New to Fishing in Manitoba

New to Fishing in Manitoba? Then this is the place for you?

Check out this page for all you need to know about fishing in Manitoba.

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Manitoba, Canada!

With its picturesque landscapes and countless lakes, Manitoba offers unparalleled angling for enthusiasts, especially novice anglers eager to cast their first line or brush up on some beginner knowledge.
Manitoba presents an array of outdoor opportunities, from serene camping trips to hiking adventures, all enhanced by the timeless activity of fishing. Whether you're searching for tranquil spots near Winnipeg for a leisurely afternoon or interested in some off-path remote angling, let us be your compass to navigate the beautiful waters of Manitoba.

As you embark on your fishing journey in Manitoba, we invite you to lean on the resources available, ranging from insightful articles to firsthand accounts from seasoned anglers. While our focus remains on those new to the sport or eager to learn, we draw from knowledge and experiences shared by fellow fishing enthusiasts to enhance your experience with tips, tricks, and insights.

Manitoba Fishing License + Regulations

First, before you head out fishing in Manitoba, you'll want to make sure that you are angling legally and able to understand and follow all of the appropriate regulations. Not all waterways follow the same guidelines, and unique catch limits are in place for each region and most bodies of water.

  • Explore the Manitoba Anglers' Guide for season dates, angling regulations, waterbody nuances, licensing requirements and more here.
  • To purchase your license, see here.

Open-Water Fishing - From Watercraft or Shore

In Manitoba, you really don't need to travel far before finding an access point to a fishable waterway. Within a short hour-long drive from Winnipeg alone, there are countless spots to cast a line from shore or launch a vessel, whether it be a full-sized boat or kayak.

Shore Fishing

Watch as Jay Siemens fishes with good friend Josh McFaddin along the shorelines of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. They apply simple yet effective angling techniques to target various species, some of which provide a tasty lunch and others larger Master Angler class fish! Check out the video here.

Kayak Fishing

Fishing from a kayak is a fantastic and low-cost way to get on the water without much of the fuss of owning a boat. You're fully immersed in the angling experience while on a kayak; with your elbows close to the water, you see and feel things not typically offered from shore or a boat. The experience is further enhanced with a pedal-drive kayak, leaving your hands completely free to participate actively in all the fun fishing elements. At the same time, your feet do all the heavy lifting.

One of the greatest things about fishing kayaks is that they offer access to many waterways that are sometimes inaccessible to shore and boat fishing. This often means a private and quiet experience where, in some cases, you will have the whole lake to yourself. This doesn't mean, however, that you are limited to small waterways, with many larger fishing kayaks offering a high level of stability and comfort, even on those windy and more turbulent days.

Two great local resources for kayaks of all varieties, including fishing-specific models, as well as all of the accessories you might need, are:

Check out this video For insight on choosing the right fishing kayak based on activity, transportability and budget.

Boat Angling

There are many options when it comes to boating. But before you get into boating, it is important to know all of the rules and regulations, starting with a Boaters License. A boaters license is a requirement for operating any motorized vessel, and a course and license purchase are available online here.

Knowing where to launch your boat is essential when accessing a new waterway. For a list of approved launches within Manitoba, see here.

For a map view of specific boat launch locations, check them out here.

Ice Fishing

Manitoba is no stranger to the growing ice fishing revolution or the world-class ice fisheries that annually entice thousands of fanatical ice anglers.

Our cold winters are a gateway to unreal ice fishing opportunities, offering favourable access to numerous lakes, rivers, and trophy species. Yellow perch, northern pike, lake trout, greenback walleye, rainbow trout, and black crappie are all popular choices for our loyal ice anglers, as are the remote backcountry and easily accessible fisheries that Manitoba offers in abundance.

December through April, our hard water world presents options for everyone. From an easy, do-it-yourself family trip to a local trout lake to a full-service guided adventure on the remote limits of our inland oceans, Manitoba presents an open door to epic ice fishing experiences.

Ice Safety is paramount for a winter fishing trip of a lifetime. To learn all the ins and outs of ice safety, check out this Jay Siemens video, which covers everything you need to know.

View the complete Jay Siemens 10 Part series: An Introduction to Ice Fishing

Cooking Your Catch

Not every fish you catch should land on the table, but Manitoba does offer a catch + keep limit on most species, depending on the body of water the fish is caught in. Fish should be enjoyed fresh, and we have many resources on how to prepare fish in unique ways that will add a ton of value to your overall fishing experience.

Master Angler Program

Become a Master Angler in Manitoba!

Manitoba's Master Angler program - the oldest master angler program in North America - honours anglers who catch trophy fish in our province with certificates of achievement and various eligible badges. Manitoba master anglers also earn a permanent place in our record book.

Discover More

Ice Fishing Essentials

From Hook to Plate

Fresh Catch Recipes