9 reasons why every angler should visit northern Manitoba

#4  The natural environment is breathtaking

Without even trying, on this trip alone I saw two cow moose and a calf, black bears and a whole whack of bald eagles. I even managed to capture the sequence above. My friend (and Manitoba first-timer) Joel Kellman, from Detroit, was particularly blown away by the eagles, which we saw almost every day.

The eagle may be American’s symbol, but Joel had to come up north to get the shot above (note the top right corner).

#5  You will eat the best fish you’ve ever had

One of the high points of every northern trip is a shorelunch, with fresh-fried fish and potatoes (above). There is literally nothing like it. In my entire life, I’ve never had fish in a restaurant that was in the same league as crispy walleye or pike, eaten off a paper plate.

We also had an extra special treat of smoked lake trout. Guide Alfred Michelle smoked the fish one evening, and then the next day he warmed it over the fire for lunch (above).

#6  You don’t need to be an expert

These northern lakes definitely reward skill and experience. If you’re a good angler, you’ll put more fish—and more good fish—in the boat. But even a novice can score a trophy fish. Joel (above, with super-guide Alfred) claimed he hadn’t done any serious fishing for decades. But he was up to speed in no time, and scored some impressive catches, including a Manitoba Master Angler-class walleye.