Three Ways to Experience Fall Fishing in Manitoba
Fall is one of the most rewarding times of year to fish in Manitoba. The air is crisp, the forests glow with colour, and the fish begin aggressively feeding as winter approaches. Whether you’re chasing the famed greenback walleye run or battling giant channel cats on the Red River, or relaxing at a lakeside lodge, there’s no shortage of options near and far for anglers looking to make the most of the season.
This guide highlights three unique ways to experience fall fishing in Manitoba, from luxury fly-in retreats to drive-to resorts to convenient day trips close to home.
World-Class Fly-In Experience: Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge
For anglers looking to combine luxury with trophy fishing, a fall trip to Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge is the perfect choice. Located deep in Atikaki Provincial Park, Aikens Lake offers guests the kind of experience that goes far beyond the fishing itself. From the moment you arrive by floatplane, every detail of your stay is handled with care, leaving you free to focus on the beauty of the Manitoba wilderness and the world-class fishery in front of you.
At Aikens, the lodge takes pride in offering high end accommodations and comprehensive full-service packages. Guests are treated to spacious cabins, gourmet dining that rivals top-end restaurants, and warm hospitality that makes you feel at home in the wild. Professional guides are on hand each day, providing expert knowledge of the water, handling boat logistics, and ensuring every angler has the best chance at connecting with plentiful Manitoba walleye, northern pike, and lake trout.
Great Grey Owl Mini Lodge
For a more private but still fully serviced experience, guests can book the Great Grey Owl Mini Lodge. Ideal for families, small groups, or couples, this lodge provides the same elevated service and amenities as the main lodge but with a more intimate, exclusive setting.
Lost Lake Outpost
For those seeking a balance between independence and support, the Lost Lake Outpost offers the chance to enjoy the privacy of a remote outpost cabin while still having access to Aikens’ renowned service network. It’s a great option for anglers who want to set their own pace while knowing expert guidance and assistance are close at hand.
Big Molly’s
After a day on the water, guests often gather at Big Molly’s Bar, the lodge’s lakeside social hub, to share stories over a drink while the sun sets across the boreal landscape.
Fall at Aikens
Fall adds an unforgettable charm to the Aikens experience. The surrounding forest explodes with brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Meanwhile, walleye school up, northern pike feed aggressively, and lake trout begin to move shallow, providing anglers with exciting opportunities for multi-species action.
Whether you’re planning a romantic couples getaway, a bucket-list adventure, or a corporate retreat, Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge offers the ultimate fall fishing escape. Guests can simply step onto the dock each morning, knowing their gear is ready, their guide is waiting, and the day ahead will be filled with spectacular scenery, outstanding service, and trophy fishing memories.
For more information about planning your fall fishing trip to Aikens Lake, visit www.aikenslake.com.
Drive-to Adventure: Buffalo Point Resort
For anglers looking for an accessible fall fishing getaway, Buffalo Point Resort on the southwestern shore of Lake of the Woods is a standout destination. Just a short drive from Winnipeg, Buffalo Point offers the excitement of world-class fishing with the convenience of a drive-to trip, making it ideal for both quick weekends and longer stays.
Fall Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is renowned for its diverse array of species, and fall is one of the best times to be on the water. Walleye bite aggressively in the cooler water, northern pike are feeding heavily before winter, and there is even a chance at catching a massive lake sturgeon among, offering steady multispecies action each day on the water. Whether you’re launching your own boat, fishing from shore, or heading out with a local guide, the opportunities here are endless.
Comfort and Amenities Between Trips
When you’re off the water, Buffalo Point delivers the comfort and amenities that make a fishing trip even more enjoyable. Guests can stay in stunning lakeside cabins or even bring thier tent or camper and stay in the campground. These locations provide easy access to both the marina and the resort’s main amenities. After a day of fishing, you can unwind with a hearty meal at the Fire & Water Bistro or share stories with friends at the Island Green Lounge, complete with beautiful lakeside views.
For anglers who want to mix in a bit more activity, Buffalo Point is home to the Lake of the Sandhills Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track that winds through trees and along the shoreline. The unique “19th hole,” The Gambler, is a 137-yard island green that’s perfect for a friendly competition after a morning on the water.
A Glimpse Into the Experience
To get a feel for what a Buffalo Point fishing trip looks like in the fall, check out our recent YouTube Short, which highlights both the fishing and the atmosphere around the resort. And don't forget to check out Jay Siemens' YouTube video from this adventure. Both these videos are embedded below.
Buffalo Point offers the perfect balance of fishing action and off-water comfort, making it a top choice for families, couples, and groups who want to experience fall fishing without giving up the conveniences of a resort setting.
To book your fall vacation to Buffalo Point Resort, visit www.buffalopoint.ca/
Day-Trip Action: Red River
For anglers craving high-adrenaline fishing close to home, the Red River shines as one of Manitoba’s top fall destinations, where the greenback walleye run and monster channel cats make every trip unforgettable.
Red River: Fall Opportunities
- Greenback Walleye surge upriver in fall chasing spawning baitfish, giving anglers prime chances at trophy-sized emerald beauties.
- Channel catfish are especially legendary in the stretch near Lockport and Selkirk, proclaimed the “Channel Catfish Capital of the World,” where Master Angler sized cats over 34 inches are regularly caught and deliver unforgettable battles.
- The river also hosts goldeye, freshwater drum, northern pike and more, making it a true multi-species adventure.
Guided Outfitter Experiences:
Blackwater Cats
Based in Lockport and Selkirk, Blackwater Cats brings over 20 years of expertise targeting giant channel cats on the Red River and trophy greenback walleye on Lake Winnipeg and tributaries. As a fully licensed, four-season guide service, they offer both half-day and full-day trips, supplying boats, bait, and all gear; anglers bring only their license and refreshments.
Their guide, Donovan Pearase and his team, are well-versed in seasonal patterns, gear, and boat setups, and have built a reputation as one of Manitoba’s most experienced river guides.
To book your trip with Blackwater Cats, visit their website at www.BlackWaterCats.com
Red River Cats
Red River Cats offers a full suite of services from Lockport. Options include guided catfishing tours, floating dock rentals (complete with screened gazebos, BBQs, and furniture) and a boat launch.
They also offer tours of the lock and dam for a unique perspective on the river. Anglers benefit from on-site parking, a bait and tackle shop, and expert guidance that makes fishing the Red River simple and rewarding.
To Learn more about Red River Cats, Click here
City Cats
Led by longtime Winnipeg guide Todd Longley, City Cats specializes in putting anglers on trophy channel catfish and greenback walleye right in the heart of the Red River.
With options for full-day and half-day trips, City Cats makes it easy to access world-class fishing close to home. All gear is provided, and Todd’s local knowledge ensures that guests of all skill levels have a memorable day on the water.
To book your trip with City Cats, visit their website, www.citycats.ca
Whether you’re a local angler or visiting Manitoba for the first time, the Red River offers some of the most exciting fall fishing opportunities in the province. With the help of seasoned outfitters, accessible locations, and the chance at true trophy fish, it’s the ultimate day-trip destination for those who want action-packed fall fishing without travelling far.
The Best of Fall Fishing in Manitoba
From the full-service luxury of Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge, to the accessible comfort and variety of Buffalo Point Resort, to the high-energy day trips of the Red River, Manitoba offers something for every angler in the fall. Each destination showcases a distinct way to experience the season, whether you prefer every detail to be taken care of, a balance of family-friendly comfort and adventure, or quick access to trophy fishing just a short drive away.
No matter which path you choose, fall is a season that rewards anglers with stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and incredible fishing opportunities. Now is the time to plan your trip and discover why autumn in Manitoba is one of the very best times of year to be on the water.
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