Northwestern Manitoba is a prime destination for trophy pike, walleye and lake trout
Want to catch so many fish you lose count? This is the place
Advertisement
Laurie River Lodge is a classic example of the fishing found across much of northern Manitoba’s vast, roadless wilderness.#1 You can catch a lot of incredible fish
In late June, I headed up to Laurie River Lodge in northwestern Manitoba. The photo above is just a sampling of the memorable fish my group landed in only four days on the water. As part of the Churchill River system, Laurie River offers access to both McGavock Lake, where the main lodge is located, and a number of nearby lakes reached by boat, air or a short portage. And if you’re used to fishing down by the 49th parallel (or below), it’s unlike anything you ever experienced.
#2 It’s a classic Canadian Shield fishery
The fishing at Laurie River perfectly typifies what you can expect at a fly-in lodge in northern Manitoba. That includes northern pike, walleye and lake trout in incredible numbers, and impressive sizes. As you can see from my distinctive green shirt, I nabbed all three prime species, plus a bonus burbot, on just one day. (And yes, smart guy, I did change my shirt every day.)
Advertisement
#3 The lodges are well run and easy to get to
This part of the world has a great fishing culture, including some fine operations, many of which (including Laurie River above) have their own planes. Another specialty of the region is four-day trips, which are possible because of regular air service to Lynn Lake, which is the jumping-off point for a lot of northern adventures, and only a two-hour flight from Winnipeg. The four-day trip is a great option for those with limited time. Anglers from almost anywhere in North America can be in and out in less than a week. (If you’re wondering how to pick a lodge, I offered some tips in this recent Outdoor Canada story.)