The Road to March Madness Ice Fishing in Manitoba: Where to Go and What to Target

March is when Manitoba ice fishing hits its stride. Days get longer, the sun has a bit more warmth and across the province, the bite can shift into that late-season sweet spot where big fish feel within reach. For many anglers, March Madness starts with Lake Winnipeg greenbacks, but that is only one piece of the story.

This blog is your road map for the month ahead. From trophy walleye and shallow water pike opportunities to perch on the Shoal Lakes and late season northern adventures for burbot and lake trout, we are breaking down where to go, what to target and how to make the most of March before the season winds down.

March Madness Ice Fishing

March is when Manitoba ice fishing starts to feel like a main event. Days get longer, the sun has a bit of warmth to it and a lot of fisheries hit that sweet spot where the bite can be outstanding. When people talk about the classic March Madness run, Lake Winnipeg’s greenback walleye is usually the first thing that comes up. Thousands of anglers from across Manitoba and beyond head out to chase trophy fish as walleye begin staging near the mouth of the Red River in preparation for the spawn. But Lake Winnipeg is not the only place that lights up this time of year and walleye are not the only species that can go on a serious run in March, which is exactly what we are diving into in this blog.

Darren Smith, 31.50-inch walleye, Lake Winnipeg

Lake Winnipeg

As temperatures start to rise, snow begins melting on the ice and fresh water starts flowing into the rivers and tributaries that feed Lake Winnipeg. Walleye push toward these inflows as they prepare to move upstream or along shoreline areas to spawn. This short, exciting window of concentrated, trophy-sized female walleye is often referred to as March Madness on Lake Winnipeg. It is also a time when Master Angler walleye entries on Lake Winnipeg often climb sharply compared to the months leading up to March.

Jay Dering, 30.75-inch walleye, Lake Winnipeg

But it is not only greenbacks that become easier to target. In both the north and south basins, anglers also turn their attention to shallow water northern pike as they prepare for the spawning season. From the vast north basin, to Sandy Bar to the shoreline of the south basin, anglers set big dead baits on the bottom hoping one of Lake Winnipeg’s true giants rolls in, slurps it up and delivers the fight of a lifetime.

Daniel Yurkiw, 44.25-inch northern pike, Lake Winnipeg

If you are looking for tips on how to catch greenbacks or are considering booking an outfitter on Lake Winnipeg, check out our blog, Greenback Walleye Frenzy, Lake Winnipeg Ice Fishing 101, for everything you need to know and more.

Adam Armstrong, 30.75-inch walleye, Lake Winnipeg

Lake Manitoba

Just like Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba can turn into a walleye factory as the ice season winds down. Fresh inflows are prime staging areas, but shallow bays can be just as productive as walleye slide in and start setting up for the spawn. While Lake Manitoba does not have the same reputation for massive walleye as its bigger cousin to the east, there is no better time to connect with a Lake Manitoba Master Angler walleye than during this late winter window.

Darren Peters, 28-inch walleye, Lake Manitoba

Shoal Lakes

The Shoal Lakes have been producing some incredible Master Angler yellow perch so far this season and for many anglers, that has just been the warm-up for what March can bring. Each year, hundreds of Master Angler yellow perch are entered into the program from West Shoal Lake and East Shoal Lake during March, with the majority coming from West Shoal Lake. As snow melts on the ice and fresh water starts running into the lake, perch often shift into a strong feeding pattern as they prepare for their upcoming spawn.

Donna-Lee Bean, 14.25-inch yellow perch, West Shoal Lake

One important note, even though walleye season closes on April 5, 2026, yellow perch remain open year-round. If ice conditions stay safe, anglers can continue to take advantage of this bite window well beyond early April. For more information on angling season dates and regulations, check out the Manitoba Anglers' Guide

Katie Jigs, 14-inch yellow perch, West Shoal Lake

That said, late-season ice can change fast, especially on smaller bodies of water with swampy shorelines like the Interlake Shoal Lakes. Use extra caution as temperatures rise and make ice safety a priority every trip. For a refresher before you head out, check out our ice safety blog to make sure you are prepared for changing conditions.

Genico Melegrito, 14-inch yellow perch, West Shoal Lake

The North

Northern Manitoba is a special place in March and beyond, with endless lakes, plentiful species and lodges ready to welcome anglers looking to stretch the ice season a little longer.

Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake is home to Moak Lodge, Hobbs Resort and Cook’s Campground and Cabins, all of which are geared up for guests during this prime late-season window. It is also known for a world-famous burbot bite and from March onward, those burbot begin spawning under the ice, creating an incredible opportunity to target these beautifully patterned fish.

Cody Clovechok, 32.25-inch burbot, Cedar Lake

Burbot often spawn in what anglers call “burbot balls”, where dozens of fish can stack into a small area. It makes for an unreal show on an underwater camera and can lead to steady action on the rods. Most anglers target them with heavier jigs or spoons tipped with worms or minnows, then work them hard along the bottom by pounding and lifting to draw fish in.

Eric Mullen, 32-inch burbot, Cedar Lake

Beyond the spawn, Cedar Lake also offers excellent northern pike, lake whitefish and walleye fishing. Just down the road, Foot print Lake is a well-known stocked trout destination and home to the “Foot print Four”, rainbow trout, brown trout, tiger trout and brook trout, all with the potential to reach Master Angler size.

Jeff Tarko, 22.13-inch tiger trout, Foot Print Lake

Lake Athapapuskow

Lake Athapapuskow is home to some of the biggest lake trout in Manitoba. Warmer March days make it easier to travel across the lake and put time into hunting down a true giant. Viking Lodge and Baker’s Narrows Lodge are both excellent home bases for anglers looking to fish Athapap and they also open the door to nearby options for northern pike, walleye, burbot, stocked trout and more.

Shawn Thibert, 45-inch lake trout, Athapapuskow Lake

Reed Lake

Reed Lake, located just off Highway 39 and a short drive from Wekusko Falls Lodge, is known for monster northern pike, aggressive lake trout and big walleye. It offers the solitude of a true northern experience while still delivering some of the best drive-to-ice-fishing anywhere and March is when it really shines. Wekusko Falls Lodge also provides access to other strong fisheries like Wekusko Lake, Tramping Lake and a variety of backcountry lakes that can be great for walleye and stocked trout.

Erin Ward Merkl, 43.30-inch northern pike, Reed Lake

Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake is one of Manitoba’s most famous lake trout fisheries and it helped kick off the trend of lake trout ice fishing in the province. This massive, crystal-clear lake has outstanding structure, including deep reefs and sprawling underwater features that create ideal habitat for lake trout. Evergreen Lodge and Resort sits right on the lake and has been hosting anglers for years, with March and April often its busiest months.

Jordan Dragojevic, 42-inch lake trout, Clearwater Lake

Kississing Lake

Kississing Lake is a huge body of water near the community of Sherridon, Manitoba. Sharron’s Outfitting and Kenanow Lodge are both based here, putting anglers in a great position to target the lake’s “big four”: walleye, lake trout, northern pike and burbot, all of which can reach impressive size in this part of the province.

Genico Melegrito, 39-inch lake trout, Kississing Lake

To wrap it all up, ice fishing seasons in the north run later than they do in southern Manitoba, with walleye season extending to the end of April in many areas. For full details on rules, zones and species regulations, reference the Manitoba Anglers Guide. Also, keep in mind that late-season ice conditions can change quickly, even in the north, so it is always worth reviewing our Hunt Fish Manitoba ice safety blog before you head out.

Brittany Peeters, 34-inch burbot, Kississing Lake

How to Measure a Master Angler

March is the month when more Master Angler fish get caught than any other time of year, which makes it the perfect opportunity to refresh yourself on how to properly measure and submit your catch.

First, make sure you record accurate details, including the species, total length, date and the specific Manitoba waterbody where the fish was caught. All registered fish must be caught in Manitoba, in accordance with provincial angling regulations and must be caught using hook and line.

When it comes to photos, the most important requirement is a clear horizontal measurement shot. The entire length of the fish must be shown against a ruler, measuring tape or bump board. An action photo is optional, but strongly encouraged.

Master Angler Measurment Example

There are also a few common mistakes to avoid. Submissions will not be accepted if the fish is held vertically by the gills, eye, on a scale or on a stringer. Frozen fish cannot be declared as released. Thumbnails or screen captures from a mobile device or desktop will not be accepted. Photos containing visible blood will not be posted on the Master Angler website.

All qualifying fish must be submitted digitally through the Master Angler Awards website or mobile app and no changes to the stated length will be accepted after submission. Entries must be made within one year of the catch to be eligible.

If you want a full breakdown with examples and tips, make sure to check out our “How to Master Angler in Manitoba” blog before you hit the ice this March and check out the video below where Aaron Wiebe of Uncut Angling walks you through a step-by-step of the submission process.

Last March’s Top Master Angler Catches

If you need a little motivation heading into this year’s March Madness, just take a look at what came through the Master Angler program last season. From greenbacks on Lake Winnipeg to burbot on Cedar Lake, stocked trout, perch, pike and even a massive lake sturgeon, March delivered right across the province.

Here is a scroll through some of last March’s standout catches, a reminder that when the days get longer and the ice season starts winding down, some of the biggest fish of the year are still waiting below the hole.

Jason Lutes, 14.50-inch yellow perch, West Shoal Lake
Michael MacMartin, 25.10-inch rainbow trout, Bower Lake
Alexandra Schoen, 52.50-inch lake sturgeon, Traverse Bay
Russell Penny, 38.50-inch lake trout, Clearwater Lake
Curt Bossuyt, 46.25-inch northern pike, Lake Winnipeg
Clay Marzoff, 48-inch northern pike, Lake of the Prairies
Heidi Bohnsack, 30-inch greenback walleye, Lake Winnipeg
Dakota Mayer, 30-inch burbot, Cedar Lake
Jacek Fatla Jr, 15-inch black crappie, Malloy Lake

Winter is Winding Down, Time to Book Your Summer Adventure

With the end of winter coming up fast, some anglers cannot wait for open water and others are not quite ready for ice season to be over. Either way, the shift happens quickly and once the lakes open up, the options are endless. Many of Manitoba’s fly-in and drive-to lodges and outfitters book prime dates early, so now is a great time to call up your buddies or plan something with the family and lock in a remote fishing trip for spring or summer.

Megan Secord, 35.75-inch lake trout, Gods Lake

If you want to start narrowing down ideas, these blogs are a great place to begin

Zachary Elmore, 48.75-inch northern pike, Waskaiowaka Lake

Make the Most of the March Madness Window

March can deliver some of the best ice fishing of the year, but it also comes with a reminder that the season is moving fast. If you are heading out, keep safety top of mind, measure your fish properly for a Master Angler submission and take advantage of the chances that only show up during this late-season window.

Daniel Stagg, 47-inch northern pike, Lake Winnipeg

And when the ice finally does give way to open water, do not let the planning slip. Prime lodge dates can book up quickly, so if a fly-in or drive-to trip is on your list this year, now is the perfect time to round up the crew, start lining up options and turn today’s March Madness energy into a summer adventure you will be talking about all year.

Troy Barkman, 32.50-inch walleye, Lake Winnipeg

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When is the best time for March ice fishing in Manitoba?

The best window is typically from early to late March, when longer days and warming temperatures trigger strong pre-spawn feeding activity. Lake Winnipeg greenbacks, Shoal Lake perch, northern burbot and lake trout fisheries often peak during this period.

2. Where can I target greenback walleye in March?

Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries, especially near river inflows and staging areas as walleye prepare to spawn. Anglers focus on areas near the mouth of the Red River and other key inflows during this late-season window.

3. What species are most active during March ice fishing?

Walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, burbot and lake trout are all strong options in March. In northern Manitoba, burbot and lake trout fisheries can be especially productive, while the Shoal Lakes are known for trophy yellow perch.

4. Is walleye season still open in March?

Yes. In southern Manitoba, walleye season closes on April 5, 2026. In much of northern Manitoba, the walleye season extends to April 30, 2025. Regulations can change and may vary by zone, so it is important to reference the Manitoba Anglers Guide for the most up-to-date information before you head out.

5. How do I submit a Master Angler catch in Manitoba?

To submit a Master Angler fish, you must record the species, total length, date and location and provide a clear horizontal measurement photo showing the full length of the fish on a ruler or bump board. Submissions must be made digitally through the Master Angler Awards website or mobile app within one year of the catch. To learn more, visit the How to Master Angler blog for a full breakdown of the process.

Joe Ronken, 45-inch lake trout, Athapapuskow Lake


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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