Author: Don Lamont

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…

MANITOBA A break in the cold weather has encouraged anglers to get out.  There has been a noticeable slow down in fish activity in many of our lakes and stocked trout ponds, but some fisheries remain hot. Check out the report below from Roger Geres! LAKE OF THE PRAIRIES – ROGER & SUE GERES Fishing is crazy good now that the weather has warmed up. There is an incredible perch bite and evening walleye bite. If you are on the right spot you can also catch walleye throughout the day! PRESENTATION Jigging spoons in various colours and Glo jigs have…

WHAT WILL 2023 BRING FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY? For the first time since 2019 organizations are getting back to meet in person. As Editor of Hooked Magazine, I try and stay on the pulse of what is happening in the outdoor industry. To do that you need to get out on the landscape to hear what those involved in the industry are saying about the future ahead. In early December Publisher Kevin Stobbe and I headed to a conference of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters that was being held in Saskatoon. Then it was the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters…

MANITOBA It has been a tremendous two weeks of early ice action here in Manitoba. Some monster fish have been caught, especially walleye. Petro Hrynda and his fishing partner Nolan Plew got out on Lake Winnipeg this week. Petro hooked and landed a beast, measuring close to 30 inches and weighing more than 13 pounds. Here is the story about this incredible catch from the man himself! PETRO HRYNDA – FINDING THE MOTHER LODE Reminiscing of the incredible hardwater fishery that we left last March, Nolan Plew and myself had finally ventured onto Lake Winnipeg for the first time this…

MANITOBA With dropping temperatures this week, ice anglers are starting to feel a bit better about ice conditions. It is still walk on in almost every situation still but things are thickening fast after an overnight of Minus 20 C in the southern part of Manitoba. Reel Life with Mike and his wife Kali are You Tubers and hardcore anglers. They have been out on the ice in various parts of the province already including one of the hottest walleye and perch lakes in southwestern Manitoba. They recently spent a couple days at Pelican Lake near Ninette. https://youtu.be/iDreeH0-tAE HUNT/FISH MB…

The Whiteshell: A Winter of Opportunities The beauty of the Whiteshell is that there are so many secrets out there, waiting to be uncovered. Some of my earliest memories of ice fishing started in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Many years ago, my family purchased a cottage in the park. I was new to ice fishing at the time and was eager to try it out. With only a hand auger and a basic jig and minnow setup, I would fish right in front of my cabin. Those were some cold hours with nothing to show except for the occasional pike.…

MANITOBA Another hardwater season is knocking on the door. In fact, in some places of this great province, it has arrived. Up in the Duck Mountains anglers have been venturing out on the stocked trout waters. While caution is advised, most of the first ice anglers are wiley old veterans that know to be smart. Never go alone, wear flotation gear, bring ice picks, and as one famous person said walk slowly and carry a big stick. It really is not a time to consider anything other than walking out. That is why stocked trout fishing is so special at…

IT IS THE SEASON Tick tock from the woodstove as the camp tent goes darker than dark. The quiet cut by laughter at that crusty old bush pilot who called us princesses for our foamy sleep pads. Within moments of the lantern being snuffed, the wilderness is a cacophony of healthy and unhealthy snores amongst dreams of bull moose in the crosshairs. They are out there. IN THE WILDERNESS Wolves yip at dawn that first morning as we putt-putt across the lake to the choice spots. It is close to the highwater mark on the Shield rock, with lots of…

MANITOBA I spent two days over the last week on the Red River. Last Wednesday proved to be a very productive day on the water with close to sixty walleye landed plus non stop sauger action. Friend Jim Price and I didn’t land any monsters but the action was still great. Two days ago I headed back out with a couple of biologists, Doug Watkinson and Derek Kroeker. It was an interesting day spent talking about fisheries management in the province. Doug works for Fisheries and Oceans. He has done a ton of tracking work on the many fish species…