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text
and photo by T. J. Schwanky
illustration by Robert Biron |
November - Walleye,
Red River, Manitoba
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Every fall,
anglers around the towns of Lockport and Selkirk just north
of Winnipeg get obsessed with greenbacks. Not the almighty U.S.
dollar, mind you, but the Red River’s big walleye, which
earned the nickname because of their unique, iridescent-green
colouring. While Lake Winnipeg is home to these massive fish
for most of the year, the walleye head for the cooling waters
of the Red River every fall in search of food, making for one
of North America’s most famous trophy walleye runs. November
is as good a time as any to target these giant ’eyes,
though prime fishing can be had from late September through
to freeze up; anglers even enjoy good catches for a month or
two after ice envelopes the river. Particularly popular is the
section of river that stretches downstream from the Lockport
dam to the boat launch at Selkirk Park, where thousands of anglers
dream of catching one of the river’s legendary 40-inch
walleye. Although the landing of a 40-incher has never been
officially verified, rumours abound that such fish exist. Regardless,
there are enough ’eyes in the 10- to 16-pound range to
more than compensate as a consolation prize.
TACKLE
AND TECHNIQUE
| BEYOND
WALLEYE |
| The
Red is internationally renowned for its monster
channel catfish, which can top 30 pounds. June,
July and August are prime times for cats, while
the summer also offers great angling for carp, white
bass, goldeye, freshwater drum, sauger and bullhead. |
|
Trolling
big, brightly coloured crankbaits on the large river flats is
one of the most popular methods for fall greenbacks. For the
deep sections, vertically fishing a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce white,
chartreuse or orange jig tipped with a large minnow is also
very productive. Also for the deeper sections, a lesser-known
yet effective technique is to drift with the current and vertically
jig spoons, such as the Fergie Special Jigging Spoon, Hopkins
Prism and Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon. Keep in mind that
November on the Red can be cold; floater suits, winter boots,
neoprene gloves and a toque are essential.
GETTING THERE
Boats can be launched at both Lockport and Selkirk, and getting
to either town is simple: both are just a short drive north
of Winnipeg on Highway 9.
BEYOND
THE RED
Looking
for more local walleye hot spots? Also try:
•
Winnipeg River (at Pine Falls)
• Assiniboine River |
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TO HOT SPOTS |
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