Get Hooked on Manitoba! Your Guide to Exceptional Early Season Angling

Spring has arrived and the official “opening day” of fishing season, in Manitoba’s southern region, is only days away.

May 14, the long anticipated date for thousands of ardent anglers keen to explore our sprawling southern fisheries. With the exception of our numerous stocked trout lakes, it’s this day that kicks off a lengthy open water season.

But it doesn’t end here!

The lakes and rivers throughout Manitoba’s northern region are quickly progressing to an ice free status. The “Land of the Giants” is soon to welcome its annual audience who loyally pursue the abundant underwater monsters at various renowned and remote drive-to and fly-in lodges.

Regardless of your choice of species or whether you choose a remote fly-in or convenient drive-to fishery, the spring offers every angler exceptional opportunities. From sight fishing for giant pike to fly fishing for gigantic brown trout, Manitoba simply has it all.

Here’s a few signature species options for exceptional early season angling!

Northern Pike

Big pike are king in Manitoba, and for good reason. With annual catches commonly exceeding 50 inches in length, these giants are a favourite for many and faithfully targeted by anglers from around the world. Manitoba’s northern region lakes and rivers lay claim to some of the best pike fishing in existence. The opportunities for big pike are endless in this part of the province, with both drive-to and fly-in destinations offering excellent early season options.

*Check out our Northern Pike page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.

Lake Trout

A trip to northern Manitoba wouldn’t be complete without setting your hook on a giant laker. Various drive-to and fly-in lakes throughout the northern region are prime to produce during the early season, with regular opportunities at 40 inch plus hawgs. This is one “big game” angling experience that is commonly attainable, offering a super sized tug that is second to none.

*Check out our Lake Trout page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.

Walleye

Every region in Manitoba is home to the beloved walleye. This fan favourite is “hands down” the most sought after species within our provincial boundaries. Numerous fisheries throughout Manitoba are preferred destinations for thousands of die-hard walleye anglers and host to the Central Walleye Trail tournament. Quantity and quality are well known traits of Manitoba’s walleyes, with big eyes commonly exceeding 30 inches on a variety of classic Manitoba fisheries. When it comes to hooking up on big fish and big numbers, well, the early season offers opportunities that are simply endless.

*Check out our Walleye page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.

Smallmouth Bass

Behemoth “bronze backs” are a fantastic early season angling option throughout Manitoba, but the eastern region is the undisputed champion of premium smallie waters. Numerous drive-to destinations and a few select fly-in options are easily accessed and consistently present real opportunities at 20 inch plus fish.

*Check out our Smallmouth page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.

Channel Catfish

Giant channels cats are the norm in Manitoba and the “Channel Catfish Capital of the World” designation is rightfully earned and acknowledged by those who have experienced this Interlake region Phenom. The early season is prime time for big kitties, with the world famous stretch of the Red River, north of the Lockport Dam, leading the way in trophy channel cat production. Multiple fish exceeding 34 inches is a daily occurrence in these parts, with excellent opportunities for 40 inch plus titans.

*Check out our Channel Catfish page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.

Brown Trout

While Manitoba is not your traditional “river based” trout destination, its Stillwater trout fisheries are world renowned. Monster browns are a customary catch on several highly managed stocked trout lakes, with the Parkland region presenting an all star line up of premier brown trout waters. These easily accessible, drive-to waters are a fly fishers dream that annually reward hooked jaw hard cores with 27 inch plus brutes. It’s an early season trout mecca that’s hard to beat.

*Check out our Brown Trout page for information on top producing fisheries, seasons and Master Angler records, as well as a searchable list for lodges and outfitters.