Arctic Char

The Arctic char is a symbolic figure of Canada’s Arctic and arguably one of the most exotic fish to ever frequent the fresh waters of North America.

As the reigning king of river-bound idols, the char is a sought-after prospect that annually migrates through the rugged coastal tributaries of the far north. This awe-inspiring species demands the best of angler’s abilities and is widely considered one of the hardest fighting varieties in existence.

While prominent in the high Arctic, natural populations of char are rarely encountered in Manitoba and have only made limited appearances in the lower reaches of our northern rivers, which flow into Hudson Bay. Angling opportunities in this region are extremely rare.

However, an exclusive ice fishing opportunity for stocked char is presently available in the Parkland Region, with Snail Lake offering winter access to a novelty Arctic char experience that often produces fish over 23 inches!

Angling opportunities for Arctic char are available during the hard water months of December to April.

Get the Manitoba all-time angler records from our Master Angler records

For more information on angling season dates, regulations, and more – Check out the current 2021 Manitoba Angler’s Guide.

Photo: James Johnson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Record Catch:

71.12cm (28")

Top 3 Catches:

Gary Lagimodiere 71.12cm (28")
Guy Deleon 71.12cm (28")
Brian Kiliwnik 68.91cm (27.13")

This Week

Top Catches

Mar 9, 2023, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Murray Hoy - 22.8 inches

Feb 26, 2023, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Murray Hoy - 26.3 inches

Feb 26, 2023, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Murray Hoy - 25 inches

Feb 26, 2023, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Murray Hoy - 22.2 inches

May 10, 2022, Churchill River

Arctic Char

Collin Ayotte - 25 inches

Mar 6, 2021, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Matthew Forbes - 23.25 inches

Feb 4, 2021, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Cody Clovechok - 24 inches

Jan 4, 2021, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

RON WAUER - 22 inches

Jan 4, 2021, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

KIM WAUER - 21.75 inches

Jan 4, 2020, Snail Lake

Arctic Char

Jérémie Grégoire - 23.5 inches