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Fishing on Manitoba's Hudson Bay Coast: Churchill River & Arctic Char

Explore fishing in the Fishing on Manitoba's Hudson Bay Coast: Churchill River & Arctic Char of Manitoba. Churchill Rive

The Hudson Bay coast of Manitoba is a land apart. The town of Churchill, known worldwide for its polar bears and beluga whales, also offers unique fishing opportunities. The Churchill River and the dozens of streams flowing into Hudson Bay host runs of Arctic char and sea-run brook trout. This is not a destination for casual anglers — travel is expensive and logistics are complex — but for those who make the journey, the fishing is unforgettable.

1. Churchill River (Arctic Char, Brook Trout, Northern Pike)

Churchill area

The Churchill River is the largest river system flowing into Hudson Bay in Manitoba. The river hosts a significant run of Arctic char, with fish averaging 4-8 pounds. The river also holds brook trout and northern pike. The Churchill River offers the most accessible fishing in the region. Guided trips are available through local outfitters. The char run occurs in July and August. The river's tidal estuary also offers excellent beluga whale viewing — thousands of belugas gather here each summer.

Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Churchill River →

2. Seal River (Arctic Char, Brook Trout)

fly-in only

The Seal River, flowing into Hudson Bay, offers exceptional Arctic char and brook trout fishing in a pristine subarctic setting. The river's clear, cold water and classic pool-riffle structure provide ideal habitat. The char run is strong, with fish averaging 4-8 pounds. The Seal River is fly-in only, accessed through lodges that operate on the river. The fishing is strictly catch-and-release. This is a destination for serious Arctic char anglers.

Boat Launch: Seal River →

3. Broad River (Brook Trout, Arctic Char)

Broad River, Manitoba

The Broad River offers fishing for brook trout and Arctic char. The river's lower reaches hold sea-run brook trout that average 2-4 pounds. The char run is smaller than in the Churchill or Seal rivers but still provides excellent fishing. The Broad River is accessible by boat from Churchill or by all-terrain vehicle.

Boat Launch: Broad River →

4. Little Churchill River (Brook Trout, Northern Pike)

Little Churchill River, Manitoba

The Little Churchill River offers good fishing for brook trout and northern pike. The river is smaller and more intimate than the main Churchill River. The brook trout are primarily sea-run, averaging 1-3 pounds. Northern pike are present throughout the river system. The Little Churchill is a good option for anglers based in Churchill looking for a day trip.

Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Little Churchill River →

5. Kasmere Lake & River (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

The Kasmere Lake and River system, located in northwestern Manitoba, offers fishing for lake trout and northern pike in a remote wilderness setting. The lake holds lake trout that average 5-12 pounds. Northern pike in the 5-15 pound range are common. The area is fly-in only and is accessed through lodges and outfitters.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Kasmere Lake & River →

6. Southern Indian Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye)

North-central Manitoba, fly-in or remote road access

Southern Indian Lake is one of the largest lakes in Manitoba and offers excellent fishing for lake trout, northern pike, walleye, and Arctic grayling. The lake's vast size and diverse habitat provide outstanding fishing opportunities. Lake trout in the 5-15 pound range are common. The lake has several lodges and is accessible by float plane or by a rough road from Thompson.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm
Walleye (Pickerel) & Sauger (either or combined) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 55 cm

Boat Launch: Southern Indian Lake →

7. Nueltin Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

Nueltin Lake, straddling the Manitoba-Nunavut border, offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. The lake is large, deep, and incredibly clear. Lake trout exceeding 30 pounds are caught here. Northern pike in the 10-20 pound range are common. The lake is fly-in only and has several remote lodges. This is one of the premier trophy fishing destinations in Manitoba.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Nueltin Lake →

8. Caribou River (Arctic Char)

Caribou River, Manitoba

The Caribou River, flowing into Hudson Bay, offers Arctic char fishing in a remote setting. The char run in the Caribou River is smaller than in the main Churchill River but offers quality fish in a less-pressured environment. The river is accessible by boat from Churchill.

Boat Launch: Caribou River →

9. Owl River (Brook Trout, Arctic Char)

Owl River, Manitoba

The Owl River, flowing into Hudson Bay, offers brook trout and Arctic char fishing. The river's cold, clear waters hold sea-run brook trout that average 2-4 pounds. The char run is smaller than in the Churchill River but provides quality fishing. The Owl River is accessible by boat from Churchill or ATV.

Boat Launch: Owl River →

10. North Knife River (Arctic Char, Brook Trout)

North Knife River, Manitoba

The North Knife River offers Arctic char and brook trout fishing in a remote subarctic setting. The river's clear, cold waters hold healthy populations of both species. The North Knife River is less accessible than the Churchill River, requiring boat or ATV transport from Churchill. The fishing is excellent for those willing to make the trip.

Boat Launch: North Knife River →

11. South Knife River (Arctic Char)

South Knife River, Manitoba

The South Knife River offers Arctic char fishing in a pristine setting. The char run occurs in July and August. The river is remote and requires boat access from Churchill. The South Knife River offers excellent fishing with minimal angling pressure.

Boat Launch: South Knife River →

12. Thlewiaza River (Arctic Char, Grayling, Lake Trout)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

The Thlewiaza River flows through the far northwestern corner of Manitoba into Nunavut. The river system holds Arctic char, Arctic grayling, and lake trout. The river is fly-in only and is one of the most remote fishing destinations in Canada. Lodges on the Thlewiaza offer week-long packages for serious wilderness anglers.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm

Boat Launch: Thlewiaza River →

13. Cochrane River (Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

The Cochrane River system in northwestern Manitoba offers fishing for Arctic grayling, lake trout, and northern pike. The river's clear, cold waters provide ideal habitat for grayling. Lake trout are found in the deeper sections. The Cochrane River is fly-in only and is accessed through lodges in the area.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Cochrane River →

14. Caribou Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Caribou Lake, Manitoba

Caribou Lake, located inland from the Hudson Bay coast, offers lake trout and northern pike fishing. The lake is less known than the region's rivers but holds healthy fish populations. Caribou Lake is accessible by ATV or boat from Churchill. The lake offers a change of pace from the river fishing that dominates the region.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Payuk Lake →

15. Nejaniilini Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

Nejaniilini Lake offers trophy lake trout and northern pike fishing. The lake is large, deep, and incredibly clear. Lake trout in the 10-20 pound range are common. Fly-in access only.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Nejaniilini Lake →

16. Shethanei Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

Shethanei Lake, located in the far northwestern corner of Manitoba, offers lake trout and Arctic grayling fishing in a pristine wilderness setting. The lake's clear, cold waters produce healthy fish. Shethanei Lake is fly-in only and receives very few anglers each season. This is one of Manitoba's most remote and least-pressured fisheries.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm

Boat Launch: Shethanei Lake →

17. Munroe Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Munroe Lake, Manitoba

Munroe Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing. The lake is shallower and warmer than the region's deep trout lakes. Munroe Lake provides a different fishing experience from the Arctic char and trout rivers that dominate the Hudson Bay coast region.

Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm
Walleye (Pickerel) & Sauger (either or combined) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 55 cm

Boat Launch: Munroe Lake →

18. Button Bay & Cape Merry (Shore Fishing)

Churchill area

Button Bay and Cape Merry, located at the mouth of the Churchill River historic Fort Prince of Wales, offer shore fishing for Arctic char and brook trout. These historic sites offer excellent shore fishing access combined with a rich history. Fort Prince of Wales, built in the 1700s, is a National Historic Site and a must-visit for anyone travelling to Churchill.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

19. Kasmere Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)

Northwest Manitoba, fly-in only

Kasmere Lake, located in northwestern Manitoba, offers lake trout and northern pike fishing in a remote wilderness setting. The lake is fly-in only and receives minimal fishing pressure.

Lake Trout · Limit: 1 · None may exceed 65 cm
Northern Pike (Jackfish) · Limit: 4 · None may exceed 75 cm

Boat Launch: Kasmere Lake →