant landed an impressive 18.25-inch brown bullhead from the Whitemud River. This giant remains one of the biggest bullheads ever entered into the Master Angler Program, making it a true standout among Manitoba’s record catches. Spring is an excellent time to target catfish species, and the Whitemud has proven itself as a hidden gem for unique angling opportunities. This catch is a perfect reminder that Manitoba isn’t just about walleye and pike, its rivers also produce world-class trophies in overlooked species.
Burbot
On an April night in 2016, Aldon Kowalchuk hauled in a 39-inch burbot from Woosey Lake, a once-in-a-lifetime fish that few anglers will ever encounter. Late ice is the peak of burbot season, when these nocturnal predators gather to spawn and offer incredible trophy potential. At nearly 40 inches, this catch remains one of the most jaw-dropping burbot ever entered into the Master Angler Program. For anglers seeking something rare and unforgettable, Manitoba stands out as one of the best places in the world to target trophy burbot through the ice.
Channel Catfish
In July 2017, Dean Schinkel landed a 41.5-inch channel catfish from Manitoba’s famed Red River. Cracking the 40-inch mark is a legendary benchmark for catfish anglers, and fish of this caliber are rarely seen anywhere in North America. The stretch of river between Lockport and Selkirk has earned its reputation as the Channel Catfish Capital of the World, drawing anglers from across the continent each summer. With warm July waters fueling fast action, this catch is a reminder of why Manitoba stands at the very top for trophy catfish fishing.
Cisco/Tullibee
Back in June 1993, Missouri angler Thomas Fournier landed a remarkable 22-inch tullibee from Tramping Lake. While not the all-time record, this catch has remained near the very top of the Master Angler standings for more than three decades. Early summer is a prime window to encounter trophy tullibee, often while targeting walleye, pike, or lake trout in Manitoba’s northern waters. This enduring entry is a reminder of both Manitoba’s incredible multi-species opportunities and the lasting legacy of its Master Angler Program.
Common Carp
In October 2022, avid carp angler Ryan Ginter landed a 40-inch carp at Lake of the Prairies, a size considered legendary in the world of carp fishing. Carp of this calibre are rare anywhere, and achieving the 40-inch benchmark is a milestone many anglers dream of but few ever reach. Fall is one of the best times to target these giants, as they feed heavily in preparation for winter. For Ryan, whose passion for carp angling runs deep, this incredible catch was well deserved and further solidifies Manitoba’s reputation as an emerging destination on the global carp scene.
Freshwater Drum
On a June day in 1996, Fred Tait landed a massive 33.07-inch freshwater drum from Lake Manitoba. Early summer is prime season for drum, a species often overlooked despite their trophy potential. Known for their brute strength, catching one is often compared to reeling in a barn door. Nearly 30 years later, this Master Angler still stands as one of the finest examples of Manitoba’s multi-species appeal and the unforgettable battles these fish provide.
Goldeye
In October 2021, Robert Lake caught this massive 21.25-inch goldeye from the Saskatchewan River. Fall is an excellent time for targeting goldeye, a favourite among anglers and a Manitoba classic at the table. This record shows the quality of fishing Manitoba’s rivers provide late in the season.
Lake Sturgeon
In May 2002, Stephen Swistun battled an incredible 76-inch lake sturgeon from the Red River, a true river monster and one of the largest fish ever entered into the Master Angler Program. While sturgeon of this size aren’t common in the Red, every cast carries the chance of connecting with one of these prehistoric beasts. Spring is prime time for giants, as warming waters bring them into feeding areas and give anglers their best shot at a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. This catch remains a shining example of why anglers from around the world come to Manitoba to pursue the trophy fish that call these waters home.
Lake Trout
On a July trip in 2004, Missouri angler Avi Goldford landed a massive 50.5-inch lake trout from Morand Lake — a true giant by any standard. Lakers of this size are the ultimate draw in Manitoba’s far north, prized for their sheer power and the punishing battles they put up in deep, cold waters. The fight with a true giant can test both angler and gear, making each catch unforgettable. This incredible fish highlights why trophy lake trout remain one of the biggest reasons anglers from across North America and beyond travel to Manitoba’s wilderness lakes.
Lake Whitefish
In May 1991, Don Gullickson of North Dakota landed a massive 28.5-inch whitefish from Cedar Lake. This catch is as cool and old school as it gets, and more than three decades later, it still sits atop the Master Angler record books for whitefish. Cedar Lake has long been known for producing oversized whitefish, a species prized not only for sport but also for the table. This enduring record is a testament to both the quality of the lake and the lasting legacy of Manitoba’s fisheries.
Largemouth Bass
On the 4th of July in 2017, Genico Melegrito reeled in a 21.25-inch largemouth bass from Reynolds Ponds. Largemouth aren’t overly common in Manitoba, but their range has been gradually expanding and they’re becoming more accessible in select waters. Reynolds Ponds has grown into a popular destination for anglers specifically hoping to land their first largie, and this trophy catch shows just how impressive they can be when you find them.
Mooneye
In September 2022, Cole Goolcharan landed a blimp of a mooneye measuring 17.64 inches from the Winnipeg River. Early fall is one of the best times to target these silvery, fast-action fish, especially in Manitoba’s scenic river systems. This trophy stands near the very top of the biggest mooneye ever caught in the Master Angler Program, cementing its place among Manitoba’s most impressive entries. For anglers chasing multi-species adventures, few places offer a better chance to connect with a mooneye of this caliber than the Winnipeg River.
Muskellunge
On a fall day in September 2000, Jason Nash landed a 42-inch muskie from Line Lake. At the time, Line Lake was one of Manitoba’s go-to muskie destinations, producing unforgettable fish for those willing to put in the casts. In more recent years, the torch has been passed, with West Watjask Lake only just emerging as Manitoba’s newest muskie hotspot. To protect this developing fishery, Watjask Lake is closed from November 15 to June 15 each year, and anglers may only use artificial lures or flies with a single hook. Autumn remains the season for chasing these apex predators, and Manitoba continues to deliver world-class opportunities for the fish of ten thousand casts.
Northern Pike
In August 2003, Missouri angler Bobby Sight landed a jaw-dropping 53-inch northern pike at Kolcun Lake. Pike are often considered Manitoba’s most iconic freshwater predator and have been a major draw for anglers south of the border for decades. Breaking the 50-inch mark is extremely rare, placing any angler in elite company, and this fish remains one of the largest pike ever recorded in the Manitoba Master Angler Program. Spring and late summer are prime times for these toothy giants, and this legendary catch is a perfect example of why anglers continue to travel north to pursue world-class trophy pike in Manitoba’s wilderness lakes.
Rainbow Trout
Rock Bass
In September 2021, Evan Reimer hauled in a 13.38-inch rock bass from Lake of the Prairies, a true giant for one of Manitoba’s scrappiest little critters. Rock bass are found in many bodies of water across the province, where they’re famous for punching well above their weight. Early fall is a fun time to target panfish, and this catch proves that even Manitoba’s “small fish” can grow into big-time trophies. Sometimes the feistiest fights come in the smallest packages.
Sauger
On a June trip in 2018, Chad Munro landed a 22.5-inch sauger at Wekusko Lake. Often thought of as the cousin to the more famous walleye, sauger may not get the same spotlight but they grow to incredible sizes in Manitoba. Wekusko Falls Lodge is famed for producing trophy-class sauger in Wekusko Lake, making them a must-visit destination for anglers chasing something unique. This record catch is a perfect reminder of the diversity and world-class opportunities Manitoba’s waters provide.
Smallmouth Bass
In June 2006, Allen Crane landed a bronze beauty of a smallmouth bass, measuring 22 inches, at Echo Lake. These football-shaped bass are hugely popular across Manitoba’s eastern waters, particularly in Whiteshell Provincial Park and Nopiming Provincial Park, where they thrive in rocky lakes and rivers. Known for their scrappy fights and acrobatic jumps, smallmouth deliver some of the most exciting action an angler can find. This catch remains one of the finest examples of why Manitoba’s bass fisheries continue to draw trophy seekers year after year.
Splake
Back in May 1993, Marlin Katchmar landed a massive 35-inch splake from Mid Lake, a truly remarkable catch for such a rare species in Manitoba. Splake are a hybrid between brook trout and lake trout, created through stocking programs to combine the fast growth of lakers with the striking appearance of brookies. Today, they are only found in a handful of select waters in the province, such as Laurie Lake, making them an uncommon but exciting target. At 35 inches, Katchmar’s fish was enormous for the species, and more than 30 years later it still stands out as one of the most extraordinary splake entries in the Master Angler Program.
Sucker
In May 2014, Kyle Klassen pulled a 35.5-inch sucker from the Red River, a true giant by any standard. The sucker category in the Master Angler Program represents a variety of species found across Manitoba, from white suckers to longnose suckers. The largest of the group is the bigmouth buffalo, a freshwater sucker species that can grow to impressive sizes and holds the ranks for the biggest sucker entries in the program. While suckers are often overlooked, they play an important role in Manitoba’s fisheries, and catching one of this size during the spring spawning season is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that showcases the province’s incredible species diversity.
Sunfish
On a sunny July day in 2018, Grayson Rome caught an 11.5-inch sunfish from Metigoshe Lake. Situated right on the Manitoba–North Dakota border, Metigoshe is widely considered the premier sunfish fishery in the province. While sunfish are often thought of as the perfect starter fish for kids and families during the summer months, trophy-sized slabs like this prove they hold plenty of appeal for seasoned anglers as well. This catch is a reminder that Manitoba’s waters offer something fun, and sometimes surprising, for every type of angler.
Tiger Trout
In early April 2017, Garrett Betker landed a 28-inch tiger trout at Twin Lakes. With their intricate marbled patterns and vivid colors, tiger trout are among the most visually stunning fish in Manitoba. Thanks to the province’s stocking programs, these unique trout are now available across several fisheries, giving more anglers the chance to pursue them. Combining fierce fights with undeniable beauty, Betker’s 28-inch fish is a perfect example of why tiger trout have become a true bucket-list catch in Manitoba.
Walleye
On June 4th, 2025, Colorado angler Jacob Knecht landed an unbelievable 34-inch walleye at Sasaginnigak Lake. For many anglers, a 30-inch walleye is a true bucket-list fish and the benchmark for a mega giant. To go beyond that and reach 34 inches is incredibly rare and puts this catch among the elite. Early summer is peak walleye season in Manitoba, and this fish is living proof that the province’s legendary reputation for world-class walleye fishing continues to deliver.
White Bass
In August 2014, Tomas Green landed a 19-inch white bass from Lake Winnipeg. Up until around 2020, these fast, hard-fighting fish were found in abundance across the big lake and its tributaries, fueling plenty of Master Angler entries each summer. In more recent years, submissions have slowed as populations cycle, but that’s the nature of white bass — you never know when the next big surge will arrive. This catch remains a reminder of just how exciting white bass fishing can be when the numbers flourish.
Yellow Perch
On a bright February day in 2016, Mike Nocei caught a massive 16-inch yellow perch from West Shoal Lake. In Manitoba, perch that break the 13-inch mark are already considered trophies, with 15-inch and larger fish entering truly elite territory. The Interlake’s Shoal Lakes have been one of the province’s premier jumbo perch fisheries for more than a decade, producing some of the best Master Angler entries year after year. This incredible 16-inch catch stands as a true testament to the quality of those waters!
Write Your Own Legacy
These 30 catches from 30 species tell the story of Manitoba’s remarkable fisheries, where every season and every waterbody holds the potential for a fish of a lifetime. From icy February perch to giant summer catfish and autumn walleyes, the diversity and size of Manitoba’s fish make it one of the most unique angling destinations in the world.
Whether you’re chasing your first Master Angler award or hoping to add your name to this historic list, the opportunity is here. Manitoba invites you to write your own legacy and discover why its waters have earned a reputation for producing true legends.
To enter your next Manitoba Master Angler, head on over to our Submit Your Catch page and cement your name in history.
