EARLY SEASON CRAPPIES! There isn’t an angler in the North that’s not looking forward to open water. Well, except for a few hardwater diehards. For myself, spring is one of those magical periods. After ice out the early open water season brings on many bite windows that only last a few weeks in the year. The Black Crappie bobber bite is one of them. The action can be nonstop, making this an excellent time to take the kids out fishing. Mother nature will dictate how long or short the opportunity lasts. Obviously, lake conditions play a huge role. This is…
Author: Matt Gelley
Matt Gelley
MATTHEW GELLEY is an avid outdoor promoter and multispecies angler from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Being involved with Scouts Canada at an early age, Matt developed a passion for the outdoors. Growing up on the Winnipeg River, Smallmouth Bass soon became his favourite species. Once the ice hits, Whiteshell Black Crappies and Walleye are his main catch. Check out Matt’s social channels designed to promote, educate, and entertain all aspects of angling in central Canada — MG Outdoors
SOUTH BASIN GREAT EARLY SEASON WALLEYE DESTINATION It’s my favourite place to catch a few fish before Big Windy heats up with trophy Greenbacks in January. The average size class of walleyes are in between 18 and 21 inches. It’s not uncommon to pull out a chunky four pound eye. The lake is also home to trophy leopard burbot, perch and northern pike. It’s a fantastic place to walk out and catch fish. Most of the fishable areas are within 1.5 km from shore and accessible. For some reason, Lake Manitoba seems to produce ice fast. It’s still important to…
FIRST ICE CRAPPIES The ice will be here before you know it. Crappies are usually the first species on my hit list. Once late fall hits, crappies school up on mud basin flats. These fish tend to cruise around a lot which can make locating them a daunting task. Being mobile and punching lots of holes is key to getting bit. Technology over the past few years has made winter crappie fishing much easier. Lithium Powered Augers Lightweight, powerful and no fumes is a great way to describe the lithium ice auger revolution. I have been running the ION G2…