Getting Started on the Water

Ready to discover the thrill of the catch? Whether you're rigging your first rod or looking for a quiet shore-fishing spot, this guide is your starting point for exploring our world-class lakes and rivers.

The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Manitoba

Manitoba's waters provide the perfect setting to discover the timeless sport of fishing. From tranquil shorelines to vast, remote lakes, we've gathered insights from our local experts to help you navigate it all. Whether you're looking to understand our local catch limits, learn basic techniques, or prepare your first shore lunch, this guide provides everything you need for an ethical, successful pursuit on the water.

Ethical angling starts before you even hit the water. Because our lakes and rivers are incredibly diverse, catch limits and seasonal guidelines vary across the province to ensure our fisheries thrive for generations. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the local regulations for your chosen spot, and make sure you've picked up your Manitoba Fishing Licence before you go.

How to Get on the Water

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.

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.

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

Shore Fishing

Shore fishing is often the most accessible way to begin your angling journey. You don’t need a watercraft or a trailer—just a rod, some basic tackle, and a stretch of shoreline. It's an incredibly relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and Manitoba’s diverse waterways mean you never quite know what might bite. From riverbanks to lake piers, casting from land offers a fantastic opportunity to land a memorable catch or secure a fresh shore lunch.

In the video below, watch as Jay Siemens and Josh McFaddin hit the shorelines of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. They break down simple, highly effective techniques to target a variety of species, proving that you certainly don't need a boat to reel in a Master Angler class fish!

Boat Angling

Taking a boat out on the water opens up a whole new world of angling possibilities, allowing you to cover more ground and explore deeper structures. However, before you back down the ramp, it’s critical to understand the rules of the water. Operating any motorized vessel in Canada requires a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (often referred to as a boater's licence). Familiarizing yourself with provincial safety regulations and knowing exactly where to launch will ensure your time on the water is both safe and successful.

Essential Boating Resources:


Ice Fishing

Manitoba is no stranger to the world-class ice fisheries that entice thousands of anglers annually. Our cold winters open the door to numerous lakes, rivers, and exceptional species like yellow perch, northern pike, lake trout, and greenback walleye. From an easy, do-it-yourself family trip to a full-service guided adventure, December through April presents epic hardwater options for everyone.

Venturing onto the ice requires specific gear: an ice auger, a scoop, and a specialized short rod. Staying warm is critical, so dress in heavy, moisture-wicking layers and waterproof boots. Many anglers also use portable pop-up shelters and propane heaters to stay comfortable on the coldest prairie days.

Safety is paramount—no ice is ever 100% safe. Always check local reports and verify ice thickness (you need a minimum of 4 inches/10 cm of clear ice for walking). Carry essentials like wearable ice picks, cleats, and a throw rope. Travel with a buddy, consider a buoyant flotation suit, and always let someone know your exact location and return time.

Helpful Resources:

Shore Fishing
Kayak Fishing
Boat Angling
Ice Fishing
Become a Manitoba Master Angler

Manitoba is home to the oldest Master Angler program in North America, over 65 years and going strong! On average, more than 10,000 exceptional fish from 30 qualifying species are caught and recorded every year—and over 95% of those are safely released. The program honours anglers who land qualifying catches with certificates of achievement and various milestone badges.

Because fishing is all about sharing the outdoors with the next generation, we also love to celebrate our youngest beginners. The Lil' Angler program is the perfect way to commemorate a child’s very first catch in Manitoba, regardless of the species or size. By submitting their milestone catch, they’ll receive a special certificate to proudly hang on their wall, kicking off a lifelong love for the water.

Whether you’re logging a Master Angler personal best or helping a beginner submit their first-ever fish, taking part is incredibly easy. Just snap a clear photo of your catch with a measuring device, practice safe fish handling, and submit your entry online to earn a permanent place in our historic record book!

Discover More

Ice Fishing Essentials

From Hook to Plate

Fresh Catch Recipes