Fishing in the Winnipeg Region

Winnipeg is one of the best cities in Canada for urban fishing. The Red River flows right through the city, offering world-class channel catfish fishing within walking distance of downtown. Within a short drive, you can be on Lake Winnipeg chasing trophy walleye or exploring the countless lakes of the Whiteshell and Nopiming provincial parks. Here are the top fishing spots near Winnipeg.

1. Red River (The Forks & Downtown Winnipeg)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Red River 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 provides spectacular fishing right in the heart of the city. Popular access points include The Forks, Kildonan Park, and the river trails in St. Vital. Cut bait, shrimp, and stink baits are standard. The river also holds walleye, goldeye, and northern pike. Spring and fall are best for walleye.

2. Lake Winnipeg (Gimli & Winnipeg Beach)

Netley Creek, Manitoba

Lake Winnipeg is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in the world. The south basin, accessible from Gimli and Winnipeg Beach, offers exceptional walleye fishing with fish in the 2-5 pound range common. The lake is large and can get rough in high winds, so check conditions before heading out. Trolling with worm harnesses and bottom bouncing with jigs are the standard techniques. The lake also holds northern pike, lake trout (north basin), and the occasional trophy walleye over 10 pounds. Several marinas in Gimli offer boat rentals and launch access.

3. Seine River (Brook Trout & Walleye)

Lorette, Manitoba

The Seine River, flowing through the community of Lorette and into Winnipeg, offers good fishing for brook trout and walleye. The upper reaches hold brook trout in the 8-12 inch range, while the lower river near the Red River confluence holds walleye. The Seine is a small, accessible river that's perfect for a quick after-work fishing session. Focus on deeper pools and undercut banks for trout, and current breaks near the mouth for walleye.

4. Birds Hill Provincial Park (Trout)

Cooks Creek, Manitoba

Birds Hill Provincial Park offers several stocked trout ponds that provide excellent family fishing within easy reach of the city. West Lake, South Lake, and the Park Lake are stocked with rainbow trout and brook trout. These ponds are well-maintained and have excellent shore access, making them perfect for beginners and families. The park also has hiking and biking trails, a campground, and a beach. Fishing is best in spring and fall when trout are most active.

5. Assiniboine River (Walleye, Goldeye & Catfish)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Assiniboine River flows through western Winnipeg and joins the Red River at The Forks. The river offers good fishing for walleye, goldeye, and channel catfish. The walleye population has improved significantly in recent years. The river's slower current and deeper pools hold fish throughout the summer. Popular access points include Assiniboine Park, Sturgeon Creek, and the river trails in St. James. The Assiniboine is smaller than the Red River and can be waded in many sections.

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

Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba

Whiteshell Provincial Park is a premier fishing destination just over an hour from Winnipeg. The park's numerous lakes offer excellent fishing for 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 and smallmouth bass. Falcon Lake and Caddy Lake are popular for walleye and pike. The park has well-maintained boat launches, campgrounds, and cabins. A weekend trip to Whiteshell is a favourite for Winnipeg anglers.

7. Nopiming Provincial Park (Walleye, Northern Pike & Lake Trout)

Nopiming Provincial Park, Manitoba

Nopiming Provincial Park offers a more remote fishing experience than Whiteshell, with fewer crowds and excellent fishing. The park's lakes, including Bird Lake, Tulabi Lake, and Beresford Lake, hold walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. The park is less developed than Whiteshell, with more rustic camping options. The fishing pressure is lower, which means better quality fish for those willing to make the drive. Canoe camping is a popular way to access the park's remote waters.

8. Portage Reservoir (Walleye & Northern Pike)

Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

The Portage Reservoir, 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 is easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway and has several access points. The reservoir is also a popular spot for ice fishing in winter.

9. Rat River (Brook Trout & Walleye)

Dominion City, Manitoba

The Rat River, flowing through the community of St. Pierre-Jolys, offers good fishing for brook trout and walleye. The upper river holds brook trout, while the lower sections hold walleye. 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, offering a more peaceful fishing experience.

10. Lake of the Woods (Manitoba Side)

Lake of the Woods, Manitoba

The Manitoba side of Lake of the Woods offers excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskie. While most of the lake is in Ontario, the Manitoba portion near the Winnipeg River inlet provides excellent fishing with less pressure. The area has several lodges and outfitters. It's a longer drive from Winnipeg but well worth it for a weekend trip.

11. La Salle River (Walleye, Channel Catfish, Goldeye)

La Salle, Manitoba

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 after-work trip. Focus on deeper pools and current breaks near structure.

12. Cooks Creek (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Cooks Creek, Manitoba

Cooks Creek, flowing through the communities of Cooks Creek and Hazelridge, offers fishing for northern pike and walleye. The creek's slow-moving water and weedy sections provide good pike habitat. Spring and fall offer the best fishing. Cooks Creek is a good option for anglers looking to explore new water close to the city.

13. Roseau River (Walleye, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike)

Dominion City, Manitoba

The Roseau River flows through southern Manitoba and offers good fishing for walleye, channel catfish, and northern pike. The river's current and deep pools hold fish throughout the summer. The Roseau River is less pressured than the Red River and offers a more intimate fishing experience. The river is accessible from several points near the town of Dominion City.

14. Brokenhead River (Walleye, Northern Pike)

Brokenhead, Manitoba

The Brokenhead River flows into Lake Winnipeg near the community of Brokenhead. The river offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike, particularly in spring and fall when fish are moving. The river's current and deeper pools hold fish throughout the season. The Brokenhead River is a good option for anglers based in the Winnipeg area looking for a change from the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

15. Netley Creek (Walleye, Northern Pike)

Netley Creek, Manitoba

Netley Creek flows into the Red River near Netley Lake, offering fishing for walleye and northern pike. The creek's slower water and weedy sections provide good habitat. The Netley area is also an important waterfowl staging area, making it a great destination for anglers who also enjoy birdwatching.

16. St. Andrews & Lockport Areas (Channel Catfish, Walleye, Goldeye)

Lockport, Manitoba

The Red River through St. Andrews and Lockport, including the Lockport Dam area, offers excellent fishing for channel catfish, walleye, and goldeye. The dam creates a popular fishing hole that holds fish year-round. The Lockport area is one of the most accessible and productive fishing spots near Winnipeg. The historic Lockport Bridge and the Half Moon Drive-In add to the experience.

17. Little Saskatchewan River (Walleye, Northern Pike)

Austin, Manitoba

The Little Saskatchewan River flows through the communities of Austin and Minnedosa before joining the Assiniboine River. The river offers fishing for walleye and northern pike. The river is smaller than the main Assiniboine and offers a more intimate fishing experience. The Little Saskatchewan is a good option for anglers exploring the western reaches of the Winnipeg area.

18. Whitemouth River (Walleye, Northern Pike)

Whitemouth, Manitoba

The Whitemouth River flows through eastern Manitoba into the Winnipeg River. The river offers fishing for walleye and northern pike. The river's current and structure hold fish throughout the summer. The Whitemouth River area is also known for its excellent birdwatching and is close to the Whiteshell region.

19. FortWhyte Alive (Rainbow Trout)

FortWhyte, Manitoba

FortWhyte Alive, an environmental education centre within Winnipeg, offers stocked rainbow trout fishing in its lakes. The centre's Lake Devonian and other ponds are stocked with trout and provide excellent family fishing opportunities within the city limits. A fishing permit is included with park admission. FortWhyte also offers hiking trails, bison viewing, and a nature centre — making it a great family destination.

20. Morden & Manitou Area Lakes (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Morden, Manitoba

The area around Morden and Manitou has several small lakes and the Pembina River that offer northern pike and walleye fishing. These waters are less pressured than those closer to Winnipeg and can provide excellent fishing. The Pembina Valley offers a scenic setting for a day trip from Winnipeg.

21. Winnipeg River (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike)

Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

The Winnipeg River flows from Lake of the Woods into Lake Winnipeg and offers some of the best fishing in Manitoba. The river holds walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, and northern pike. The river's current, rapids, and deep pools provide diverse habitat. The Winnipeg River is accessible from several communities including Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, and Powerview-Pine Falls.

22. Boyne River (Walleye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish)

Carman, Manitoba

The Boyne River flows through Carman into the Red River. The river offers fishing for walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. The Boyne River is smaller than the Red River and offers a more intimate fishing experience. The river is accessible from several points in Carman and the surrounding area.

23. Red Deer River (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Roblin, Manitoba

The Red Deer River flows through western Manitoba into the Lake Winnipegosis basin. The river offers northern pike and walleye fishing in a scenic setting. The river is less known than the province's major rivers and offers good fishing with fewer crowds.