Southern Region, Manitoba

Species: Bass, Catfish, Walleye/Pickerel

Season: June to October

Coordinates: 49.8833° N, 97.1500° W

Why we choose it: Best for walleye, catfish, family trips, and group getaways.

Head to the southeast corner of the province where the Lake of the Woods region delivers premium waters for walleye, bass and—if you’re really lucky—a musky. Continue your journey north, sticking close to the Ontario border, and you’ll set foot in Whiteshell Provincial Park, a region dotted with lodges and resorts and plenty of lakes. Here, the Canadian Shield offers big battles with pike, trout and bass, but it’s walleye that own these waters. You’ll soon slide into the land of the river—the Assiniboine, Winnipeg and Red that that criss-cross the landscape and could arguably offer up more trophy fish, in more species, than any other waters in the province. If you’re spending time in Winnipeg, you’re fishing trip isn’t over. The Red and Assinboine rivers meet at The Forks and there’s plenty of space to drop a line here along the pathways. Follow the rivers in any direction and you’ll likely find an accessible, secluded spot where walleye, sauger, goldeye, freshwater drum, carp and channel cats can be found. —Presented by Travel Manitoba

Hot Bait: Walleye, jig and Gulp! Drum, single hook with cocktail shrimp.

Looking for lodging information? Check out Travel Manitoba for fishing lodges in this region.