Spring A-to-Z: Your Ultimate Guide to Drive-To Fishing in Manitoba

Another cycle of the seasons has come and gone. The once snow- and ice-covered waters across Manitoba are soaking up the spring heat, rapidly breaking free and setting the stage for another exciting open water fishing season. Manitoba stands as a top-tier destination for spring fishing adventures—when the ice melts and the water warms, the fishing action fires up across the entire province.

From out-of-this-world walleye opportunities to incredible stocked trout fisheries, world-class smallmouth bass action in the eastern regions, and trophy northern pike and lake trout fishing in the north, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly drive-to getaway or a more rugged adventure, buckle in as we cover the A-to-Z of Manitoba’s spring open water fishing opportunities.

Quick Overview – Spring Fishing in Manitoba

Spring in Manitoba is a season full of energy, fresh starts, and some of the hottest fishing opportunities of the year. As the last sheets of ice melt away, anglers of all skill levels have the chance to experience the thrill of the open water bite.

Focus Species:

  • Spring is prime time for chasing walleye—the true star of early-season fishing. Bonus opportunities for smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, and stocked trout across the province mean there’s always a line to cast and a trophy waiting.

Drive-To Fishing:
  • Easy-access, drive-to destinations make it simple to plan a quick weekend trip or family getaway. Whether it’s a full-day outing at a local hotspot or a cozy overnight trip at a drive-to lodge, spring is the perfect time to hit the road and hit the water.

Important Reminder:

  • Always review the latest fishing regulations before heading out. Spring comes with season closures, slot limits, and waterbody-specific rules you need to follow.
  • Refer to the Manitoba Anglers Guide, especially pages 18, 21, 22, and 23, for key water body-specific regulations.

Season Opening Dates You Need to Know

Before you hit the water this spring, make sure you’re up to speed on Manitoba’s seasonal fishing closures and opening dates. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

  • Southern Division:
    • Walleye and sauger fishing is closed from April 7 to May 9, 2025.
    • The season reopens May 10, 2025.
  • Lake Winnipeg:
    • Walleye and sauger fishing is closed from April 7 to May 16, 2025.
  • Red River (Lockport Dam to Lake Winnipeg, including tributaries upstream to Highway 9 and Highway 59):
    • Closed to all fishing from April 7 to May 9, 2025.
  • Northwest and North Central Divisions:
    • Walleye fishing opens May 17, 2025.

* Reminder: Always double-check the Manitoba Anglers Guide for waterbody-specific regulations and any updates before planning your trip.

Spring Fishing in Manitoba: Walleye

As the season opens, walleye are either wrapping up or still in the midst of their spring spawning rituals. This is one of the best times of year to target them, as they are hungry and actively searching for their next meal.

During the early season, look for walleye in shallow water areas or near zones with steady current. These high-oxygen areas are prime spots for feeding after the energy demands of spawning.


Common lures to catch spring walleye include:

  • Classic jig and minnow combinations
  • Jigging and casting spoons
  • Bottom bouncers rigged with spinners
  • Lipped and lipless rattle baits

Tip: Depending on the current, depth, and the mood of the fish, it’s important to experiment with different sizes and colors of these presentations to dial in what they’re responding to best.

Conservation Note:

  • If you encounter fish that are still actively spawning—such as those releasing eggs or milt—it’s important to handle them carefully and release them immediately. Protecting spawning fish helps ensure a healthy, sustainable fishery for the future.

Spring Fishing in Manitoba: Northern Pike

Spring is one of the best times of the year to chase big northern pike. As the ice recedes, pike move into shallow bays, river mouths, and marshy areas to spawn and feed aggressively.

Early in the season, focus on shallow, weedy back bays and areas with warmer water. These spots attract pike looking to recover from the rigors of spawning, making them prime targets for anglers.

Common Lures to catch spring northern pike include:

  • Spinnerbaits
  • Spoons (cast and retrieved steadily)
  • Soft plastic swimbaits rigged on heavy jig heads (Weedless Rigs Help as the vegetation gets thicker)
  • Jerkbaits
  • Glidebaits
  • Topwaters Lures

Tip: Spring pike can be triggered by flash, vibration, or erratic action. Mixing up retrieve speeds and lure sizes can often help you land more fish, especially when targeting trophy-class northern.

Conservation Note:

  • Many large female pike are still recovering after spawning during the early season. Handle these giants with care, minimize air exposure, and release them quickly to help sustain the trophy pike populations Manitoba is known for.

Spring Fishing in Manitoba: Smallmouth Bass

As spring progresses and water temperatures start to climb, smallmouth bass become more active and aggressive, making it an exciting time to target them. In Manitoba’s eastern regions, especially, world-class smallmouth fishing opportunities come alive.

Early in the season, focus your efforts around rocky shorelines, shallow flats, and areas with emerging vegetation. Smallmouth are drawn to structure and warming water, often found cruising shallows in search of food.

Common lures to catch spring smallmouth bass include:

  • Tube jigs and soft plastic craws
  • Ned rigs and finesse baits
  • Spinnerbaits and small swimbaits
  • Jerkbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits
  • Topwater Lures

Tip: Smallmouth in the spring love a bait that mimics crayfish or minnows. Vary your retrieve speed, and don’t be afraid to fish both slow and fast depending on water temperature and bass mood.

Conservation Note

  • If you encounter smallmouth preparing to spawn, avoid disturbing beds whenever possible. Practicing catch and release during this sensitive time ensures strong year-classes and continued incredible smallmouth fishing for years to come.


Spring Fishing in Manitoba: Stocked Trout

Spring is an outstanding time to chase stocked trout across Manitoba’s many easily accessible lakes. As the ice melts and water temperatures rise, trout become highly active, cruising shorelines and shallow flats in search of food.

Stocked trout offer fast action and are perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Many drive-to lakes throughout southern and central Manitoba are stocked with rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout, offering incredible variety and consistent early-season fishing.

Common lures and baits to catch spring trout include:

  • Small spinners and spoons
  • Sinking flies and streamers (even on spinning gear)
  • Trout dough baits and worms under a float
  • Small crankbaits and jerkbaits

Tip: In early spring, trout often stay close to shorelines where the water warms quickest. Light tackle presentations and subtle retrieves can make all the difference.

Helpful Resource:

Spring Fishing in Manitoba: Lake Trout

Spring offers one of the most exciting times to target lake trout in northern Manitoba. As ice-out occurs, lake trout move into much shallower water than usual, creating a rare window where anglers can catch them without needing to fish deep.

Focus your efforts along rocky shorelines, points, and shallow drop-offs. Lake trout cruise these areas aggressively feeding after a long winter, making them highly responsive to a variety of techniques.


Common lures to catch spring lake trout include:

  • Heavy spoons casted or trolled
  • White tube jigs and large soft plastics
  • Crankbaits and swimbaits retrieved steadily
  • Jigging flutter spoons and bucktail jigs

Tip: Lake trout love cold water, so target areas where temperatures are still chilly but warming slightly. Covering water with faster presentations like trolling or casting spoons can often help you find active fish quickly.

Conservation Note:

  • Lake trout are a slower-growing species, especially in northern waters. Handle these incredible fish with care to help maintain healthy lake trout populations.


Family-Friendly Hotspots

Whether you’re planning a full weekend getaway or just a quick day trip, Manitoba is packed with family-friendly drive-to fishing options this spring. Here are a few great places to start:

  • Lockport:
  • One of Manitoba’s most iconic spring fishing spots. Easily accessible and perfect for families, Lockport offers incredible multispecies fishing opportunities for walleye, sauger and some of the best Channel Catfishing in the world as the river warms up.
  • Please refer to the Manitoba Anglers Guide to ensure you are following the correct season dates for this area.

  • Lake Winnipeg Shores:
    • From the mouth of the Red River to the beaches along the west and east shores, the Lake Winnipeg shoreline comes alive in the spring. Popular drive-to fishing spots include Patricia Beach, Victoria Beach, Chalet Beach, Riverton at Sandy Bar, Gimli Harbour, and Gull Harbour at Hecla Island. Cast from shoreline access points or put the boat out at one of the many launches for early-season greenback walleye action.
    • Please refer to the Manitoba Anglers Guide to ensure you are following the correct season dates for this area.
  • Lake Manitoba:
    • An underrated spring destination for families looking for space to explore and experience fantastic fishing from shore or in a boat in the shallows for walleye. Anglers may even find themselves into a feisty school of yellow perch. Common places to fish on Lake Manitoba include St. Ambrosie, St. Laurent, The Lake Manitoba Narrows, Steeprock and on tributaries like the Whitemud River, Fairford River and the Waterhen River (Harvest Lodge). As the spring progresses, prepare for an increased fight as trophy-sized freshwater drum begin to run rampant through these waters.
  • Stocked Trout Lakes:

Lodges and Outfitters to Check Out

Looking to take your spring fishing adventure to the next level? These drive-to lodges and outfitters offer fantastic early-season experiences:

  • Q-Lake Lodge
    • Experience incredible smallmouth bass fishing alongside fantastic spring action for walleye and northern pike. Q-Lake Lodge provides access to Quesnel Lake, Manigotagan Lake, and Happy Lake—some of the best fishing opportunities in the southern part of Manitoba. Remote and isolated, yet not too far from Winnipeg, this is a true spring fishing gem.
    • Visit Q-Lake Lodge
  • Blackwater Cats
    • Blackwater Cats is legendary for their incredible trophy greenback walleye fishing opportunities off the shores of Hecla Island each spring. They are also renowned for their guided spring trophy catfish trips on the Red River—putting anglers on some of the biggest cats Manitoba has to offer.
    • Visit Blackwater Cats

  • Bruin Outfitting
    • Bruin Outfittingoffers fantastic trophy greenback walleye fishing along the shores of Hecla Island each spring. They also provide great multi-species fishing adventures throughout the Whiteshell area, with springtime opportunities for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and more.
    • Visit Bruin Outfitting
  • Viking Lodge
    • Fish the famous Cranberry Lakes for early season lake trout, walleye, and pike, or head across the way to take on the big waters of Lake Athapapuskow—home to trophy lake trout. Viking Lodge is a perfect drive-to base for early-season multi-species adventures.
    • Visit Viking Lodge
  • Bakers Narrows Lodge
    • Set along the shores of Lake Athapapuskow, Bakers Narrows Lodge offers incredible trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing, paired with beautiful accommodations and pavement right to their door. A fantastic drive-to destination for northern Manitoba spring adventures.
    • Visit Bakers Narrows Lodge
  • Shining Falls Lodge
    • While technically a fly-in lodge, Shining Falls deserves a special spring mention. With a quick and easy flight in, anglers can enjoy incredible early season pike fishing and hordes of feisty walleye in remote, pristine waters.
    • Visit Shining Falls Lodge
  • Trail End Camp
    • Located on the legendary Winnipeg River system, Trail End Camp offers incredible multi-species spring fishing on one of Manitoba’s storied bodies of water. Explore the remote reaches of the river for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in a wild and beautiful setting.
    • Visit Trail End Camp


Final Cast

Spring is one of the most exciting and rewarding times to explore Manitoba’s incredible drive-to fishing opportunities. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleyes in the shallows, battling big northern pike in back bays, setting hooks into feisty smallmouth bass along rocky shorelines, or enjoying fast action on stocked trout lakes, there’s no shortage of adventure waiting. Manitoba’s spring fishing season offers something for everyone — from first-time anglers to seasoned pros looking for their next big catch.

Before you head out, be sure to check the latest regulations, pack your camera, and get ready to make unforgettable memories on the open water. And don’t forget — if you land a trophy, be sure to enter it into Manitoba’s Master Angler Program! Share your success stories and inspire others to get out and experience everything spring fishing in Manitoba has to offer.

Keevin Erickson
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.
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