Top Species to Catch at Manitoba's Drive to Fishing Lodges

The Gem of the Northern Region

Golden 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 to thousands of die-hard walleye anglers that visit our province each and every year.

Giant walleyes are the norm in Manitoba, whether your choose to fish the north, south, east or west, hundreds of fish exceeding 28 inches are caught and released every season!

Walleyes come in all kinds of colour variations across the province from nearly black in appearance to pale white. Predominantly across our Canadian Shield-covered regions, these fish take on the classic Canadian "Golden Walleye" appearance and are highly sought after at our many drive-to fishing lodges.

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these golden walleye: Wekusko Falls Fishing Lodge, Viking Lodge, Bakers Narrows Lodge, Kenanow Lodge, Moak Lodge and Campground, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, Paint Lake Lodge

Lake Winnipeg's Finests

Greenback Walleye

Unique to Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries, the world-famous “Greenback”, is a growing phenomenon that has taken the walleye world by storm. This amazing colour phase walleye showcases iridescent, emerald green colours on its back and bright silver on its sides, an astonishing display that is only exceeded by its own reputation to grow to unprecedented lengths and widths.

The iridescent glow is thought to have been caused by the limestone substrate of much of the bottom of Lake Winnipeg. Whatever it is, one thing is for certain, they attract tens of thousands of anglers each year looking to see these supersized, stunning walleyes for themselves

Drive-to Lodges and Outfitters to catch these greenback walleyes: Blackwater Cats Outfitter, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, City Cats Guiding Service

Manitoba's Top Predator

Northern Pike

“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 drive to, boat in and fly-in lakes and rivers of the Northern 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 during the open water months of May to September and hard water months of December and March.

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these Northern Pike: Wekusko Falls Fishing Lodge, Viking Lodge, Bakers Narrows Lodge, Kenanow Lodge, Moak Lodge and Campground, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, Paint Lake Lodge, Q Lake Lodge, Trail End Camp & Outfitters, Eagle Nest Landing

Monster Lurk in the Depths

Lake Trout

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 drive-to and fly-in destinations. Chances at 40-inch plus brutes are extremely common and the potential to land that 50-inch monster is always a possibility!

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these Lake Trout: Wekusko Falls Fishing Lodge, Viking Lodge, Bakers Narrows Lodge, Kenanow Lodge, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service

Bronze Behemoths

Smallmouth Bass

These solid, hard-hitting favourites 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.

Manitoba’s bronze behemoths are typically renowned in the Eastern Region of the province but impressive angling opportunities have also been acclaimed in the Northern, Parkland, Western and Central Plains/Pembina Valley Regions. Whether it’s the drive to, boat in or 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.

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these Smallmouth Bass: Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, Q Lake Lodge, Trail End Camp & Outfitters, Eagle Nest Landing

"The Channel Catfish Capital of the World"

Channel Catfish

Native to numerous fisheries within the province, the channel cat is an abundant species that willingly offers anglers an honest opportunity to be caught, both in size and in numbers. Pound for pound, the channel catfish is an adversary with few comparisons, they are held in the highest regard by many of their angling fans and consistently present a mind-blowing angling encounter that will keep you coming back for more.

Commonly caught at various well know Manitoba destinations, the water body that stands out above the rest is the mighty “Red River”. The section of the Red River situated north of the Lockport Dam, in Manitoba’s Interlake Region, is the undisputed champion of channel catfish locations and is world-famous for its congregation of trophy-sized kitties.

Year after year, this section of the Red River produces hundreds of giant channel cats that beat the 34-inch mark with many exceeding 40 inches plus! Angling opportunities for channel catfish are popular from May to August with the majority of river locations offering excellent fishing from the shore.

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these Channel Catfish: City Cats Guiding Service, Blackwater Cats Outfitter, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service

The Finest Stillwater Trout Fishing Around

Stocked Trout

Manitoba is famed for its stillwater trout fly-fishing and traditional angling opportunities. Including brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout!

Brook Trout:

Historically known for naturally inhabiting the legendary rivers of the Northern Region, the brook trout has an expanded tenure on a variety of stocked fisheries throughout the South. 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.

Brown Trout:

With an established history in many of the province's world-class fly fishing waters, Manitoba’s brown trout has developed a notable reputation for their challenging quest and capability of growing to a staggering size. Hooking into a monster brown trout is an occasion that will instantly remind you why there surrounded by so much hype.

Rainbow Trout:

Known as Manitoba’s most popular stocked trout species, the rainbow trout continually wins the hearts and minds of fanatical fly fishers and seasoned hard-tackle anglers that flock to our province to pursue this revered species.

Tiger Trout:

This half-brown trout, half-brook trout hybrid has established itself as a top-of-the-food-chain predator that presents one of the most exclusive angling experiences within Manitoba.

Drive-to Lodges and outfitters to catch these stocked trout: Wekusko Falls Fishing Lodge, Viking Lodge, Bakers Narrows Lodge, Moak Lodge and Campground, Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, Paint Lake Lodge, Evergreen Resort

Manitoba's Best Kept Secret

Black Crappie

Manitoba’s best-kept secret? For a species that was once an anonymous catch, the crappie has become a mainstream megastar that persuades masses of anglers to pursue its prized potential.

And for good reason, when you combine the brawling abilities of a bass, the edible qualities of a walleye and the shocking appearance of an oversized trout, you expose a remarkable panfish that readily offers an unforgettable angling experience.

The secret is out on Manitoba’s celebrity slabs! With favourable fisheries amongst the Eastern and Central Plains Pembina Region, the black crappie has matured into a popular and accessible angling option that yields opportunities at 15-inch plus hawgs throughout the open and hard water seasons!

Angling opportunities for black crappie are popular during the open water months of May to October and during the hard water months of December, January and March.

Drive to Lodges and outfitters to catch these black crappie: Bruin Outfitting and Guide Service, Eagle Nest Landing, Trail End Camp & Outfitters

Golden Walleye

Greenback Walleye

Golden Walleye

Greenback Walleye

Northern Pike

Lake Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Channel Catfish

Rainbow Trout

Tiger Trout

Brown Trout

Brook Trout

Black Crappie

Author

Keevin Erickson | Hunt Fish Consultant

Keevin Is a passionate hunter and angler with a love for filming, photography, and writing. Keevin now manages the HuntFishMB team and continues to explore the province and share his tips, techniques and stories.

Visit Website

Top Species to Catch at Manitoba's Drive to Fishing Lodges

Golden Walleye

Greenback Walleye

Northern Pike

Lake Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Channel Catfish

Stocked Trout

Black Crappie

Drive-to Fishing Lodges

Related Content: