Author: Don Lamont

MANITOBA It has been a warm couple of weeks in this part of the world but the fishing remains good. Plentiful rainfall at regular intervals has kept things lush and green in many parts of the province. On a recent trip to the Lee River for crappies we had to admire the good looking crops along the way.  Water levels were good upon arrival and surface water temperature on the Humminbird was 73.5 Fahrenheit. We had been out on the river at this time last year filming a segment of Fishing the Wild West television show with Wes David and…

Targeting Summer Whitefish As we evolve as anglers, many of us expand our horizons to include different species in our fishing efforts. When you combine that with the evolution of electronics, that include live imaging, the limitations are reduced. Over the years I have caught quite a few whitefish during the open water season. I did one television episode with Ken Kansas up in the Porcupine Mountains. North Steeprock Lake had a mega population of jumbo whitefish. It was a cold early June day when we went out, but we managed to make the best of it. I started out…

MANITOBA It was a fantastic three days of fishing and celebration this past week during the Hooked 15th Anniversary event on the Winnipeg River. Headquartered out of Kendall Point Lodge, 18 invited guests enjoyed friendship and experiences. The event was highlighted by the appearance of Bassmaster Classic winner Jeff Gustafson. Gussy has contributed to Hooked since the beginning and he was able to free up two days of his packed schedule to be there. On Day One, Jeff fished with Wes David and his cameraman Chuck McPherson. With many fish caught and information shared, Gussy showed how it’s done. This…

MANITOBA EASTERN MANITOBA – MATT GELLEY – MG OUTDOORS The angling in the eastern region of Manitoba has continued to be decent. Despite the elevated water temperatures, the forage has stayed shallow. Crappies, walleyes, perch and northern pike are up around the weeds. Eyes & Slabs  I spent a bunch of time pitching a 3” swimbait around the leafy weeds in that 4-6 foot of water range. A 1/8oz NED rig or small swimbait has been the ticket depending on the mood of the fish. The crappies are now post-spawn and more spread out in the bays. Walleyes on the…

MANITOBA With warmer temperatures we have gone from winter to summer, almost bypassing spring! This has really condensed the bite window for almost all species of fish. While anglers are still catching walleye, bass, and pike shallow, the crappie have now joined them. LAKE MANITOBA I was out on Lake Manitoba this week and we caught the drum in mostly three feet, while the walleye were out in nine feet during the day and moved to five or six feet in the evening. The evening bite was hot and heavy but the drum supplied plenty of action in the afternoon.…

MANITOBA It has been a solid couple of weeks since we had our last fishing report. More and more anglers are diversifying for species angled for. There were a number of massive carp caught all across the prairies including right here in Manitoba. Lake Manitoba continues to be the all species superstar. Massive quillback, pike, perch, carp, freshwater drum have all been rolling into the Master Angler list.Check out this huge drum caught by Travis Buhler that measured out at 28.50 inches. Of course it was caught in the Whitemud River on the southwest corner of Lake Manitoba. As mentioned…

CHANGES BASICALLY ELIMINATE RECREATIONAL BOATING The Federal government has just announced a slate of drastic changes to its Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program for 2023.  In all my 41 years in the industry I have never heard of anything like it in this part of the world. It basically eliminates all boating on the lake other than those who might have a cottage and don’t fish other waters during the open water season These changes will have major repercussions for boaters, anglers, and the local economy. The following link https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/nature/conserv/aqua/eae-change-ais details the changes but some highlights are…

THE NORTH SHORE EXPERIENCE  Breathtaking Ontario landscapes from the shores of Lake Superior, a trip to see this beauty a must. The north shore is a bucket list necessity, with bountiful fishing, motorcycle riding, ancient pictographs, waterfalls, hikes, camp sites and iconic light houses. First on my list is the “Galapagos of the North,” a lonely lighthouse island with black volcanic beaches and wind-swept trees surrounded by a blue-green azure freshwater ocean. Some of these stunning seaside backdrops will surely be a good addition to your picture album. The Porphyry Island lighthouse, which was first used as an operational lighthouse…

MANITOBA It is transition time in this part of the world. The southern rivers are open and smaller potholes. Some suckers are being caught but we are about a week away from good open water. One of my favourite trips each year is for early season crappies. Manitoba has many lakes that hold these feisty panfish and springtime can dynamite if you know what to look for.  WATER TEMPERATURE THE KEY! When the water temperature is in the four Celsius range, crappie position on drop-offs near deeper water, especially if there is vegetation. These are areas near where they spent…

EARLY SEASON BONANZA Over the many years I have been in this business, I have shared a boat with some of the best anglers on the planet. A few of those have a love for catching large pike. I happen to be one of those and if it is on a fly rod all the better. As far as I am concerned it is one of the best challenges an angler can have. NOT FLY ROD WEATHER Early spring is not the best time to pick up a fly rod though. It is usually better when the water temperatures rise…