MANITOBA’S TOP 20 HOT SPOTS FOR GREAT WALLEYE FISHING

Manitoba: Walleye

Why this is one of Canada’s must-have fishing experiences

Walleye are both popular and plentiful across Canada, but the centre of the country, where the prairies meet the forest, offers something special. That’s because Manitoba boasts an exceptional variety of productive walleye waters, ranging from remote fly-in destinations to fishing spots you can reach by public transit.

Across the province, anglers can haul in lunch-sized walleye by the ton, as well as target giant fish—sometimes on the same body of water. That includes both Canadian Shield lakes and vast prairie reservoirs. Perhaps most famous of Manitoba’s walleye are the giant greenbacks unique to Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries. Primarily targeted in winter, these iridescent emerald-green fish grow to unprecedented lengths, with hefty girths.

Practically any lake or river in Manitoba can produce big fish throughout the year—walleye longer than 28 inches are considered trophies, and hundreds of them are submitted each year to the province’s Master Angler program. No doubt, even more are caught and released without the accolades.

Part of Manitoba’s walleye bounty is due to the province’s strong conservation culture, typified by the prohibition of barbed hooks and, in many areas, live baitfish. So, when you do keep a few eaters, you know you’ll still be leaving plenty more walleye behind for the next trip—and the next generation.

WHEN TO GO: June to September; December to March

HOT TACTIC: Jigging lipless crankbaits through the ice

LEARN MORE: www.huntfishmanitoba.ca

THE HOT SPOTS

1. Assiniboine River
2. Athapapuskow Lake
3. Big Sand Lake
4. Bolton Lake
5. Dauphin Lake
6. Dunphy Lake
7. Falcon Lake
8. Gunisao Lake
9. Lake of the Prairies
10. Lake Winnipeg
11. Manigotagan River 
12. Paint Lake
13. Red River
14. Reed Lake
15. Sasaginnigak Lake
16. Tramping Lake
17. Vandekerckhove Lake
18. Waterhen River
19. Wekusko Lake
20. Winnipeg River