Ice Out, Lines In: Opening Weekend & Greenback Fever

There is a specific kind of electricity in the Manitoba air when the May Long weekend signals the long-awaited return of open-water angling. The scent of pine, the sound of waves lapping against the hull or shore and the unmistakable tug on the end of your line. It’s the moment avid anglers wait for all winter. As the ice retreats and the season officially begins, the excitement of the first cast is finally here.

@ClaytonShickOutdoors

Located within Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park, Hecla Island is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone, making it a phenomenal trip for families to explore. Whether you’re planning an immersive weekend getaway at a local resort or a quick day trip from the city, here is everything you need to know to navigate the season opener on the world-class waters of Lake Winnipeg.

Legendary Greenbacks


What brings people to the shores of Lake Winnipeg? One word: Greenbacks.

While they are technically walleye, Lake Winnipeg’s Greenbacks are a world-renowned anomaly. Thanks to the limestone-rich waters of our inland ocean, these fish sport a brilliant, iridescent emerald hue that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. They aren’t just pretty to look at either, they are notoriously thick, healthy and aggressive. Landing a 30-inch Master Angler Greenback is a bucket-list item for any angler and opening weekend on Lake Winnipeg is one of the best times to find them as they transition from their spawning grounds.

Science Over Schedule


The decision on when to open recreational angling is never arbitrary. While it typically lands around the same day each year, it can change based on a variety of factors. It’s a delicate balance of biology and conservation. A late ice-out and lingering spring chill delays annual walleye spawn which results in a later recreational angling start date for Lake Winnipeg.

Prioritizing the long-term health of the fishery is incredibly important in ensuring that its available for generations to come and protection of species. Monitoring the spawn closely and ensuring fish have completed their cycle before opening season guarantees that the world-class walleye population remains sustainable for years to come. If you happen to catch a female walleye which is in spawning condition, please return it to the water as quickly as possible.

Stay the Weekend or Visit for the Day?

It’s no secret that May long weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for outfitters. Accommodations, including Gull Harbour Marina and Lighthouse Inn and Lakeview Hecla Resort, are often booked well in advance for the season opener.

Pro Tip: The Day-Trip Advantage

If you haven’t secured a room, don’t let that stop you from getting on the water. Hecla is a premier day-trip destination. Just a two-hour drive from Winnipeg, you can be launching the boat by sunrise, enjoy a full day of world-class fishing and grab a great local meal before heading home.

Plan Your Next Getaway

If you missed out on a cabin, room or campsite for opening weekend, remember that the season is just getting started. Use your day trip to scout your favourite shorelines, accommodation options and marina, and lock in your bookings for a future trip. Hecla’s operators and accommodation providers fill up fast because the experience is simply that good.

Explore the Island

For those lucky enough to have secured a stay for the long weekend, make sure you take some time to step off the boat and go beyond the shoreline to explore the rest of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. The island is rich in natural beauty and history.

Gull Harbour Marina - Lighthouse Inn Restaurant
Lakeview Hecla Resort - Seagulls Restaurant & Lounge
Grassy Narrows Marsh Hiking & Cycling Trails
Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park
Photo Credit: George Fischer Photography

The Outfitter Edge

If you want to maximize your chances of landing a monster Greenback (especially if it’s your first time navigating the big waters around Hecla Island) booking an outfitter is a total game-changer.

Lake Winnipeg is affectionately known as “Big Windy” for a reason. Its size and unpredictability can be intimidating for even the most seasoned of boaters.

Here is why tapping into the local expertise of an outfitter makes all the difference:

  • No Boat? No Problem: You don’t need to own a vessel to fish like a pro. Outfitters provide a top-tier, fully equipped boat and skills to handle weather conditions.
  • Ditch the Stress: Forget the hassle of towing, the pressure of the boat launch on a busy long weekend and the worry of navigating unfamiliar areas. You simply show up and step on board.
  • The Masterclass Experience: A day with a guide is a great learning opportunity. You can learn how to read advanced electronics, understand patterns and master specific techniques.
  • Find the “Gold”: These guides spend hundreds of hours on the water and in the area every season. They know exactly where the fish are based on conditions, climate and patterns and can pivot quickly as conditions change, significantly increasing your odds.

Late Ice, Cold Water & Safety

Even if the air temperature feels like summer, Lake Winnipeg is essentially a bowl of ice water right now. While the excitement of the first cast is high, staying safe requires planning and respect for the conditions.

If you are planning to head out this weekend or anytime this season, consider follow these essential guidelines:

  • Non-Negotiables: Cold water shock can happen in an instant, even to the strongest swimmers. Ensure you are wearing a lifejacket or PFD that is appropriate your specific activity and vessel. A proper fit makes all the difference when it comes to your safety.
  • Dress for the Water, Not the Air: The sun may be shining, but the wind coming off the lake remains cold. Layer up with thermal and waterproof gear to stay dry and warm. For a deeper dive into preparation, check out the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s cold water awareness videos, which cover everything from required safety equipment to pre-departure checks.
  • Watch for “Deadheads”: Late ice-out often brings floating logs and debris into areas you don’t expect. Take it slow and keep a sharp eye on the water ahead.
  • Check the Forecast: Lake Winnipeg is notorious for sudden, dramatic shifts in weather. Before heading out (and throughout your day) check reputable marine forecasts. Local resources like the Lake Winnipeg Report
    are invaluable for making condition-related decisions.
  • Trip Planning: Communication is your most important tool. Before you leave the dock ensure someone on land knows your departure time, your intended fishing area and your expected return. Because cell signal can be spotty, always ensure you marine radio is fully charged and on board.

For more tips on staying safe on and around water, visit Lifesaving Society Manitoba and SmartBoater.ca.

A Final Tip for the Weekend

Whether you’re a seasoned local or heading to Hecla for the first time, remember that the “opening day” energy is half the fun. Be patient at the launches, stay safe on the water and enjoy the start of what promises to be a spectacular angling season.

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