Fishing in Manitoba: Top Species and Best Spots

Manitoba sits at the crossroads of the prairies and the Canadian Shield, offering a remarkable diversity of fishing. The province's waterways range from the vast, windswept Lake Winnipeg to remote fly-in shield lakes. Manitoba is known internationally for its walleye (called pickerel locally) and channel catfish fisheries, but it also offers exceptional pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass fishing.

1. Lake Winnipeg (Walleye, Northern Pike & Lake Sturgeon)

Best time: May through September

Lake Winnipeg is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in Canada and one of the most productive walleye fisheries in the world. The lake's shallow, turbid, nutrient-rich waters support an enormous walleye population. The south basin is particularly famous, with fish in the 2-5 pound range common and trophies over 10 pounds caught regularly. The north basin offers excellent pike and lake trout fishing. The lake's famous shoreline and beach areas near Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, and Hecla Island provide excellent access. Trolling with worm harnesses and bottom bouncing with jigs are the standard techniques.

2. Red River (Channel Catfish, Walleye & Goldeye)

Best time: May through October (catfish peak June-July)

The Red River, flowing through Winnipeg, is one of North America's premier channel catfish fisheries. The river holds an incredible density of catfish, with fish in the 5-15 pound range common and trophies exceeding 30 pounds. The annual catfish run in late June and July, when fish move upstream to spawn, provides spectacular fishing within the city limits. The river also holds excellent walleye and goldeye populations. Cut bait, shrimp, and stink baits are standard for catfish. The river's banks are easily accessible from numerous parks and pathways.

3. Lake of the Woods (Manitoba Side) (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Muskie)

Best time: June through September

While most of Lake of the Woods sits in Ontario, the Manitoba side of the lake offers excellent fishing with fewer crowds. The areas near the Winnipeg River inlet and around the southwest shoreline hold good numbers of walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The lake also supports a trophy muskie fishery, with fish over 50 inches possible. The Manitoba side provides excellent opportunities for anglers based out of Winnipeg, with several lodges and outfitters operating in the area.

4. Clearwater Lake (Lake Trout)

Best time: June through August

Clearwater Lake, located near The Pas in northwestern Manitoba, is one of the premier lake trout lakes in the province. The lake is deep, clear, and cold, providing ideal habitat for lake trout that regularly exceed 20 pounds. The lake's unique geology — it sits in a meteorite impact crater — creates exceptional water quality and fish habitat. Trolling with downriggers and large spoons is the standard technique. The lake also holds northern pike and walleye.

5. Flin Flon Area (Walleye, Northern Pike & Lake Trout)

Best time: June through August

The Flin Flon region, straddling the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, is a fishing mecca. Athapapuskow Lake, just south of Flin Flon, is world-renowned for its lake trout and smallmouth bass fishing. The lake's clear, rocky waters hold exceptional fish. Nearby lakes, including Phantom Lake and Schist Lake, offer excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. The region has numerous fly-in lodges that provide access to remote, untouched waters. The fishing is excellent throughout the summer.

6. Winnipeg River (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Muskie)

Best time: May through September

The Winnipeg River flows from Lake of the Woods into Lake Winnipeg and offers excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The river's current, rapids, and deep pools create diverse habitat. Smallmouth bass are particularly abundant and provide outstanding light-tackle fishing. The river also holds a strong muskie population, with fish over 50 inches caught every year. The river is accessible from several provincial parks and communities, including Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa.

7. Duck Mountain Provincial Park (Rainbow & Brown Trout)

Best time: May through September

Duck Mountain Provincial Park, in western Manitoba, offers excellent trout fishing in several stocked lakes and streams. East Blue Lake, West Blue Lake, and Wellman Lake all hold rainbow trout that average 1-3 pounds with larger fish available. The park's clear, cold streams also support brook trout and brown trout in some waters. The park is a popular family fishing destination with excellent camping facilities. Fly fishing and light spinning tackle are the most productive approaches.

8. Whiteshell Provincial Park (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Lake Trout)

Best time: May through September

Whiteshell Provincial Park, just east of Winnipeg, offers some of the most accessible fishing in Manitoba. The park's numerous lakes, including Falcon Lake, West Hawk Lake, and Caddy Lake, hold walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and lake trout. West Hawk Lake is a deep, clear lake formed by a meteorite impact and holds excellent lake trout. The park is a favourite destination for Winnipeg anglers, with well-maintained boat launches, campgrounds, and hiking trails.

9. God's Lake (Fly-In Trophy Fishing)

Best time: July through August

God's Lake, in northeastern Manitoba, is a premier fly-in destination for trophy northern pike and lake trout. The lake is large, remote, and incredibly productive, with pike regularly exceeding 40 inches and lake trout over 30 pounds. The lake's clear, cold water and abundant structure provide perfect habitat for trophy fish. Several fly-in lodges operate on the lake, offering full-service packages. This is a true wilderness fishing experience for anglers seeking trophy fish in a remote setting.

10. Churchill River & Hudson Bay Coast (Arctic Char & Brook Trout)

Best time: July through August

The Churchill River and the Hudson Bay coast offer unique fishing opportunities for Arctic char and brook trout. Arctic char are found in the Churchill River system and in coastal rivers flowing into Hudson Bay. These beautiful, hard-fighting fish are a bucket-list species for many anglers. Brook trout in the region's cold, pristine streams can reach impressive sizes. The region is remote and requires significant travel, but the fishing is unlike anything else in Manitoba. Several outfitters operate out of Churchill and Thompson.

Fishing Tips for Manitoba

• Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need a Manitoba fishing licence. Buy online at manitobaelicensing.ca. Non-residents require a separate licence.
• Respect the wind — Lake Winnipeg is notorious for dangerous wave conditions. High winds can create 6-8 foot waves in minutes. Always check marine forecasts before heading out.
• Watch the catfish run — The Red River catfish run in late June and July is a unique Manitoba experience. Fish are concentrated and aggressive. Use heavy tackle and be prepared for powerful runs.
• Book fly-ins early — Manitoba's northern fly-in lodges are in high demand, especially during July and August. Book your trip months in advance.
• Try the pickerel — Manitoba walleye (locally called pickerel) are the backbone of the province's fishing. They're abundant, great-eating, and available in almost every waterway.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.