Top 5 Places to Fish in Southwestern Manitoba
Southwestern Manitoba is home to a wide range of productive fisheries — from expansive prairie lakes rich in forage to winding rivers that carve through rolling farmland. This region offers something for every angler, whether you’re launching a boat, casting from shore, or paddling into a secluded bay. While often overshadowed by the bigger-name fisheries in the north or east, the southwest quietly produces its fair share of trophy catches across a variety of species.
Whether you’re targeting hard-fighting walleye, aggressive northern pike, scrappy largemouth bass, or even a surprise Master Angler lake sturgeon, the opportunities here are as diverse as the landscapes themselves. These waters provide year-round action, accessible fishing, and a great mix of drive-to and walk-up spots. In this blog, we’re highlighting five standout fisheries from across the region, and a few bonus fisheries at the end — complete with recent Master Angler entries that prove just how special these overlooked gems really are.
1. Oak Lake
Known For: Walleye, perch, northern pike
Location: Just west of Brandon and north of the town of Oak Lake, along Highway 1.
Why It’s Special:
Oak Lake is one of the most consistent fisheries in southwestern Manitoba, known for producing trophy-class yellow perch and excellent walleye fishing throughout the year. Its shallow basin and nutrient-rich waters foster rapid growth rates, making it a prime destination for anglers targeting big fish. Multiple access points — including the Oak Lake Resort and various public launches — make it a convenient destination whether you’re ice fishing in winter or launching a boat in open water season. The surrounding wetlands and prairie scenery only add to the experience, and it’s not uncommon to spot waterfowl, deer, or even moose along the shoreline while you fish.
Master Angler Highlights:
2. Pelican Lake
Known For: Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch
Location: Located near the town of Ninette, about an hour south of Brandon, along Highway 23.
Why It’s Special:
Pelican Lake is one of the largest bodies of water in southwestern Manitoba, offering nearly 30 kilometres of fishable shoreline. Its weedy bays, rocky drop-offs, and mid-lake humps provide ideal habitat for both walleye and northern pike, with a healthy population of yellow perch rounding out the multi-species appeal. Summer and fall are especially productive seasons here, with anglers finding success trolling crankbaits or working jigs along weed edges and deeper structure. The lake has multiple boat launches and good shore fishing opportunities near Ninette and Pleasant Valley. Known for its strong local angling community and consistent bite, Pelican Lake is a go-to destination for anglers in the region.
Master Angler Highlights:
3. Metigoshe Lake
Known For: Sunfish, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch
Location: Straddling the Manitoba–North Dakota border near the community of Lake Metigoshe, with Manitoba access off Highway 450 southwest of Deloraine.
Why It’s Special:
Tucked into the Turtle Mountains, Lake Metigoshe offers a unique, scenic angling experience with rolling hills, wooded shorelines, and clear water — a striking contrast to the surrounding prairie. The Manitoba side of the lake features public access points that are safe, easy to reach, and ideal for families, shore anglers, and kayak or canoe users. While smaller than some of the region’s other fisheries, Metigoshe holds healthy populations of sunfish and black crappie, along with northern pike and perch — making it a great destination for casual anglers and kids alike.
The summer months are especially popular, with calm bays, minimal boat traffic, and accessible waters offering a peaceful and family-friendly setting. It’s also a great location to enjoy low-impact recreational activities like paddling and shoreline exploring.
Master Angler Highlights:
4. Assiniboine River
Known For: Walleye, Lake Sturgeon, Channel catfish, and more
Location: Winding through southwestern Manitoba from the Shellmouth Dam near Russell through Brandon and beyond, with countless access points along the way.
Why It’s Special:
The Assiniboine River is a true prairie gem — a slow-moving, sediment-rich waterway that offers diverse fishing opportunities year-round. Flowing right through the heart of southwestern Manitoba, this river is accessible from dozens of bridges, parks, and pull-offs, with particularly popular spots in and around Brandon. Known for producing surprise trophies, the Assiniboine supports a range of species, with walleye, lake sturgeon, channel catfish, and much more commonly submitted to the Master Angler program. Shore anglers do well-using bait rigs and bottom setups, while boaters can explore deeper runs and back eddies for more action. If you’re after variety and a shot at a true sleeper trophy, the Assiniboine delivers.
Master Angler Highlights:
5. Rock Lake
Known For: Northern pike, walleye, yellow perch
Location: South of Glenora and west of Pilot Mound, just off Highway 3 in Manitoba’s Pembina Valley region.
Why It’s Special:
Rock Lake lives up to its name — featuring a rocky shoreline, clear water, and excellent structure that creates prime habitat for aggressive northern pike and chunky yellow perch. While walleye are also present and occasionally reach Master Angler size, it’s the pike action that keeps anglers coming back throughout the year. The lake’s elongated shape makes it ideal for trolling or covering shoreline on a calm day, and the launches near the beaches and campgrounds provide easy boat access. With its hilly backdrop and vibrant fall colours, Rock Lake also delivers a picturesque setting that enhances every outing.
Master Angler Highlights:
Bonus Waters with Big Potential
While we’ve narrowed this list down to five standout fisheries, southwestern Manitoba is full of other productive waters that deserve recognition. From stocked reservoirs to prairie rivers and small-town lakes, here are a few more fisheries that have produced impressive catches and offer excellent angling opportunities throughout the season.
Wahtopanah Lake (a.k.a. Rivers Reservoir)
Located just north of the town of Rivers, about 40 minutes northwest of Brandon, this reservoir on the Little Saskatchewan River system is known for strong populations of walleye, northern pike, and perch. With both boat and shore access, Wahtopanah is a popular year-round destination, especially during the ice season.
Master Angler Highlights:
Killarney Lake
Nestled beside the town of Killarney near the U.S. border, this lake offers easy access and a strong community fishing culture. Walleye, yellow perch, and pike are the primary targets, with steady action for shore anglers and boaters alike. The lake is also home to some massive common carp, making for an incredible fight for those who target them.
Master Angler Highlights:
Mary Jane Reservoir
Located just north of Manitou, this small stocked reservoir has become a local favourite for black crappie and largemouth bass. While it’s a smaller waterbody, its accessibility and the quality of fish stocked make it a solid destination for light tackle and fly anglers.
Master Angler Highlights:
Lake Minnewasta
Just outside of Morden in the Pembina Valley, Lake Minnewasta offers both recreational amenities and solid angling for northern pike and perch. This compact reservoir is easily accessible, making it a great option for quick outings or family trips.
Master Angler Highlights:
Souris River & Boissevain Reservoir
The Souris River flows through much of the region, offering multi-species opportunities in scenic, under-pressured stretches. Near Boissevain, the Boissevain Reservoir has become a well-loved local fishery for pike, walleye and perch, particularly during the ice season or after spring runoff.
Master Angler Highlights:
Hooked on the Heartland
From the prairie reservoirs to the winding rivers of southwestern Manitoba, these Master Angler catches showcase the incredible angling opportunities the region offers in this underrated region. Whether you’re jigging for walleye on Pelican Lake, hauling in big largemouth from the Mary Jane Reservoir, or finding slab sunfish on Metigoshe Lake, these waters continue to deliver. If you’re looking for your next trophy catch, don’t overlook the southwest — and be sure to submit it to the Manitoba Master Angler program for a chance to be featured in our next highlight.
