Last Tracks on the Ice: Manitoba’s Ice Fishing Season Recap & What’s Next

Reflecting on Another Incredible Ice Fishing Season in Manitoba

As the ice fishing season winds down across much of Manitoba, we look back on the months that were. What began with a slow freeze-up eventually saw many lakes develop three to even four feet of ice, creating excellent conditions across much of the province. While winter brought its fair share of extreme cold and high winds, there were also stretches of beautiful weather that allowed anglers to get out and enjoy incredible ice fishing adventures. From trophy Master Angler catches to unforgettable northern getaways, this season was one to remember. In this recap, we’ll revisit the highlights of the ice fishing season, explore ways to extend your season in the north through April, and look ahead to the upcoming open-water fishing and hunting opportunities as warmer weather approaches.

A Season of Trophy Catches: Highlights from the Master Angler Program

As we dive into the Master Angler record books, it’s clear that anglers from near and far made the most of Manitoba’s ice fishing season. Thousands travelled across the province, landing incredible trophy fish of all species. In the next few sections, we’ll highlight some of the season’s most impressive catches and the lakes that continue to produce giants.

Chasing Giants: The Legendary Greenback Walleye of Lake Winnipeg

First up is walleye, and it’s no surprise that some of the biggest catches this season came from the legendary Greenback walleye fishery on Lake Winnipeg. Every year, thousands of anglers flock to these waters in pursuit of these emerald-coloured giants, and this winter was no exception. Check out some of the incredible Greenbacks reeled in by lucky anglers this season!

Lake of the Prairies Steals the Show for Monster Pike

Next up is Northern Pike. While Manitoba’s renowned trophy pike waters are typically found north of the 53rd parallel—and with the northern season running through April, we expect to see more giants from the north in the coming weeks—one lake to the south however has been stealing the spotlight this winter. Lake of the Prairies, located in the Parkland region and well south of Manitoba’s famed big pike hotspots, has dominated the Master Angler record books. An incredible 9 of the 10 biggest pike caught so far this ice fishing season have come from this picturesque body of water. Take a look at these unbelievable catches from LOTP!

48" Monster Northern Pike caught by Clay Marzoff

46.25" Lake of the Prairies Caught by Carter Lepla

Trophy Lake Trout: The Giants of the North

Now, we head to the north to talk about lake trout! When it comes to trophy trout in Northern Manitoba, we’re often referring to the big five drive-to lakes: Clearwater Lake, Reed Lake, Lake Athapapuskow, Cranberry Lakes, and Kississing Lake. This winter, just as in recent seasons, many of the biggest lake trout have been coming from Athapapuskow. Take a look below at these jaw-dropping catches and see the sheer size of these monster fish!

45" Monster Lake Trout Caught by Kyle Erickson on Lake Athapapuskow

42.5" Athapap tank caught by Eric Ohnander

Jumbo Perch: Oak Lake and the Shoal Lakes

Now, let’s talk yellow perch! It’s no secret that some of the best perch fishing in Manitoba comes from Oak Lake and the Interlake’s Shoal Lakes. This winter, anglers at both locations have been landing some absolute football-sized perch, with West Shoal Lake producing incredible 15-inch giants for a few lucky anglers. Keep scrolling to check out these awesome catches!

Finley smith with a huge 15" Yellow Perch

15" Yellow Perch caught by April Willis in West Shoal Lake

Stocked Trout Hotspots: Big Browns, Rainbows, Tigers, and Brookies

Manitoba offers some truly incredible stocked trout fishing opportunities, with trophy-sized brown trout, rainbow trout, tiger trout, and even some massive brook trout. Each winter, trout enthusiasts take full advantage of these accessible fisheries, enjoying high-action, exciting ice fishing for these monster trout. Check out some of the biggest catches of each species from this season below!

20" brook Trout caught by Julia Tully in Barbe Lake

Jonathan McMorris Caught this 25.5" Rainbow Trout in Barbe Lake

25" Rainbow Trout Caught by Eric Niblock in Barbe Lake

Adrian Aaron Hrabarchuk 26.5" Twin Lake Tiger Trout

23" Brown Trout Caught in Bower Lake by Evan McGorman

Big Slabs: Manitoba’s Eastern Region Produces More Trophy Crappies

The last species we’re highlighting is black crappie. Manitoba’s Eastern Region has become a hotspot for massive Master Angler-sized crappies, and this season was no exception. These fish have expanded across many lakes throughout Whiteshell Provincial Park, giving anglers even more opportunities to target them in this stunning Canadian Shield landscape. Check out a few of the incredible catches from this winter below!

Kiley Fender was fishing in Brereton Lake and caught this 15.75" Massive Black Crappie

15.35" Black Crappie Caught by Sydney Law in Brereton Lake

Lodges & Outfitters: Delivering Unforgettable Ice Fishing Experiences

Across Manitoba’s snow-covered landscape this past winter, many of our world-class ice fishing lodges and outfitters worked tirelessly to deliver top-tier experiences for their guests. From the storied waters of the Northern Region and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield in the east, to the legendary ice of Lake Winnipeg, anglers enjoyed unforgettable adventures across the province. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from a few of these incredible operators.

Lake Winnipeg Outfitters: Chasing Greenbacks in Style

Lake Winnipeg is home to a number of incredible ice fishing outfitters, all with one goal in mind—getting their guests on giant, Master Angler greenback walleyes. What sets each of these operations apart is the unique experience they offer.

Take Briun Outfitting, for example. Known for their hardcore run-and-gun trips, they provide all the gear and keep anglers mobile—hole hopping and staying on active fish. Recently, they expanded their offerings by acquiring Icebound Excursions, giving guests the option to slow things down and enjoy a day of fishing from the comfort of a SnoBear.

In the comfort of a Snobear or run and gun Bruin Outfitting has you covered for giant greenbacks!

Then there’s Blackwater Cats, whose professional team of guides relentlessly canvas the lake in search of the next hot bite, ensuring each guest has the best shot at landing a
trophy greenback.

Blackwater Cats Outfitting has been on the Trophy greenbacks all year long!

And let’s not forget about Gaune Fishin' and Kannuk Outfitters, who combine comfort and opportunity by offering luxurious RV-style fish houses while still providing mobile, run-and-gun options for guests who want to stay on the move.

From run and gunning with NHL stars to trophy catches in Comfort, Gaune Fishin' has been doing it all!

Kannuk Outfitters is no stranger to giant walleyes and this season has been no different, with a fleet of Ice Castles and run and gun adventures, they have got you covered

Northern Manitoba Lodges: World-Class Ice Fishing Adventures

Northern Manitoba is widely recognized as one of the best ice fishing destinations on the planet. With opportunities to target supersized lake trout, monster northern pike, massive burbot, whitefish, stocked trout, and endless schools of hungry walleye, it’s no wonder thousands of anglers make the journey north each winter. Home to a collection of prestigious lodges, the region offers easy access to some of Manitoba’s most productive and remote fisheries—delivering the catch of a lifetime, time and time again. Let’s take a look at a few standout operators and the unforgettable experiences they provided this season.

Wekusko Falls Lodge
Beautifully situated along a scenic waterfall on the Grass River between Wekusko Lake and Tramping Lake, Wekusko Falls Lodge offers access to a range of incredible fisheries. Guests this winter found hot bites for trophy northern pike and lake trout on Reed Lake, productive walleye fishing on Wekusko and surrounding waters, and even stocked trout action on nearby lakes.

Wekusko Falls Lodge never fails to find the trophies!

Viking Lodge
Located in Cranberry Portage on the shores of First Cranberry Lake, Viking Lodge gives anglers access to a multispecies paradise. Fish the Cranberry Lakes, the legendary big trout waters of Lake Athapapuskow, nearby Simonhouse Lake, or a variety of scenic backcountry options. Whether you’re targeting walleye, northern pike, lake trout, burbot, perch, whitefish, or stocked trout, Viking Lodge has it all—making it a true hub for hardwater adventure.

Viking Lodge and thier team of guides know how to make dreams a reality!

Bakers Narrows Lodge
Just outside the town of Flin Flon, Bakers Narrows Lodge is located on the shores of Little Athapapuskow Lake near the famed “Bakers Narrows.” This outfitter offers everything from DIY adventures to fully catered packages with meals, guides, transportation, and gear. Known for producing supersized lake trout on Lake Athapapuskow, Bakers also delivers fantastic multi-species ice fishing for northern pike, walleye, burbot, and more.

Giant Lakers are what trhye are known for, and giant lakers is what Bakers Narrows Lodge Delivers

These northern gems continue to set the standard for unforgettable ice fishing experiences in Manitoba.

Extend Your Season: Ice Fishing Adventures into Late April-

An added bonus of these northern fishing lodges is the opportunity to extend your ice fishing season beyond the April 6 closures in Manitoba’s southern regions. While the ice may start to melt farther south, the northern fisheries remain frozen solid and fishable well into the month.

With the general ice fishing season in the north staying open until the end of April, it’s the perfect chance to keep the adventure going. Whether you’re chasing giant lake trout, burbot, or pike through the ice, or simply looking to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Shield one more time before spring arrives, these northern destinations offer an unforgettable way to cap off your hardwater season. Pack your gear, make the drive, and enjoy the extended season while chasing the fish of your dreams.

Spring Transitions: Making the Most of the Shoulder Season in Manitoba

Drill a few final Holes

As the warmer weather approaches and signs of spring begin to show, Manitoba offers a variety of unique outdoor opportunities that make this time of year truly special. While the general ice fishing season in the southern region closes for species like walleye on April 6, that doesn’t mean your hardwater adventures have to end just yet. Anglers can still take advantage of late-season opportunities for species that remain open year-round, including yellow perch, northern pike, and stocked trout. If ice conditions allow, it’s the perfect time for one last hurrah—drill a few final holes, set the hook, and soak in the last moments of winter fishing. Just remember: late-season ice can change quickly, so always carry your safety gear, check conditions regularly, and never venture out alone.

Shed Hunting

As the ice finally fades, spring invites you into the woods for another rewarding activity—shed hunting. Searching for antlers recently dropped by Manitoba’s deer, elk, and moose is not only a great way to get moving after a long winter, but also a satisfying challenge. A successful shed hunt can result in some beautiful natural decor and a deeper connection to the land.

Black Bear Hunting

By late April, another exciting season begins: spring black bear hunting. There’s something truly peaceful about sitting in a tree stand, surrounded by the awakening wilderness, watching black bears interact as the forest comes back to life. It’s a unique and immersive experience, and it offers the chance to harvest lean, nutritious wild meat for the freezer—perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Open Water Fishing

Then, as mid-May arrives, the open-water angling season officially reopens across the province. Walleye season kicks off in a big way, with anglers returning to hotspots like Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba, Lac du Bonnet, Lake of the Prairies, and Pelican Lake to chase those first trophy catches of the year. It’s the start of another exciting chapter for anglers in Manitoba—and it all begins with the energy and promise of spring.

Kieran Penner with a 32" Master Angler Greenback Walleye on Lake Winnipeg

Closing the Season: Looking Back and Moving Forward

As another incredible ice fishing season comes to a close, we’re left with frozen memories, unforgettable trophy catches, and the stories that will be shared for years to come. From the windswept expanse of Lake Winnipeg to the remote backcountry lakes of the north, anglers from all over came together to experience the magic of hardwater fishing in Manitoba. Whether you were chasing greenbacks, jumbo perch, lake trout, or black crappies, this winter offered something special for everyone. And while the ice may be fading, the spirit of adventure lives on. With shed hunting, spring bear season, and the highly anticipated opening of the angling season just around the corner, there’s no shortage of ways to stay connected to the outdoors. Here’s to one last set on the ice—and to the excitement of the seasons still to come.