End of Summer Master Angler Highlights: Manitoba’s Best Catches
The final weeks of summer produced some of the most exciting Master Angler catches of the season. From August through early September, anglers across Manitoba and beyond connected with giant northern pike, trophy trout, heavyweight channel cats, and plenty more. Whether it was a remote fly-in adventure or a quick outing on a local river, the program saw an incredible variety of submissions that showcased the strength of our fisheries.
What stood out most was the consistency of these catches across the province. From the legendary waters of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River to smaller lakes and streams, anglers found success in every corner of Manitoba. With so many remarkable fish entered into the Master Angler program, this late-summer stretch proved why Manitoba continues to be a destination for anglers seeking unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the top highlights to close out the season.
Giant Channel Catfish on the Red River
Few experiences in freshwater fishing compare to battling a giant channel catfish, and there’s no better place to do it than the Red River. Known as one of the top channel cat fisheries in North America, this stretch of water offers incredible accessibility for all types of anglers. Whether you’re casting from shore in Selkirk Park, launching a boat near Lockport, or booking a guided trip, the Red River delivers trophy-class opportunities just a short drive from Winnipeg.
What makes catfishing on the Red River so special is the fight itself. These powerful fish test gear and stamina, making every hook-up an adrenaline rush. At the same time, the fishery is incredibly family friendly and beginner friendly. With steady action and plenty of opportunities for big fish, it’s the perfect introduction for kids or new anglers looking to experience a Manitoba trophy without a long trip north.
For those wanting the full experience, a number of experienced channel cat outfitters operate on the river and provide everything from bait and tackle to boats and local knowledge. Guides like Red River Cats, Blackwater Cats, and City Cats help anglers from across North America connect with fish of a lifetime. Thanks to their expertise and the world-class fishery they showcase, the Red River continues to live up to its reputation as the catfish capital of Canada.
Northern Pike Across the Province
Manitoba has earned a reputation as one of the best places in North America to target trophy northern pike, and this late-summer stretch proved exactly why. For anglers seeking the classic wilderness experience, Manitoba’s fly-in lodges in the far north are second to none. Places like North Haven Resort on Utik Lake give anglers access to untouched waters where monster pike roam shallow bays and weedbeds, often willing to smash oversized lures or even a fly stripped across the surface. These adventures combine world-class fishing with the unforgettable experience of arriving by floatplane into true northern solitude.
Just as impressive are the remote northern drive-to destinations. Neso Lake Lodge and Viking Lodge on the Cranberry Chain of Lakes highlight how a long drive north can open the door to incredible fishing without the need to fly in. These waters are wild, with low fishing pressure, and home to massive pike that consistently meet or exceed Master Angler standards. For those willing to make the trip, the payoff is often a fish of a lifetime.
Big pike aren’t only found in the north. Heading south into Manitoba’s Parkland and Eastern regions reveals a wealth of opportunities that continue to produce supersized Master Angler fish.
Lake of the Prairies has become a true big-pike mecca. Known for both numbers and size, this drive-to reservoir on the western edge of the province consistently delivers trophy-class catches and has built a reputation as one of Manitoba’s top multi-species fisheries.
The eastern stretches of the Winnipeg River offer another dimension for pike anglers. This rugged, remote section of river provides a wilderness-style experience without the long drive to the far north. Outfitters such as Eagle Nest Lodge, Eagle Nest Landing, and Trail End Camp make it easier for anglers to access, navigate, and experience this incredible stretch of water.
For anglers looking for something closer to Winnipeg, Lac du Bonnet offers easy access and reliable opportunities for big pike. The lake continues to produce trophy fish and has become a popular spot for both local anglers and visitors alike.
No matter the setting, the allure of northern pike never fades. They’re aggressive predators that strike with power, fight with stamina, and can be found in nearly every corner of the province. Whether it’s a remote fly-in, a northern drive-to, or a southern weekend trip, Manitoba offers endless ways to chase these incredible fish, and this season’s Master Angler catches are proof of that.
Walleye Action Heats Up
The summer season closed strong on Lake Winnipeg, with anglers connecting with plenty of trophy greenbacks. Known as one of the best walleye fisheries in North America, Lake Winnipeg continues to deliver year after year. As we move into September, anticipation is building for the famous fall greenback run, when schools of trophy walleye flood into tributaries like the Red River, the Winnipeg River, and the waters around Hecla Island. It’s a time that promises fast-paced action and some of the heaviest fish of the year.
The Winnipeg River itself deserves its own recognition. With deep channels, rocky shorelines, and a healthy forage base, it continues to produce Master Angler walleye throughout the season. Austin Los’s 30.25-inch trophy is just one example of the incredible fishing opportunities that can be found along this historic waterway.
Farther north, Manitoba’s remote fly-in fisheries keep reminding us why they are so special. Gunisao Lake and Budd’s Gunisao Lake Lodge in particular have long been known for producing some of the biggest walleye in the province, and this summer was no exception. Anglers from across North America made the journey and were rewarded with trophy-class fish that cement Gunisao’s reputation as a world-class walleye destination.
On the western edge of the province, Lake of the Prairies is often celebrated as a trophy factory for northern pike, but it remains equally impressive as a walleye destination. This long reservoir consistently produces Master Angler-class walleye, with anglers regularly casting into both big numbers and size of these beautiful prairie gold eyes.
Rounding out the list is Wahtopanah Lake, where Raeanna Veysey landed a beautiful 29-inch walleye. This catch highlights one of Manitoba’s most exciting realities: big walleye can be found in waters of every size and in every corner of the province. From massive lakes to smaller reservoirs, trophy fish are always within reach.
Trout Treasures
Manitoba truly is a trout fishing paradise. From the deep-water apex predators of the north to the still-water opportunities for stocked species scattered throughout the province, there’s something here for every type of trout angler.
Starting in the Duck Mountains, Perch Lake offers the kind of stunning, remote setting that makes every catch feel special. Surrounded by rolling hills and forests, it’s one of many stocked gems in the region, known for producing quality brown trout.
Reynolds Ponds continues to be a great option for anglers in southern Manitoba looking to connect with stocked trout. This accessible fishery offers brown trout in a setting that’s easy to reach yet still delivers memorable catches. For many anglers, it’s a convenient way to enjoy quality trout fishing without a long trip north.
Heading farther north, Barbe Lake, just outside The Pas, has become one of Manitoba’s most popular stocked trout fisheries. With a healthy population of rainbow trout and a reputation for producing quality Master Angler fish, it continues to attract anglers looking for accessible yet rewarding still-water action.
Just across from Barbe lies one of Manitoba’s most legendary lake trout waters, Clearwater Lake. Known for its massive, crystal-clear expanse, Clearwater has become synonymous with trophy lake trout and continues to rank among the top destinations in North America for anglers chasing these powerful predators.
The fly-in jewel of God’s Lake adds another layer to Manitoba’s trout story. Home to Elk Island Lodge, this northern fishery is renowned for both size and numbers of trophy lake trout, all in a setting that feels truly untouched by time.
For anglers chasing something truly unique, Sundance Creek stands out as a hidden treasure. This little-known fishery is one of the rare places in Manitoba where brook trout can be found in their natural beauty. Remote and pristine, it provides a rare opportunity to target a species that has long captured the imagination of fly and light-tackle anglers alike. Matthew Hildebrandt’s brook trout highlights the incredible diversity of Manitoba’s trout fishing opportunities, from stocked still waters to the vast depths that grow giant lake trout, and into the remote northern streams where brook trout roam.
Diverse Waters, Diverse Trophies
Manitoba’s Master Angler program isn’t just about pike, walleye, and trout. The province’s waters also hold a variety of other species that offer incredible angling opportunities and make for unforgettable catches.
Black crappie have become a prolific trophy target across the eastern region of the province. The Lee River, in particular, has built a reputation as a four-season crappie destination, producing quality fish year after year. Heading west, Mary Jane Reservoir offers anglers in that part of the province a chance to chase these scrappy panfish without travelling far.
Few fish fight pound-for-pound like freshwater drum. These hard-hitting fish are abundant in Lake Manitoba and its tributaries, where they offer steady action and trophy potential.
Lake of the Prairies earns another mention here; this time not for its pike or walleye, but for its ability to produce supersized carp. Finley Smith’s 35.5-inch common carp shows just how many different trophy opportunities Lake of the Prairies can deliver.
Nutimik Lake, set within Whiteshell Provincial Park, has become one of Manitoba’s premier smallmouth bass destinations. Just a couple of hours east of Winnipeg, this Canadian Shield fishery gives anglers the chance to target trophy bass in a stunning provincial park setting.
Rounding out the list is a true giant of a yellow perch. Matt Wehe’s 14.75-inch catch came from Buffalo Bay on Lake of the Woods, in the province’s southeast corner. This fishery has long been recognized for its multi-species potential, and oversized perch like this prove why it continues to draw anglers from far and wide.
Lake Giants and Rare Encounters
Some Master Angler catches stand out not only for their size, but for how rare they are to encounter in Manitoba’s waters. This late summer stretch, we are recognizing two of these catches. The pursuit of a Manitoba musky and the battle with a giant sturgeon.
At West Watjask Lake, anglers now have the chance to target musky in Manitoba, an opportunity that was virtually nonexistent before recent stocking efforts. To protect this developing fishery, the lake follows special regulations: it is closed to all fishing from November 15 to June 15, anglers may only use artificial lures and flies with a single hook, and possession limits are set at zero. Thanks to these protections, anglers like Danica Langan are now able to responsibly connect with musky close to home, including her 35-inch trophy.
Equally impressive was a catch made during the filming of a Hunt Fish Manitoba adventure at Buffalo Point Resort. Influencer Jay Siemens hooked into a massive 54.25-inch lake sturgeon, a prehistoric giant known for its sheer power and size. This exciting encounter was captured on film, and you can check out the full video of the adventure here. Jay’s sturgeon not only highlighted the thrill of tangling with one of Manitoba’s rarest trophies, but also showcased the incredible opportunities found on Buffalo Bay.
A Season to Remember
Anglers across Manitoba capped off summer with an incredible range of Master Angler catches. Channel cats, pike, walleye, and trout all had their moments, while a variety of other species added depth to the season. Musky and sturgeon also made their presence felt, providing rare encounters that capped the season in unforgettable fashion.
With fall now underway, anticipation is building for the greenback walleye run, big pike on the move, and more trophy opportunities across the province. Start planning your Manitoba fishing adventure today and see firsthand why this province stands among the best freshwater destinations in North America.
To submit your catch and to have a chance to end up on our next Manitoba Master Angler highlight reel blog, visit our Master Angler Submit Your Catch page, or download the Manitoba Master Angler App.
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