Manitoba Master Angler Highlights – July Edition
From the Canadian Shield to prairie rivers, anglers across Manitoba have been reeling in some unforgettable catches this July. Whether it’s a scrappy smallmouth bass, a massive Lake Winnipeg drum, or even a rare Manitoba Muskie, the Manitoba Master Angler program has been buzzing with incredible submissions. In this blog, we’re highlighting some of the most impressive entries of the month — showcasing both the diversity of our fisheries and the anglers who made the most of it.
From longtime badge-chasers to first-timers landing trophy fish, these stories represent just a glimpse into the world-class fishing happening right now across the province.
Walleye
The quintessential Manitoba fish continues to reign supreme as one of the most targeted species across the province. From prairie reservoirs to lakes and winding rivers, anglers have been hooking into impressive walleye all month long. Many of these catches have been submitted to the Manitoba Master Angler Program, showcasing not only the quality of fish but the variety of waters they’re coming from. Here are just a few of the standout entries from July so far!
Trout (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout)
Manitoba is renowned for its well-managed stocked trout fisheries, offering anglers additional fishing opportunities in scenic lakes across the province. From the vibrant rainbow trout to the earthy tones of brown trout, the striking patterns of tiger trout, and the intricate mosaic of brook trout, these species captivate anglers from the moment they first lay eyes on them.
In addition to these carefully maintained stocked lakes, natural populations of brook trout can also be found in select rivers throughout the province. This month’s highlights even included a few remarkable wild specimens, showcasing just how special these waters truly are.
Smallmouth Bass
Some of the most feisty, pound-for-pound hardest fighting fish in Manitoba are smallmouth bass. While found throughout the province, they’re most commonly associated with the rocky lakes and rivers of the Canadian Shield, where they thrive in cool, clear water. In fact, several of Manitoba’s smallmouth bass populations are among the most northerly naturally occurring populations in all of North America.
Summer is an excellent time to target these scrappy fish, as they spread out across various lake structures and respond to a wide range of angling techniques. Their aggressive nature and versatility make them a favorite for anglers of all experience levels. So far this month, many anglers have been lucky enough to hook into Manitoba Master Angler–sized smallmouth — here are just a few highlights so far!
Muskellunge Aka Muskie
Known as the “Fish of 10,000 Casts,” muskellunge — or muskie — are rarely associated with Manitoba waters. However, thanks to a recent fisheries project, a new population has been successfully established in West Watjask Lake, located in the Duck Mountains. Over the past few years, adventurous anglers have made the trek into this lake to target these elusive apex predators — and many have found impressive success.
In Manitoba, a Master Angler muskie measures 31 inches. For anglers who have spent a lifetime chasing just one qualifying catch — or dreaming of earning a coveted Specialist Badge in the Master Angler program — West Watjask has become a game-changer. Some anglers have landed not just one, but five trophy muskies in a single weekend, instantly achieving specialist status for a species long considered nearly unattainable in the province. So far this month, a number of anglers have made the journey and been rewarded — below are just a few of the standout catches.
Freshwater Drum
Freshwater drum might not always get the spotlight, but they’re one of Manitoba’s most underrated sportfish. Native to the province and found in systems like the Red River, Lake Manitoba, and Lake Winnipeg, these powerful bottom-feeders are known for their bulldog fights, surprising longevity, and important ecological role. Often caught while targeting walleye or catfish, drum are a welcome surprise — and for those chasing a Manitoba Master Angler badge, a 24-inch fish puts you on the board. Some even grow to 30 inches and beyond, showcasing just how impressive these fish can be.
Want to learn more? Check out our first Manitoba Species Spotlight blog: Freshwater Drum – The Underrated Heavyweight.
So far this month, many anglers have had the chance to experience just how hard these fish can fight. Whether casting from shore or drifting over soft-bottomed riverbeds, drum have been showing up in a big way across Manitoba. From first-time catches to true Master Angler giants, here are just a few of the standout freshwater drum catches that have been landed recently.
Channel Catfish
Manitoba is proudly home to the Channel Catfish Capital of the World — the stretch of the Red River between Lockport and Selkirk. Each year, thousands of anglers flock to this area to try their hand at landing these massive, hard-fighting fish. Channel cats in this section of the river commonly exceed 36 inches, with some specimens pushing the magical 40-inch mark. Known for their brute strength, they offer an unforgettable battle, all within a family-friendly and highly accessible setting. At times, the action can be fast and furious, with multiple fish caught in a single outing — making it one of the most celebrated fisheries in the province.
But the Red River isn’t the only place where these giants roam. Monster channel catfish are also being caught in other waters, including Lake Winnipeg, where a growing number of anglers are landing trophy-class fish. This month has already seen some incredible catches, including a few standout Lake Winnipeg cats. Below are just a few of these impressive channel cat catches.
Common Carp
Often considered underrated or even dismissed as a “junk fish,” common carp are gaining recognition among Manitoba anglers for what they truly are — massive, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that offer an exciting challenge. Across the province, many fisheries support strong populations of these lakebed behemoths, and more and more anglers are embracing the thrill of targeting them. With refined techniques and growing passion, carp anglers are proving just how rewarding this species can be.
Summer is a prime time to chase these giants. Whether you’re spending a beach day with the rods set or quietly watching from the riverbank, few things match the adrenaline rush of hearing those bells go off and preparing for a powerful battle. Below are just a few highlights from the many incredible carp catches recorded across the province this month.
Other Catches (Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sucker)
In this section, we’re showing some love to a few bonus catches we just couldn’t pass up. Many fisheries across Manitoba support healthy populations of black crappie, yellow perch, and suckers — and the Master Angler program has reflected that all year long. From the Canadian Shield lakes holding aggressive black crappie, to rivers, reservoirs, and lakes teeming with perch, to the sucker populations found in nearly every body of water in the province, anglers have been having a blast targeting these underrated species.
This month alone has already delivered some fantastic catches from each of these categories — and a few of those standout fish are featured below.
Still Time to Make It Count
We’re only halfway through July, and the number of incredible Master Angler catches already submitted shows just how good the fishing has been across the province. From big-water battles to backcountry surprises, anglers have been making memories — and earning badges — in every corner of Manitoba. With plenty of summer still ahead and prime fishing continuing into August, there’s no better time to grab your gear, hit the water, and go after your next trophy.
