Angler Michael Klatt with a 73.66 cm / 29.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Manitoba March "Madness" Ice Fishing Report

The final weeks throughout March, known as “March Madness” brought vast ice fishing opportunities to anglers from near and far looking to capitalize on some of the most anticipated bites across Manitoba.

Manitoba March "Madness" Ice Fishing Report

March has already come and gone, with it brought the beginning of spring and the final weeks of ice fishing. Although mother nature has been kind to us so far in the extended April season here in the Southern Division, and the awesome late ice opportunities of the north. Unfortunately for some, the days to get out on the ice have truly become numbered. However, the final weeks throughout March, known as “March Madness” brought vast ice fishing opportunities to anglers from near and far looking to capitalize on some of the most anticipated bites across Manitoba. Here are some of the amazing catches this past month!

Angler Michael Klatt with a 73.66 cm / 29.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

March Madness Greenbacks

You may have heard stories of the incredible fishing on Lake Winnipeg during March, like a nonstop action-packed walleye bite in only five feet of water, or several master angler walleyes in a frantic school of aggressive walleyes. Well, these stories are just some of many memorable experience's anglers have during these final weeks of the season.

Angler Michael Prince with a 71.12 cm / 28.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

During the last few weeks of March, anglers have been hammering huge walleyes across the south basin of Lake Winnipeg. The below-seasonal temperatures hadn't done much to melt the snow across the lake, however, the snow conditions continued to allow for either vehicle or tracked travel.

With the walleye season officially closing on Monday, April 3rd, here are some more beautiful emerald greenbacks - finishing off another incredible hard-water season on Lake Winnipeg!

Angler Nolan Plew with a 76.20 cm / 30.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Angler Brian Kehler with a 76.71 cm / 30.20 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Angler Michael Klatt with a 73.66 cm / 29.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Angler Cole Goolcharan with a 78.23cm / 30.80 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Angler Nolan Plew with a 76.20 cm / 30.00 in. walleye from Lake Winnipeg

Crazy Burbot Action

Anglers at popular burbot destinations such as Moak Lodge on Cedar Lake have been hammering master angler burbot the last few weeks. This bite window through mid to late March provides the best opportunity to target these otherwise elusive fish that generally spend the remainder of the year lurking in the depths of the lake.

A variety of popular drive-to destinations provide access and nearby accommodations to target these unique drag-peeling Mariah such as Cedar Lake, Reed Lake and Athapapuskow Lake.

Angler Donna-Lee Bean with a 88.60 cm / 34.88 in. burbot from Cedar Lake

Angler Nathan Olson with a 76.96 cm / 30.30 in. burbot from Cedar Lake

Trophy Lake Trout

You may have heard the old saying of pictures speak louder than words. That is certainly the case this month with the amount of amazing trophy lake trout caught in the last few weeks.

Anglers have been hammering trophy lake trout across Clearwater Lake at Evergreen Resort and Lake Athapapuskow at Bakers Narrows Lodge recently, with several weeks of phenomenal hardwater fishing in the Northern region remaining for those looking to take advantage of this hot bite!

Angler Joe Ronken with a 114.30 cm / 45.00 in. lake trout from Athapapuskow Lake

Angler Jonathan McMorris with a 102.11 cm / 40.20 in. lake trout from Clearwater Lake

Story From The Reader – No Ordinary Lake Trout

On a recent trip to the waters of Athapapuskow Lake, angler Sarah Henuset hooked into a giant 38-inch lake trout that ate a dead bait.

“What made this lake trout unique was that it was tagged, which is extra rare on such a big lake. I am currently waiting on hearing back from fisheries with more information about the tag. The guides and everyone at the outfitter had never seen a tagged lake trout, so this was a first for them. My husband and I stayed at Bakers Narrows lodge which is famous for catching monster lakers and has currently been the ‘hot spot’ to fish in Manitoba.” she said.

Angler Sarah Henuset with a 96.52 cm / 38.00 in. tagged lake trout from Athapapuskow Lake

Fishing for Science

Soon after, fisheries responded with some very interesting information:

Hi Sarah, thank you for your report this morning. Here is a quick summary of your fish from the initial capture data. Attached is the location of the initial capture and recapture which can be opened on google earth.

− Captured October 6th 2020; 12:51 pm
− Initial weight - 10.23kg (22.5 lbs)
− Fork Length- 870mm (34.25")
− Total Length- 954mm (37.56")
− Identified as a male
− Recaptured at 38"

You caught this fish roughly 14 km from its initial capture site. Interestingly, this fish has shed its radio tag. This is the first reported recapture from this program! Thanks for the information! If you are willing to share your mailing information we have a tagged fish collector patch we can send you!

Initial lake trout tagging location and re-capture location

In just over two years, this lake trout had only grown half an inch! This fascinating story shared by Sarah shows the slow growth of lake trout and the true age of some of these trophy lake trout that roam these northern waters.

“On the second day, I marked around 30 fish with my Master Lake Trout coming in as the 10th catch of the day. What a phenomenal way to end the day! Remarkable fish and awesome release footage to capture the memory. Was definitely the fishing trip of a lifetime!” - Sarah Henuset

A Look Into April – Angling Regulation Changes

In previous years, April would mark the general angling closure in the Southern division followed by the Northern divisions. However, this year beginning April 1st, new regulations come into effect which amongst other changes, allow year-round angling for certain species giving anglers incredible new opportunities to continue angling into April, especially those looking to get on the ice on a late spring like this year. Some species like walleye will continue to have a closure to protect the world-class fishery we have here in Manitoba during the spawning period. For more information on the new changes and species seasons, check out the 2023 Anglers guide. (https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fis...)