Species to Catch at Manitoba Fly-in Fishing Lodges

Manitoba’s fly-in fishing Lodge offers some of the most diverse multi-species fly-in fishing options on the planet.

From the Canadian staples of golden walleyes and trophy pike, the eastern regions’ smallmouth bass, to the northern specialties of lake trout, grayling and brookies. The trophy-angling options are really endless in this choose-your-own journey reality.

In this, we will go through our Manitoban fly-in fishing species staples, where to find them, and how to catch them – To help you make your decision on which fly-in fishing adventure to set the hook on this summer!

Northern Pike

The Northern pike is the ultimate predator that resides in Manitoba waters. They are famed for their aggression towards lures and the gargantuan proportions they can grow to.

Home to 60-inch giants, Manitoba is known as one of the most desired northern pike fly-in fishing destinations world-wide. “King of the North” is a familiar title that arguably labels Manitoba’s most popular sport fish, whose annual audience consists of thousands of ardent anglers that pursue this aggressive predator. The chance to hook one of these monsters is an alluring occasion that will ultimately test your patience, skill and your steel leader.

Big northerns are commonly caught throughout Manitoba, but the remote fly-in lakes and rivers of the Northern and Eastern Region are the undeniable champions of gigantic pike. This vast landscape offers countless opportunities for the trophy pike enthusiast, with various fisheries consistently producing 50-inch-plus specimens. Welcome to the big leagues!

Angling opportunities for northern pike are popular all summer long at fly-in fishing operators from May to September. They are often caught with spoons, crankbaits and swimbaits. Trophy anglers will often use large baits to weed out the smaller ones and better their odds at a Master Angler catch. Get the all-time Northern Pike records from our Master Angler records database

Some amazing fly-in Fishing Lodges for Monster Northern Pike include:

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current 2023 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Walleye

Recognized as Manitoba’s official provincial fish, the walleye is the most sought-after species within our provincial boundaries. Actively pursued for its unrivalled eating qualities, the walleye is equally favoured for its potential size, presence in numbers and consistent action. Home to many of the top-producing walleye fisheries in North America, Manitoba is a preferred destination for thousands of die-hard walleye anglers visiting our province annually.

Giant walleyes are the norm to Manitoba fly-in fishing destinations, whether your choose to fish in the Northern or Eastern Regions hundreds of fish exceeding 28 inches are caught and released every season!

Angling opportunities for walleye are available all summer long at fly-in fishing operators. Popular methods used to catch walleye include a standard jig and a minnow or jig and a swimbait presentation, Jigging Raps, and crankbaits. Get the Manitoba all-time walleye records from our Master Angler records database.

Some amazing fly-in Fishing Lodges for fast-paced trophy walleye fishing include:

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current 2023 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Lake Trout

“Land of the Giants”, the earned alias of Manitoba’s famed Northern Region, is host to several of Canada’s most coveted lake trout fisheries. These deep-water moguls persuade immeasurable numbers of loyal trout anglers to actively pursue their infinite opportunities and legendary dimensions. Hooking into one of Manitoba’s largest predators is an experience unlike any other. It’s a demanding occasion that will undoubtedly test the strength of your tackle and your ability to overcome adversity.

Giant lakers are an impressive challenge, with weights that surpass large rocks, speed that rivals a rocket and endurance that would only be matched at a marathon, they offer little weakness to take advantage of and the capability to “end the show” at a moment’s notice. There is nothing small about the lake trout, big hits, big runs and big battles are the norm!

Manitoba’s lake trout have set an example for being one of the most attainable “big game” angling experiences available. Big trout are commonly caught throughout the Northern Region and are successfully targeted at a variety of our world-class fly-in fishing destinations. Chances at 40-inch plus brutes are extremely common and the potential to land that 50-inch monster is always a possibility!

Angling opportunities at fly-in destinations for lake trout are popular during the open water months of May, June, July, September and October. Anglers will most commonly use white or chartreuse tube jigs, rattle baits, and large dead bait presentations to target these behemoths of the depths. Get the all-time Lake Trout records information from our Master Angler records database.

Some amazing fly-in Fishing Lodges to target these giant lakers include:

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current 2023 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Brook Trout

Recognized as the original monarch of many Hudson Bay tributaries, the brook trout is the most widely spread trout species within Manitoba. Most well known for naturally inhabiting the legendary rivers of the Northern Region that only fly-in fishing Lodges can access. Brook trout are a formidable opponent on the best of days. The brookie is famously notorious for its bulldog battles, spectacular colours and an awkward tendency to grow to football dimensions.

When comparing the “best of” brook trout destinations, Manitoba offers some of the best opportunities on the planet! Venture to the exotic fly-in rivers of our northern frontier and you will discover some of the finest blue-ribbon trout waters imaginable. These waters contain ripe opportunities for both resident and sea-run populations.

Whether you choose to use conventional methods or fly fishing, Manitoba has world-class brook trout opportunities in spades. All of which could put you in serious contention for a 28-inch plus monster! Angling opportunities for brook trout are popular during the open water months of May to October. Get the Manitoba all-time Brook Trout records from our Master Angler records database.

Some amazing fly-in Fishing Lodges that have these gorgeous brook trout include:

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current 2023 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Arctic Grayling

The “Sailfish of the North”. Highly treasured for its aggressive action, aerial abilities, and mesmerizing colors, the Arctic grayling is undoubtedly one of Manitoba’s most admired sub-Arctic icons. The grayling is a remarkable species, it liberally inhabits countless rivers and lakes in the far reaches of the Northern Region on accessible from Fly-in Fishing Lodges and is widely recognized for offering one of the most rewarding light tackle or fly fishing experiences available.

Casting into a pool with an observed congregation of huge grayling is a sight that is rarely comparable. Multiple casts can be entertained by impressive quantities of marauding marvels that will kindly smash your fly or spinner with reckless abandon. It’s an encounter that’s unique to Manitoba’s north and one that will reliably offer attainable opportunities at 20 inch plus giants! Angling opportunities for Arctic graylings are popular during the open water months of May to September. Get the Manitoba all-time Arctic grayling records from our Master Angler records database.

Some amazing fly-in Fishing Lodges that offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience include:

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current

2023 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (aka, Bronzebacks) has exploded to celebrity status on Manitoba’s angling scene. These solid, hard-hitting favorites that often rival the spirit of fish twice their size, have received a standing ovation from hardcore bass anglers abroad. Our numerous smallmouth fisheries have set an impressive example for size, quantity and variety and continue to produce appealing experiences throughout our various regions. However, there are only a couple of specialty fly-in fishing operators that offer this exciting species in the seclusion of an off-the-grid camp.

Manitoba’s bronze behemoths are renowned in the Eastern Region of the province and that is exactly where these lodges reside. In these remote fly-in waters, giant smallies are abundant and are continually exceeding expectations, with many surpassing 19 inches and benchmarks reaching 22 inches! Angling opportunities for smallmouth bass are popular from May to October. Anglers use a wide variety of lures to target these Canadian Shield-dwelling footballs including; tube jigs, spinner baits, crankbaits and more! Get the all-time Smallmouth Bass records from our Master Angler records database.