Author: Don Lamont

MEETING THE PROS The sun finally decided to shine and the temperature climbed to above 20 Celsius (mid 70F) as all 55 qualifiers for the Classic gathered for Media Day. This is the culmination of the year for these pros and the thousands of fans who are gathering to follow the three days of competition. Darrin Bohonis and I arrived early just to make sure we were on time. Gussy was our first stop, but he was busy tying on lures so we left him alone. It was key to let him get his work done. Our first four interviews…

THE SUPERBOWL OF BASS FISHING! You might not know it but bass fishing is one of my all time favourite pursuits. In my first big time event at the Inaugural Kenora Bass International, my partner and I were in the lead after Day 1. Of course, I messed it up and finished 10th. it was just the beginning of what was to be an intense pursuit for a number of anglers in Canada. Don’t forget this was 30 years ago. Jeff Gustafson was still knee high to a grasshopper. AT THE TOP! Well look at him now, a pretournament favourite…

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECTS TO PROTECT FISH AND WILDLIFE The Manitoba government is protecting the province’s abundant natural resources by awarding $780,660 in funding for 21 fish and wildlife improvement projects from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF).  Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt made the announcement earlier this week. “Manitoba’s fish and wildlife are precious resources that should be preserved to ensure its sustainability for future generations of Manitobans,” said Nesbitt. “We recognize the important contributions of licensed hunter, anglers and trappers that support the conservation of fish and wildlife and these investments will provide…

MANITOBA – HUNT/FISHMB PETRO HRYNDA March Madness is on! With the Lake Trout season in full gear across Northern Manitoba, it’s been an incredible month for anglers with countless giant Lake Trout caught. The Northern drive-to lakes such as Clearwater Lake and Athapapuskow Lake are popular trophy lake trout destinations and for a good reason. Not only are they some of the most accessible and well-accommodated trophy Laker Trout lakes across Manitoba, but the incredible fish that roam them would seem anything but. This month, anglers caught and released a true once-in-a-lifetime catch with a massive 46” lake trout from…

It’s almost that time of year! The days are getting longer, the sun hotter and the fish hungry. In one short week it is official March Madness time. I must admit there probably is nothing I would rather do that sit out on the ice on a late March day with family and friends catching a few fish and sharing stories. Enjoy! MANITOBA Plenty of great stuff happening on the ice this month, despite some stretches of cold weather. The Hunt/Fish Manitoba crew have been up north for a couple of weeks chasing a wide variety of species in northern…

MANITOBA After a week of colder weather, things have improved once again. It seems the fish have responded as well, with some great ice fishing in all sections of the province. One of the big stories this year has been the number of jumbo whitefish caught on Lake Winnipeg. For whatever reason for years anglers who targeted this fun sportfish had little success on Big Windy despite repeated efforts. Anglers knew there was a good population, judging by the number caught in commerical nets. Suddenly the bite is on, most as incidental catches while targeting walleye. It might have something…

GREAT NEWS FOR ANGLERS IN MANITOBA!  For years anglers have been wanting more simplified angling regulations. Over the last couple of years the Manitoba Fisheries Department has been seeking to make those changes. They developed a Manitoba Recreational Angling Strategy which they then took to the public forum. Stakeholder organizations that represent over 10,000 anglers participated in 15 engagement meetings and events. In addition, over 1,440 responses were received through EngageMB. “We’ve heard from Manitobans that they want angling licences to be modernized. Our government has listened, and we are taking concrete action.”  Those words from Natural Resources and Northern…

MANITOBA A cold blast of air is set to send temperatures plummeting across the prairies over the next couple of weeks. This will slow down the walleye bite, which has already slowed down considerably. Friends Roger and Sue Geres have been enjoying the last couple of weeks to chase perch and walleye on Lake of the Prairies. While it has been a bit of grind, they have gotten on some big fish! Here is their latest report. LAKE OF THE PRAIRIES – ROGER AND SUE GERES Fish are still active if you can find them, lots of work with all…

MANITOBA The weather in this part of the world continues to favour those who love to be outside. It has been a much better winter for ice fisherman in this part of the world. While we still have fairly deep snow in places the temperatures have been balmy compared to last winter. Anglers are covering the province with many fishing for pike. These fish have remained active through the ice and some large fish are being caught across the prairies. LAKE OF THE PRAIRIES This reservoir has been spectacular for the last three years. With the a break in the…

As we head into 2023, it’s hard not to think about all the changes that have gone on in the outdoor world recently. I have just completed my 40th year in this industry, a mark I never would have imagined. It was 1982 when I started out as a guide at Eagle Nest Lodge on the Winnipeg River. I had developed a passion for the outdoors and angling when working in the television/radio business in Prince Albert the previous two years. A newfound freedom from any relationships or debts had allowed me to pursue a career in the fishing industry. After my…