Manitoba’s Top Open Water Catches of 2025 - Master Angler Highlights
Manitoba fishing delivered another unforgettable open water season in 2025. Anglers from every corner of the province took advantage of warm weather, great conditions, and outstanding fisheries to create lasting memories on the water. From youth submitting their first Master Angler fish to seasoned trophy hunters accomplishing personal bests, this season had something special for everyone.
Join us as we relive the biggest catches, exciting trends, and standout regional moments from the 2025 Master Angler season so far.
A Provincial Tour of Manitoba’s Biggest Master Angler Catches
This summer delivered some incredible trophy moments across Manitoba, and every region has a giant to claim. From monster predators in the North to big panfish and stocked trout in the Parkland, and all the impressive catches in between, we are taking a tour around the province to see which waters produced the biggest fish of each featured species this open water season. These record-setting Master Anglers show just how diverse and exciting fishing in Manitoba can be, no matter where you launch the boat or cast a line.
North of the 53rd - Manitoba Monsters
The North remains a powerhouse for giant fish in Manitoba. Wild, rugged, and full of heavy hitters. This region proudly holds the crown for the biggest predators, with both Manitoba's largest Pike and Laker of the open water season.
Whether chasing monster pike lurking in remote bays or dropping deep for heavyweight lake trout, anglers exploring the Shield continue to experience some of the most thrilling trophy encounters Manitoba has to offer. A rainbow trout from the backcountry adds the final touch, proving the North’s diversity matches its size.
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Rainbow Trout
Eastern Region - Variety and Size
The Eastern Region delivered a full lineup of crown-winning catches this summer. This area has long been renowned for its classic cottage country environment, crystal-clear waters, towering pines, rocky shorelines, and pristine wilderness.
Once again, the fish proved just as impressive as the scenery this summer. Walleye, bass, and even the top panfish champions of the year came from the east, showing that these accessible and well-loved lakes remain world-class for both serious anglers and families just getting out on the water.
Brown Trout
Largemouth Bass
Walleye
Black Crappie
Yellow Perch
Smallmouth Bass
Parkland and Western Lakes - Stocked Trout and Unique Catches
The Parkland proved once again why it is one of the most unique freshwater fisheries in North America. From world-renowned stocked trout lakes producing giant splake and tiger trout to hidden predator and panfish gems, this part of the province shows off championship-level fishing in every direction. If you want to chase multiple trophies in one road trip, this is the region where anglers check off bucket list species one after another.
Brook Trout
Tiger Trout
Splake
Muskellunge
Sunfish
Central, Interlake, and Red River Corridor - Close to Home Giants
Convenient access and exceptional fishing collided again this year, proving you do not need to travel far to find big, powerful fish. The Central and Interlake region is home to some of the most productive multi-species waters in the entire province, including the famous Red River. It continues to deliver trophy channel catfish and freshwater drum, making every cast a workout. For many anglers, these crown-winning fish are only minutes from home, which is what makes this region such an important part of Manitoba’s fishing identity.
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Drum
Memorable Catches: More than Just Fishing
Family memories on Lake of the Prairies
Jake Tully and the entire Tully family spent a weekend on Lake of the Prairies that they will never forget. Together, they landed an incredible 18 Master Angler common carp, each one putting up the powerful fight that only a carp can deliver. More important than the numbers was the experience, a family sharing laughs, cheering each other on, and spending time outdoors in one of the most scenic settings in western Manitoba. Moments like these show what fishing in Manitoba is all about: strong fish, easy access, and unforgettable memories with the people who matter most.
Downtown Winnipeg Sturgeon
The Red River and accessible fishing go hand in hand, especially in the heart of Winnipeg. Anglers have been finding incredible success right inside the city limits, proving you do not need to travel far to connect with big fish. This past season delivered plenty of memorable catches along the urban stretches of the Red River. One of the most impressive was a massive 48-inch lake sturgeon landed by Corwyn Janicek only a couple of weeks ago, a true example of world-class fishing right in our capital city.
Manitoba Master Angler, By the Numbers
This year has been an exciting one for anglers across Manitoba. From youth achievements to record-sized fish and incredible action on our top lakes and rivers, anglers have made the most of every season on the water. With participation trending slightly ahead of last year, the Master Angler program continues to highlight the world-class fishing opportunities our province is known for. The numbers tell the story, and they show a season filled with unforgettable catches and new anglers joining the adventure every day.
New Anglers Making Their Mark
Youth participation and first-time submissions continue to play an exciting role in the Master Angler program. More than 400 youth entries have been recorded so far this year, showing that Manitoba families are spending more time outdoors and creating lasting memories on the water.
On top of that, 1,388 anglers earned their very first Master Angler pin. From shoreline fishing in our urban centres to remote fly-in adventures in the North, the next generation of anglers is discovering the thrill of landing a trophy fish and proudly joining a growing community of Master Anglers across the province.
Longest Fish of the Summer
The longest overall fish caught across the province this season belongs to Manitoba’s largest freshwater species, the lake sturgeon. These ancient giants continue to amaze anglers on our river systems. A massive 60-inch sturgeon caught and released by Ryan Sabo on the Assiniboine River sits at the top of the list for 2025. Not far behind, anglers such as Zachary Riley and Carson Boyechko have landed incredible fish measuring 58 inches and 55 inches, showcasing trophy potential on both the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.
Two more impressive catches round out the top group, including a 54.25-inch fish by Jay Siemens at Buffalo Point Resort and a 54-inch sturgeon by Josh Scharer on the Red River. Anglers can even watch Jay land his giant in his video filmed at Buffalo Point Resort. These incredible submissions celebrate the thrill of connecting with one of Manitoba’s most iconic species.
Lake sturgeon are protected throughout Manitoba, and all fish must be released immediately with care, allowing these slow-growing giants to continue thriving for generations to come. Fishing for lake sturgeon is also not permitted year-round in the Winnipeg River from Pine Falls Generating Station upstream to the Manitoba-Ontario border, an important management area that supports the long-term recovery of this remarkable freshwater fish.
Month by Month Master Angler Momentum
There have been 18,372 Master Angler entries so far this year from January through October, which is trending slightly ahead of last year’s pace. Anglers remained active throughout the winter months, and participation surged as open water returned.
May led the way with 3,050 entries, followed closely by June, July, and August, which each surpassed 2,500 submissions. March also saw a notable spike as anglers took advantage of late-ice opportunities. These numbers show how Manitoba anglers capitalize on every fishing season throughout the year.
Standout Waters Across Manitoba
Several top waterbodies contributed to driving trophy submissions throughout the open-water season. The Red River led the province with an incredible 4,452 entries, showcasing its reputation for powerful channel catfish and consistent multi-species action close to major urban centres. Lake Winnipeg also delivered strong numbers with 1,120 submissions, especially during the peak greenback periods.
The Northern Region also produced some amazing results. Gunisao Lake recorded 801 Master Angler fish this year, continuing its reputation at Budd’s Gunisao Lake Lodge as one of the premier walleye destinations in North America. Utik Lake at North Haven Resort contributed 149 trophy catches, led by northern pike and lake trout in a pristine fly-in setting.
In the Interlake, West Shoal Lake stood out with 1,118 submissions, fueled by exceptional yellow perch and sucker fishing. Other notable producers included Metigoshe Lake with 909 entries, Whitemud River with 668, and Delta Marsh with 250, each offering unique multi-species angling opportunities across the province.
Five Notable Master Angler Trends From the 2025 Open Water Season
Channel Catfish Dominate Again
The legendary Red River continues to shine. More than three thousand trophy channel cats have already been submitted this year, making them the most entered Master Angler species in Manitoba. From shoreline anglers in Winnipeg to guided adventures downstream, these powerful fish are as popular as ever.
Suckers Surge in Popularity
A spring favourite saw a big jump in entries this season, with more than 1700 Master Anglers recorded. Creek mouths and river systems across the province produced steady action, showing that Manitoba anglers love targeting every species the water has to offer.
A Strong Bounce Back for Walleye
After a slight dip in 2024, walleye returned to the 2,000+ range in 2025. From southern greenback hotspots to sprawling northern shield lakes, this year reminded us why Manitoba is known for world-class walleye fishing.
Panfish Continue to Power the Program
Crappie and sunfish remain among the top submitted species, driven by their easy access and great family fishing opportunities across stocked lakes and warm-water systems. These fish are a perfect gateway for new anglers and youth chasing their first Master Angler badge.
Yellow Perch on the Rise
Yellow perch have quietly become one of the most exciting trends of the year. With entries more than doubling since 2023, this species is gaining momentum through both ice fishing on West Shoal Lake and open water action in key regions.
See You on the Hardwater
As we wrap up an incredible open water season, anticipation is already building for what comes next. Ice anglers across the province are gearing up for frozen-water adventures and chasing even more Master Angler moments.
The excitement kicks off at the Winnipeg Ice Fishing Show, taking place November 9 and 10 at Red River Exhibition Place. Stop by the Hunt Fish Manitoba booth to meet the team, talk fishing, and get fired up for the season ahead. The Ice Fishing Show will also be hosting a live viewing of Jay Siemens’ Season 3 Episode 1 of "The Outpost", giving fans a special first look at the next chapter of this popular fishing series. The complete launch of the season follows on November 18 on Jay's YouTube Channel, so there is plenty to look forward to, both online and on the ice.
Whether you are planning a bucket-list adventure with your buddies or drilling holes close to home, Manitoba has the trophy potential to make your next catch one to remember. Bundle up, pack the auger, and join the growing community of anglers committed to turning their hardwater dreams into Master Angler reality.
Your next Master Angler fish might be only one drop away.
To Learn more about the Manitoba Master Angler Program, visit our page Manitoba Master Angler Program
More Incredible Manitoba Master Angler Highlights
End of Summer Master Angler Highlights: Manitoba’s Best Catches
30 Species 30 Legendary Catches Celebrating 65 Years of the Manitoba Master Angler Program
Manitoba Master Angler Highlights – July Edition
Manitoba Master Angler Highlights: Trophy Catches from Across Manitoba
Kicking Off the Season Right: Master Angler Catches from the Start of Manitoba’s Open Water Season
