Fishing In Manitoba 101

In a province that boasts more than 100,000 lakes, finding a spot to drop a line is a breeze.

Whether it’s a week-long getaway to a remote lodge or an evening spent on a dock casting for walleye, Manitoba offers unlimited options

The easiest way to start planning your excursion is with a visit to www.huntfishmanitoba.com. Select Go Fishing then start ticking off options on the left side of the page including features (like a boat launch or air strip), services (tackle shop or gas station) and access (boat-in, drive-to or fly-in).

What You Need To Know

  1. If you’re between the ages of 16 and 64, you need a fishing licence.
  2. You may choose to purchase a Conservation Licence. These licences are a little cheaper ($13.94) and have reduced limits for some species. For example, the limit for walleye on a regular licence is six, while on a Conservation Licence, it’s four.
  3. If you’re 65 and over and have permanently resided in Manitoba for at least six months, you qualify for a Manitoba Resident Seniors Conservation Licence. It’s free! Keep in mind that it’s valid for a conservation limit of fish only. Manitoba seniors who want a regular limit of fish must buy a regular resident licence.
  4. Wondering what kind of licence you need—Resident or Nonresident? A resident is a person who has lived in Manitoba for the immediate past six months. A Canadian resident is a person who has lived elsewhere in Canada for the immediate past six months. Any person who has not lived in Manitoba or Canada for the immediate past six months is a nonresident and must purchase a nonresident licence.
  5. Who doesn’t need a licence? Anyone under the age of 16 who has permanently resided in Manitoba for at least six months doesn’t need a licence. Status Indians don’t require an angling licence.
  6. Keep in mind that your Manitoba Angling Licence is not valid for fishing in Canada’s National Parks. You need to buy an additional licence if you plan to fish in Riding Mountain National Park or Wapusk National Park in Manitoba. Contact Parks Canada for details on fishing licences and regulations www.pc.gc.ca.
  7. Go barbless! In Manitoba, anglers must use barbless hooks. Be sure to squeeze the barbs on your hooks so they are in complete contact with the shaft.