The Central Plains region stretches from Portage la Prairie south to the US border and west to the Pembina Valley. The region is defined by the Assiniboine River, the Portage Reservoir, and the vast Delta Marsh on Lake Manitoba's south shore. This is prairie fishing at its best — accessible, productive, and full of variety.
1. Portage Reservoir (Walleye & Northern Pike)
45 min west of Winnipeg
The Portage Reservoir, formed by a dam on the Assiniboine River near Portage la Prairie, offers excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike. The reservoir's shallow, productive waters hold healthy fish populations. Walleye in the 2-4 pound range are common. The reservoir has a boat launch and several shore fishing access points. Ice fishing is popular in winter, with walleye remaining active under the ice. The Portage Reservoir is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway.
2. Delta Marsh (Northern Pike, Walleye & Perch)
1 hour west of Winnipeg
Delta Marsh, on the south shore of Lake Manitoba, is one of the largest freshwater marshes in Canada. The marsh offers excellent fishing for northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. The shallow, weedy water provides ideal pike habitat, with fish in the 3-8 pound range common. The marsh is also a world-renowned birdwatching destination, hosting thousands of migrating waterfowl. The Delta Beach area offers access to the marsh and Lake Manitoba. The Delta Marsh is best fished by canoe, kayak, or small boat with a shallow draft.
3. Assiniboine River (Portage Area) (Walleye, Channel Catfish & Goldeye)
45 min west of Winnipeg
The Assiniboine River through the Portage la Prairie area offers good fishing for walleye, channel catfish, and goldeye. The river's current, deep pools, and structure hold fish throughout the summer. Spring and fall are best for walleye. Summer evenings produce excellent catfish fishing. The river is accessible from several parks and bridges in Portage la Prairie.
4. Lake Minnewasta (Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg, near Morden
Lake Minnewasta is a man-made reservoir located just south of Morden in the Pembina Valley. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout that average 1-3 pounds, with larger fish available. The lake also holds walleye and northern pike. Lake Minnewasta has a popular campground, beach, and boat launch, making it a favourite family destination. The lake's clear water and scenic valley setting make it one of the most popular fishing lakes in southern Manitoba. Fishing is best in spring and fall when trout are most active near the surface.
5. Pembina Valley Provincial Park (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
Pembina Valley Provincial Park offers trout fishing in a unique valley setting. The Pembina River and its tributaries hold brook trout and rainbow trout. The park's deep river valley provides scenic hiking and camping opportunities. The trout streams are small and best fished with light tackle or fly gear. Spring and early summer offer the best conditions before water levels drop.
6. Stephenfield Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)
1 hour southwest of Winnipeg
Stephenfield Lake, near Carman, offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike. The lake is a man-made reservoir that has developed a healthy fish population. Stephenfield Lake has a campground and boat launch, making it a popular family destination. The lake is smaller than the Portage Reservoir, offering a more intimate fishing experience.
7. Mary Jane Reservoir (Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg, near Glenboro
Mary Jane Reservoir, located near Glenboro in the Spruce Woods area, offers fishing for northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. The reservoir is a man-made impoundment that holds healthy fish populations. The Spruce Woods area is known for its unique sand dune landscape and the Spirit Sands hiking trails. The reservoir is a good option for anglers exploring the Spruce Woods region and provides a different setting from the prairie lakes typical of the Central Plains.
8. Long Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike & Perch)
1 hour south of Winnipeg
Long Lake, near the town of Gretna, offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake is one of the few natural lakes in southern Manitoba and holds healthy fish populations. Long Lake has a beach and picnic area, making it a good family destination.
9. La Salle River (Walleye, Channel Catfish & Goldeye)
30 min southwest of Winnipeg
The La Salle River flows through the communities of La Salle and Sanford into the Red River. The river offers good fishing for walleye, channel catfish, and goldeye. The river is smaller than the Assiniboine and is well-suited to canoe or kayak fishing. The La Salle River is a hidden gem for anglers based in the Winnipeg area looking for a quick fishing trip.
10. Rat River (Southern) (Brook Trout & Walleye)
1 hour south of Winnipeg
The Rat River flows through the communities of St. Pierre-Jolys and into the Red River. The upper river holds brook trout, while the lower sections hold walleye and channel catfish. The Rat River is a small, scenic stream that's well-suited to wading and fly fishing. The river is less pressured than waters closer to Winnipeg.
11. Plum Lakes Area (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The Plum Lakes area, near the community of Plum Coulee, offers fishing in several small prairie lakes. These lakes hold walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The area is primarily agricultural, with the lakes providing welcome fishing opportunities. The lakes are best fished from small boats or canoes.
12. Cartwright & Rock Lake Area (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The area around Cartwright and Rock Lake offers fishing for walleye and northern pike in several lakes and the Pembina River. Rock Lake is the largest water body in the area and offers the best fishing. The area is a popular destination for anglers from southern Manitoba.
13. Letellier Lake (Northern Pike, Perch)
1 hour south of Winnipeg, near Letellier
Letellier Lake offers fishing for northern pike and yellow perch in the southern Red River Valley. The lake's shallow waters and weed beds provide good pike habitat. Letellier Lake is a small, quiet lake that offers a peaceful fishing experience away from the crowds. The lake is located in the heart of Manitoba's agricultural region.
14. La Riviere Lakes (Walleye, Northern Pike)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The area around La Riviere has several small lakes that offer walleye and northern pike fishing. These lakes are less known than the Pembina Valley's larger waters but provide good fishing with fewer crowds. The La Riviere area is a mix of farmland and bush country, offering a scenic setting for a day trip.
15. Snowflake Lake (Northern Pike)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
Snowflake Lake, located in the Pembina Valley region, offers northern pike fishing in a small prairie lake setting. The lake is best fished from a canoe or small boat. Snowflake Lake is a hidden gem for anglers exploring the southern Pembina Valley.
16. Pilot Mound & Kaleida Lakes (Northern Pike)
2 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The area around Pilot Mound and Kaleida contains several small prairie lakes and sloughs that hold northern pike. These waters are best fished in spring when water levels are higher. The area is primarily agricultural but offers good fishing for anglers willing to explore.
17. Somerset & Swan Lake Areas (Northern Pike, Perch)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The Somerset and Swan Lake areas in the Pembina Valley offer northern pike and yellow perch fishing in small prairie lakes. These waters are less pressured than the region's larger lakes. The Swan Lake area (not to be confused with the larger Swan Lake near Swan River in the Parklands region) offers quiet fishing in an agricultural setting.
18. Roseisle & St. Claude Area Lakes (Northern Pike)
45 min southwest of Winnipeg
The Roseisle and St. Claude area has several small lakes and dugouts that hold northern pike. These small water bodies are best explored with a canoe or kayak. The area is close to Winnipeg, making it a convenient option for a quick fishing trip.
19. Holland & Cypress River Area (Northern Pike, Walleye)
1 hour southwest of Winnipeg
The Holland and Cypress River area offers fishing in the Cypress River and several small lakes. The Cypress River holds northern pike and walleye. The area is a mix of farmland and forest, offering a scenic setting for a day trip from Winnipeg.
20. St. Leon & Bruxelles Area Lakes (Northern Pike)
1.5 hours southwest of Winnipeg
The St. Leon and Bruxelles area in the Pembina Valley has several small lakes that hold northern pike. These waters are best fished from small boats or canoes. The area's rolling hills and river valleys offer a scenic backdrop for a day of fishing.
21. Denham & Treesbank Ferries (Walleye, Channel Catfish)
1 hour west of Winnipeg, Assiniboine River
The Assiniboine River at Denham and Treesbank ferry crossings offers good walleye and channel catfish fishing. These historic ferry sites provide excellent shore fishing access. The river's deeper pools and current breaks hold fish throughout the summer. These are popular spots for local anglers.
22. St. Claude & Haywood Area Dugouts (Northern Pike)
1 hour southwest of Winnipeg
The St. Claude and Haywood area has numerous small dugouts and drainage ditches that hold northern pike. These small water bodies are best explored locally and can provide surprisingly good fishing. The area's agricultural landscape creates unique fishing opportunities not found in other regions.
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