The Interlake region sits between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, stretching from just north of Winnipeg up to the narrows of Lake Winnipeg. This is one of Manitoba's most productive fishing regions, with thousands of shallow lakes, the Lake Winnipeg shoreline, and the historic Icelandic River system. The region is easily accessible from Winnipeg and offers everything from family-friendly perch fishing to trophy walleye and pike.
1. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park (Walleye, Northern Pike & Perch)
2 hours north of Winnipeg
Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park is one of Manitoba's premier fishing destinations. The park encompasses Grindstone Point on Lake Winnipeg's eastern shore, plus numerous inland lakes. Lake Winnipeg offers world-class walleye fishing, with fish in the 2-5 pound range common. The park's inland lakes, including Camp Lake and Birch Lake, hold excellent northern pike and yellow perch populations. The park has a resort, golf course, campground, and marina. The historic Hecla Village adds a unique cultural element to any fishing trip.
2. Icelandic River (Walleye, Northern Pike & Goldeye)
1.5 hours north of Winnipeg, near Riverton
The Icelandic River flows into Lake Winnipeg at Riverton and offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and goldeye. The river's current, deep pools, and structure hold fish throughout the summer. Spring and fall are the best times, with walleye concentrated near the river mouth. The river is accessible from several points along Highway 8 and the Riverton area. The Icelandic River is named for the Icelandic settlers who established the community of Riverton in the late 1800s.
3. Arborg &Area Lakes (Walleye, Northern Pike & Perch)
1.5 hours north of Winnipeg
The Arborg area has numerous small to medium-sized lakes that offer excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. These lakes are less pressured than the Lake Winnipeg shoreline and can provide excellent fishing. Local favorites include Lake Manitoba (Arborg side), and the many smaller lakes in the region. The area is a mix of farmland and boreal forest, offering a diverse landscape. The town of Arborg has accommodations and services for visiting anglers.
4. Gull Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)
1.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Gull Lake, located between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba in the central Interlake, offers excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. The lake is shallow and productive, with healthy fish populations. Gull Lake is a popular destination for ice fishing in winter. The lake has several access points and is close to the community of Ashern.
5. Lake Manitoba (Narrows) (Walleye, Northern Pike & Perch)
1.5 hours northwest of Winnipeg
Lake Manitoba's narrows region, near the community of Lundar, offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake is large and can get rough, but the narrows area offers more protected water. Walleye fishing is best in spring and fall. Perch fishing is excellent throughout the summer. The Lundar area has several lodges and outfitters.
6. Lake St. Martin (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2 hours north of Winnipeg
Lake St. Martin, located northwest of Lake Winnipeg, offers excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. The lake's shallow, productive waters hold good populations of both species. The lake is less developed than Lake Winnipeg, offering a more remote experience. Access is via Highway 6 and several side roads.
7. Dauphin River (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2.5 hours north of Winnipeg
The Dauphin River connects Lake Manitoba to Lake Winnipeg and offers excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike. The river's current concentrates fish around structure and current breaks. The Dauphin River is a popular destination for boat anglers who can fish both the river and Lake Winnipeg's eastern shore. The area is remote and offers excellent fishing with fewer crowds.
8. Fisher River (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2 hours north of Winnipeg
The Fisher River flows into Lake Winnipeg near the community of Fisher Branch. The river offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike, particularly in spring and fall when fish are moving into and out of the lake. The river's lower sections are accessible by boat. The Fisher River Cree Nation manages fishing access in some areas.
9. Matheson Island (Walleye, Northern Pike)
3 hours north of Winnipeg
Matheson Island, located in Lake Winnipeg near the community of Pine Dock, offers excellent fishing in a remote island setting. The island is accessible by ferry from Pine Dock. The waters around Matheson Island hold walleye, northern pike, and the occasional lake trout. The area is remote and offers a true wilderness fishing experience.
10. Beaver Creek (Brook Trout)
1 hour north of Winnipeg
Beaver Creek, near the community of Teulon, offers a unique trout fishing opportunity in the Interlake region. The spring-fed creek holds brook trout that provide excellent light-tackle fishing. The creek is small and best fished with ultralight spinning gear or a fly rod. Beaver Creek is a hidden gem for trout anglers in the Interlake.
11. Washow Bay (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2 hours north of Winnipeg, Lake Winnipeg east side
Washow Bay, on Lake Winnipeg's eastern shore near the community of Washow, offers excellent walleye and northern pike fishing. The bay's protected waters provide a safer alternative to the open lake. The walleye fishing is best in spring and fall. Washow Bay is accessible by boat from several points along Highway 8.
12. Beaver Creek Lake (Northern Pike, Perch)
2 hours north of Winnipeg
Beaver Creek Lake, located near Hodgson, offers fishing for northern pike and yellow perch. The lake is shallow and productive, with good weed growth that provides ideal pike habitat. The lake is less pressured than the larger Interlake waters. Beaver Creek Lake is a good option for anglers exploring the central Interlake.
13. Kinwow Bay (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Kinwow Bay, on Lake Winnipeg near the community of Kinwow, offers good walleye and northern pike fishing. The bay's shallower, protected waters provide good fishing opportunities. Kinwow Bay is accessible from Highway 8 and offers a more remote fishing experience than the more popular areas to the south.
14. Pine Dock & Jackhead Areas (Walleye, Northern Pike)
3 hours north of Winnipeg
The Pine Dock and Jackhead areas on Lake Winnipeg's eastern shore offer excellent fishing in a remote setting. These communities provide access to Lake Winnipeg waters that receive less fishing pressure. Walleye in the 2-5 pound range are common. The area is at the northern edge of the Interlake region, bordering the boreal shield. Services are limited, so come prepared.
15. Manigotagan River (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2 hours northeast of Winnipeg
The Manigotagan River, located near the community of Manigotagan on Lake Winnipeg's eastern shore, offers walleye and northern pike fishing in a scenic river setting. The river's current and pools hold fish throughout the summer. The Manigotagan area also offers access to Lake Winnipeg. The river is less known than the Interlake's other waters, offering a quieter experience.
16. Lake Francis (Walleye, Northern Pike)
1.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Lake Francis, located near St. Laurent on the east side of Lake Manitoba, offers fishing for walleye and northern pike. The lake is connected to Lake Manitoba and holds healthy fish populations. Lake Francis has several cottage developments and is a popular summer destination. The lake's waters are shallower and warmer than Lake Manitoba.
17. Oak Hammock Marsh (Northern Pike, Perch)
30 min north of Winnipeg
Oak Hammock Marsh is a restored prairie wetland that offers fishing for northern pike and yellow perch. The marsh is a world-renowned birdwatching destination, hosting thousands of waterfowl. Fishing is permitted in designated areas. The marsh's shallow, weedy waters provide excellent pike habitat. Oak Hammock Marsh is a unique fishing destination within easy reach of Winnipeg, offering a combination of angling and wildlife viewing.
18. Dog Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)
2.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Dog Lake, located in the northern Interlake, offers good fishing for northern pike and walleye. The lake is less developed than the region's more popular waters, offering a quieter experience. Dog Lake is accessible by gravel road from Highway 6. The lake's remote character provides good fishing with fewer crowds.
19. Moose Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)
2.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Moose Lake, located near Hodgson in the central Interlake, offers fishing for northern pike and walleye. The lake's shallow, productive waters hold healthy fish populations. Moose Lake is a good option for anglers exploring the Interlake's many smaller lakes. The lake has several access points and is less pressured than the larger Interlake waters.
20. Kinosota & Amaranth Area (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)
2 hours northwest of Winnipeg
The Kinosota and Amaranth area on the east shore of Lake Manitoba offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The area's shallower bays and points provide good fishing opportunities, especially in spring and fall. Kinosota Beach is a popular summer destination. The area offers excellent access to Lake Manitoba's productive waters.
21. Waterhen Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)
2.5 hours northwest of Winnipeg, between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis
Waterhen Lake connects Lake Manitoba to Lake Winnipegosis and offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake's shallow, productive waters hold healthy fish populations. Waterhen Lake is accessible from Highway 6 and has several access points.
22. Cedar Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike)
3 hours northwest of Winnipeg
Cedar Lake, located near the community of Cedar Lake, offers walleye and northern pike fishing. The lake's shallow waters and weed beds provide good habitat. Cedar Lake is less pressured than the larger Interlake waters.
23. Horseshoe Lake (Northern Pike, Perch)
2.5 hours north of Winnipeg
Horseshoe Lake, located in the northern Interlake, offers northern pike and yellow perch fishing. The lake is smaller and less known than the region's larger waters, offering a quieter experience.
24. Fairford River (Walleye, Northern Pike)
2.5 hours northwest of Winnipeg
The Fairford River connects Lake Manitoba to Lake St. Martin and offers walleye and northern pike fishing. The river's current and structure hold fish throughout the summer. The Fairford River is a key waterway in the Interlake region.
25. Waterhen River (Northern Pike, Walleye)
2.5 hours northwest of Winnipeg
The Waterhen River connects Waterhen Lake to Lake Winnipegosis and offers northern pike and walleye fishing. The river's current and pools provide good habitat for both species.
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