Fishing in Eastern Manitoba: Whiteshell & Nopiming

Eastern Manitoba is the fishing heartland of the province. The Canadian Shield drops down into this region, creating thousands of clear, rocky lakes that hold exceptional populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and northern pike. The Whiteshell and Nopiming provincial parks are the crown jewels, offering world-class fishing within a two-hour drive of Winnipeg.

1. West Hawk Lake (Lake Trout & Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

West Hawk Lake is the deepest lake in the Whiteshell, formed by a meteorite impact over 100 million years ago. The lake drops to over 350 feet, creating excellent cold-water habitat for lake trout. Lake trout in the 5-12 pound range are common, with larger fish in the deep basins. The lake also holds an excellent smallmouth bass population — the rocky shorelines and shoals provide ideal habitat. The clear water means fish can be spooky; light leaders and natural presentations are key. The lake has a well-maintained campground, boat launch, and the West Hawk Lake Interpretive Centre. Trolling with downriggers is the standard technique for lake trout.

2. Falcon Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Falcon Lake is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the Whiteshell. The lake holds healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Walleye in the 2-4 pound range are common, with larger fish in the deeper basins. The lake's stained water makes walleye more accessible during daylight hours than in clearer lakes. The lake has excellent amenities including the Falcon Lake Resort, campgrounds, multiple boat launches, and the nearby Falcon Lake Golf Course. The lake is also a popular ice fishing destination in winter.

3. Caddy Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Caddy Lake is known for its unique tunnel connects — natural rock tunnels that link several basins of the lake. The lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The stained water provides good fishing during daylight hours. Caddy Lake is a popular destination for canoe camping, with backcountry campsites accessible only by water. The lake has a boat launch and is close to the Trans-Canada Highway. The tunnels are a unique attraction that makes Caddy Lake a must-visit destination.

4. Lac du Bonnet (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Muskie)

1 hour northeast of Winnipeg

Lac du Bonnet, part of the Winnipeg River system, offers excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskie. The Winnipeg River provides current, which concentrates fish around structure. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good, with fish in the 1-3 pound range common around rocky points and islands. Muskie fishing has grown in popularity, with fish over 50 inches possible. The town of Lac du Bonnet provides excellent amenities including lodging, restaurants, and multiple boat launches.

5. Pinawa Channel & Pinawa Dam (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours northeast of Winnipeg

The Pinawa Channel, part of the Winnipeg River system, offers excellent fishing in a unique setting. The channel's current, deep pools, and rocky structure hold walleye and smallmouth bass. The historic Pinawa Dam ruins provide a stunning backdrop and create excellent fish-holding structure. The channel is popular for both boat and shore fishing. The area has several hiking trails and picnic spots, making it a great family destination. The best fishing is in the evening when walleye move into the shallows to feed.

6. Nutimik Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike & Lake Trout)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Nutimik Lake, located in the northern Whiteshell, offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. The lake is less developed than Falcon or West Hawk, offering a more remote experience. The lake's deeper basins hold lake trout, while the shallower areas hold walleye and pike. Nutimik Lake has a small campground and boat launch. The lake is a good option for anglers looking to escape the crowds at the more popular Whiteshell lakes.

7. Dorothy Lake (Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park

Dorothy Lake, in Nopiming Provincial Park, offers excellent fishing for lake trout and smallmouth bass. Nopiming is less developed and less pressured than the Whiteshell, offering a true wilderness experience. The lake's clear, deep water holds good populations of lake trout. Smallmouth bass are abundant along the rocky shorelines. Nopiming Park has rustic campgrounds and canoe-access campsites. This is a great destination for anglers who want to get away from the crowds.

8. Tulabi Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park

Tulabi Lake in Nopiming Park offers excellent walleye and northern pike fishing in a wilderness setting. The lake is less pressured than Whiteshell lakes, producing quality fish. The lake's stained water and abundant structure provide good fishing throughout the day. Tulabi Lake has a small campground and boat launch. The park's gravel roads require careful driving but reward those who make the trip with excellent fishing and solitude.

9. Brereton Lake (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Brereton Lake is a smaller Whiteshell lake that offers excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fishing. The lake's clear water and rocky structure provide ideal smallmouth habitat. The lake is less busy than the larger Whiteshell lakes, offering a quieter experience. Brereton Lake has a boat launch and is close to the Whiteshell's main campgrounds.

10. Whiteshell Rivers (Brook Trout & Rainbow Trout)

Throughout the Whiteshell region

The numerous rivers and streams flowing through the Whiteshell region offer excellent trout fishing. The Whiteshell River, Rennie River, and their tributaries hold brook trout and rainbow trout. These small, clear streams are perfect for fly fishing with small nymphs and dry flies. The trout average 8-14 inches, with larger fish in the deeper pools. The streams are accessible from several points along the Trans-Canada Highway and offer a peaceful alternative to lake fishing.

11. Betula Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Betula Lake, located in the southern Whiteshell, offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike. The lake is smaller and less developed than the park's main lakes, providing a quieter experience. Betula Lake has a campground and boat launch. The lake's stained water provides good fishing during daylight hours.

12. Big Whiteshell Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Big Whiteshell Lake is one of the larger lakes in the Whiteshell and offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. The lake's deeper basins hold lake trout, while the shallower areas hold walleye and pike. Big Whiteshell Lake has several campgrounds and boat launches. The lake is less pressured than the more popular Whiteshell lakes.

13. Florence Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Florence Lake, located in the northern Whiteshell, offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The lake's clear water and rocky structure provide excellent smallmouth habitat. Florence Lake is less visited than the southern Whiteshell lakes, offering a more remote experience. The lake has a boat launch and is close to the park's backcountry areas.

14. Crowduck Lake (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Crowduck Lake, located near the southern edge of the Whiteshell, offers excellent smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike fishing. The lake's clear, rocky waters provide ideal bass habitat. Crowduck Lake is a popular destination for anglers seeking quality smallmouth fishing without travelling to the more remote parts of the park. The lake has a boat launch and campground.

15. White Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

White Lake, located near the Trans-Canada Highway in the Whiteshell, offers convenient fishing for walleye and northern pike. The lake is easily accessible and has a boat launch. White Lake is a good option for anglers looking for a quick fishing trip while travelling through the Whiteshell.

16. Rice Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

1 hour east of Winnipeg, near Hadashville

Rice Lake, located near Hadashville just east of the Whiteshell, offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake is outside the provincial park but offers good fishing with fewer crowds. Rice Lake has a boat launch and is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway.

17. Star Lake & South Cross Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park

Star Lake and South Cross Lake, located in the southern portion of Nopiming Provincial Park, offer walleye and northern pike fishing in a less-developed setting. These lakes are accessible by gravel road from the park's main entrance. The fishing pressure is lower than in the Whiteshell, offering a more remote experience.

18. Cabin Lake (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park

Cabin Lake, located in Nopiming Provincial Park, offers smallmouth bass and walleye fishing in a remote shield setting. The lake's rocky shores and clean water provide excellent smallmouth habitat. Cabin Lake is less developed than the park's main lakes, offering a true wilderness experience.

19. Lac du Bonbonnet & Lee River Areas (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie)

1 hour northeast of Winnipeg

The Lac du Bonbonnet and Lee River area, part of the Winnipeg River system, offers excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskie. The Winnipeg River's current and structure provide ideal habitat. The area has several lodges and outfitters. The Lee River is a popular destination for Winnipeg anglers seeking quality fishing close to the city.

20. Bird River (Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours northeast of Winnipeg

The Bird River, located near Lac du Bonnet, offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The river's current and rocky sections provide good habitat. The Bird River is a popular destination for canoe and kayak fishing. The river's proximity to the Winnipeg River system provides excellent fishing opportunities.

21. Jessica Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell Park

Jessica Lake, located near the southern edge of the Whiteshell, offers good fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The lake has a popular campground and beach, making it a great family destination.

22. Beresford Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park

Beresford Lake, located in Nopiming Provincial Park, offers walleye and northern pike fishing. The lake is less developed than the Whiteshell lakes, offering a more remote experience.

23. Clearwater Bay (Lake Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike)

2 hours east of Winnipeg, Nopiming Park area

Clearwater Bay, on the Winnipeg River system near the Ontario border, offers lake trout, walleye, and northern pike fishing. The area is less developed and offers good fishing with fewer crowds.

24. Rennie River (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)

1.5 hours east of Winnipeg, Whiteshell area

The Rennie River, flowing through the Rennie area near the Whiteshell, offers brook trout and rainbow trout fishing in a small stream setting. The river is best fished with light tackle or fly gear.

Fishing Tips for the Eastern Manitoba & Whiteshell Region

• Get a park permit — Both Whiteshell and Nopiming require a Manitoba Provincial Park vehicle permit. Buy online or at the park gates.
• Book campgrounds early — Whiteshell campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on long weekends. Book through the Manitoba Parks reservation system well in advance.
• Try lake trout in June — Early June, just after ice-out, is prime time for lake trout in West Hawk and other deep lakes. Fish are in shallow water feeding aggressively before moving deep for summer.
• Watch for rocks — The Canadian Shield lakes are full of underwater rocks and shoals. Use a depth finder and watch your lower unit. Many areas are best fished with a tiller motor or electric trolling motor.
• Explore Nopiming — Most anglers head to the Whiteshell, but Nopiming Park offers equally good fishing with a fraction of the crowds. The gravel roads are worth the drive.