Learn From the Pros, Top Master Angler Species to Target This Winter

For anglers chasing a new Manitoba Master Angler award, winter offers some of the best opportunities of the year. From trophy greenback walleye to giant lake trout and record-class stocked trout, the ice season checks a lot of boxes for serious anglers willing to put in the time.

Instead of focusing on general ice fishing advice, this guide is organized by species. Each section highlights proven Master Angler targets and pairs them with videos from the pros that show real-world tactics, locations, and on-ice decisions that help anglers fish more effectively. Featuring content from influencers like Jay Siemens, Clayton Schick, Aaron Wiebe, and Jason Mitchell, the goal is to give anglers practical insight they can apply directly on the ice as they work toward their own winter fishing goals.

Watch, Learn, and Apply on the Ice

Whether your goal is a first Manitoba Master Angler award or adding a new species to your list, the sections below combine proven ice fishing opportunities with videos that show how experienced anglers make it happen.

Walleye, Chasing Greenbacks and Trophy Fish

Walleye remain one of the most sought-after Master Angler species in Manitoba, especially during the ice season. From ultra-shallow patterns on Lake Manitoba to deep basin greenbacks on Lake Winnipeg, winter walleyes reward anglers who understand movement, light conditions, and structure.

The videos below highlight a range of approaches, from exploring new water to refining techniques on well-known trophy fisheries.

Exploring New Waters for Greenback Walleye - Hecla Island - Jay Siemens Vlog

Ice Fishing Lake Winnipeg, 5 Tips for New Anglers - Clayton Schick Outdoors

The Grind for Greenbacks - Lake Winnipeg - Jason Mitchell Outdoors

Ultra Shallow Walleye on Ice - Lake Manitoba - Jay Siemens Vlog

Ice Fishing Walleye with Underwater Camera! (Top 5 Lures) - Lake of The Prairies - Clayton Schick Outdoors

Many of Manitoba’s largest walleye are caught through the ice, and the videos above break down exactly how anglers consistently find them. By learning how experienced anglers manage depth control, recognize key bite windows, and stay mobile when fish shift, you can apply those same approaches on the ice and significantly improve your chances of landing a qualifying walleye.

Lake Trout, Northern Giants Through the Ice

Lake trout are one of the most iconic Master Angler species, and winter is when anglers have the best chance to connect with truly massive fish. Northern Manitoba lakes like the ones in "The Lake Trout Triangle" consistently produce trophy-class trout, and modern electronics have added a new layer to the pursuit.

The videos below showcase both the grind and the payoff, from underwater footage to last-minute hook-ups that define lake trout fishing.

Giant Lake Trout of the North - Bakers Narrows Lodge - Jay Siemens Vlog

Big Lake Trout in Northern Manitoba - Bakers Narrows Lodge - Clayton Schick Outdoors

Big Lake Trout Redemption, Manitoba Northern Region - Evergreen Lodge and Resort - Uncut Angling

Ice Fishing Giant Lake Trout - Bakers Narrows Lodge - Jason Mitchell Outdoors

Additional Videos:
- The Ultimate Lake Trout Ice Fishing Tour, Part 1 & The Ultimate Lake Trout Ice Fishing Tour, Part 2

Patience and precision are at the core of successful lake trout fishing, and the videos above show exactly why. By watching how anglers track fish on sonar, adjust jig cadence based on real-time reactions, and commit to long sessions on productive water, you can apply those same techniques and turn a slow day into a legitimate Master Angler opportunity.

Northern Pike, Ice Season Giants

Northern pike are aggressive, unpredictable, and capable of explosive moments under the ice. Manitoba’s pike fisheries continue to produce massive fish each winter, especially on large systems and remote waters.

The videos below highlight everything from heart-stopping strikes to big water strategies that consistently produce trophy pike.

Giants of Lake Winnipeg - Jay Siemens Vlog

Northern Manitoba Ice Fishing for Big PIKE!! - Viking Lodge - Clayton Schick Outdoors

Fishing for a Giant Pike - Wekusko Falls Lodge - Jay Siemens Vlog

Sometimes you just get LUCKY while Ice Fishing! - Lake of the Prairies - Clayton Schick Outdoors

The videos above highlight how targeting northern pike with large baits, strong leaders, and intentional hole placement near structure and travel corridors leads to consistent encounters with big fish. Learning from how these anglers position themselves and set up on the ice can greatly improve your chances of connecting with a qualifying northern pike.

Stocked Trout, Fast Action and Record Fish

Stocked trout fisheries offer some of the most exciting and accessible Master Angler opportunities in winter. Many lakes produce large numbers of rainbow trout, tiger trout, brown trout, and brook trout, and underwater footage shows just how aggressive these fish can be.

The videos below capture the chaos, speed, and precision needed to capitalize on short feeding windows.

Sight Fishing For A Manitoba Master Angler - Childs Lake Lodge - Jay Siemens Vlog

3 Personal Bests in 15 Minutes - Footprint Lake - Jay Siemens Vlog

Hectic Rainbow Trout Double - Barbe Lake - Uncut Angling

Ice Fishing for Giant Rainbow Trout - Wekusko Falls Lodge - Clayton Schick Outdoors

We Broke the Lake Record - Viking Lodge - Jay Siemens Vlog

The videos above showcase just how fast-paced and visual Manitoba’s stocked trout fisheries can be. By watching how anglers react quickly to aggressive strikes, use hook setting devices like jaw jackers to cover more water, and adjust based on trout behaviour under the ice, you can turn short feeding windows into a chance at multiple Master Angler-calibre opportunities in a single outing.

Yellow Perch, Prairie Giants and Feeding Frenzies

Yellow perch are often overlooked, but the majority of Manitoba’s Master Angler perch are caught through the ice during winter. Shallow prairie lakes and potholes consistently produce jumbo fish, and when conditions align, ice fishing can deliver exceptional perch action.

These videos show just how intense perch fishing can be, especially when schools move in, and competition kicks off

The Best Perch Ice Fishing I’ve Ever Seen - West Shoal Lake - Jay Siemens

Shallow Prairie Pothole Perch, Feeding Frenzy on the Underwater Camera - Jay Siemens Vlog

Ice Fishing for Giant Perch, Best Day Ever - West Shoal Lake - Clayton Schick Outdoors

3 Perch Challenge, Ice Fishing Competition - West Shoal Lake - Jay Siemens Vlog

The videos above show how paying close attention to school movement, bottom composition, and the right lures and techniques can make or break ice fishing for perch. By learning how anglers recognize when schools move in and adjust quickly, you can capitalize on brief feeding opportunities before the fish slide away.

Turning Knowledge Into a Master Angler Moment

These videos are more than entertainment. They show real decisions, real adjustments, and real outcomes on Manitoba waters. Pairing influencer insights with proven Master Angler fisheries gives anglers a clear roadmap for success this winter.

Watch the videos, study the patterns, and apply what you learn on the ice. Your next Master Angler submission could be one bite away.

Author

Keevin Erickson | Hunt Fish Consultant

Keevin Is a passionate hunter and angler with a love for filming, photography, and writing. Watch for his blogs where he'll share his tips, techniques and stories as he explores the province.

Visit Website