Probably the most sought after sport fish in Manitoba, the Walleye (sander virteus) or as it’s known locally pickerel, can be found throughout the province. There are plenty of fly-in and drive to lodges, lakes and rivers that hold trophy potential, as well as some lakes that may not hold many giants, but will keep you so busy you’d think they were pan fish.
We operate on Lake Winnipeg, the 2nd largest watershed in Canada, and the 10th largest lake in the world. It is a premier Walleye fishing destination, with countless Manitoba Master Anglers caught each and every year. The Walleye roam the lake following the baitfish. This migration concentrates them near the tributaries of the south basin in the fall, and they stick around until the spawn in the spring. This provides an excellent opportunity for both novice and avid ice anglers. We have had multiple guests catch their first ice fishing, and have it be a Master angler, some with it being their first fish ever.
Most anglers are familiar with the lipless crank bait bite on Lake Winnipeg, and it is one of my favourite methods to catch theses beautiful fish. Other popular methods are the trusted jig and minnow as well as flutter spoons like Clam’s ‘Peg’ flutter spoon. Having a decent selection of these lures on hand should have you covered for a day on Lake Winnipeg this winter.
fNo two days on the lake are the same, I’ve been out with two groups on the lake where on day one group was on fire, and the next it was the other group. The difference, not where they were fishing, but how. Both groups were fishing 50 metres of each other, however the first group was fishing with a subtler finesse action on their crank baits, the second group a very aggressive action. Once we caught on to the difference between the groups, we where able to dial in our action, and get everybody’s rods to start bending.
If you’ve read this far, I should probably let you in on a secret weapon, I’ve had weeks where everyone I’ve talked to has been struggling, and we’ve been having some of our best days out on the ice. The reason Clam’s Rattlin’ Blade Spoon, it’s slimmer profile combined with the stainless steel ball bearings in the attached rattle chamber trigger those walleye to bite on the days when nothing else seems to be working. Just ask my guests who ‘borrow’ the lure while we’re busy taking pictures of their buddies Master Angler.
If you are looking to target some greenbacks this winter, consider getting Icebound.
