MANITOBA
It’s midterm break for a lot of the schools in this province. In order to make it a family fun fishing weekend, this province extended the fishing season in the southern division to allow families to get out on the ice. The season is about to close though.
The general closure in the Southern Division starts April 5, 2021 to and including May 14, 2021. Season opens May 15, 2021. Stocked trout water remains open. For more information on the angling rules and regulations in your part of the province just do a search for the Manitoba Anglers Guide and you will be able to open or download a pdf of the 2020 Guide. The 2021 Angling Guide will be out shortly.
Friends Roger and Sue Geres finished off the season with a bang on Lake of the Prairies. The walleye fishing was hot with some clear water and plenty of baitfish. Roger said they fished in 4 to 22 feet of water. Sue, of course, landed the biggest walleye at 29 inches. They don’t call her Big Fish Sue for no reason!
Fishing in the northern regions remains open for April but remember travel restrictions are in place. If you travel past the 53rd parallel you have to go straight to your cottage or lodge you are staying. You are allowed to stop for gas. Matthew Bobrowski landed this 36 inch lake trout this past week on Clearwater Lake by The Pas. The season remains open until the end of April and there are lodges open for anglers to stay.
Amy Olson closed out the hardwater season in the south with a mega pike from Lake Winnipeg. It measured 41.5 inches, a Manitoba Master Angler. Congrats Amy!
More and more hardcore ice anglers are targeting trophy pike on the big lake! There are no guarantees but when you find the right area, you have a chance at a true giant.
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Jay Siemens is still on the hardwater near his home of Kenora He shows you how to use available information to find new lakes to fish!
I had a chance to catch up with Jay this past week as he was my guest on The Complete Angler podcast. Hear how he got started in the industry, worked with Aaron Wiebe and Uncut Angling, then formed his own production company.
SASKATCHEWAN
Clayton Schick has been pursuing big lake trout in the northern half of the province. He recently had a day to remember for any angler!
ALBERTA
WES DAVID-FISHING THE WILD WEST T.V. SHOW
The month of April marks the close of another ice fishing season throughout Alberta. However, Alberta anglers in fishing limbo until the open of the 2021 fair-weather fishing season can take advantage of the many Alberta-stocked trout ponds. Many of Alberta’s stocked trout ponds remain open to fishing throughout the month of April. (Check the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations before you cast a line). This year, due to the warm weather, the ice on stocked trout ponds in central and southern Alberta has opened up and a variety of trout species can be caught from the safety of the shoreline. A simple J-hook baited with Power-Bait under a split-shot and bobber is all that’s needed to have an afternoon of trout action.
April is also a good time to get your boat ready for the fair-weather fishing season. A friendly reminder, if you haven’t already done so, book your boat in immediately for any needed maintenance. Marine shops have been busy all winter and they are beginning to get even busier. You don’t want your boat in the shop while everyone else is enjoying the season opener.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
WES DAVID-FISHING THE WILD WEST T.V. SHOW
Anyone who has spent time on the Fraser River doing battle with a white sturgeon knows how amazing this prehistoric species truly is. The Fraser River white sturgeon has survived two ice-ages, two world wars, and who knows what else it has seen and survived. However, now in the 21st Century, the white sturgeon needs our help and support.
I will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society’s (FRSCS) “Keeping the Legend Alive”. Join me and many other conservation-minded outdoorsmen and women on April 01-15, 2021, to raise funds and awareness for this amazing prehistoric fish species. Again, due to the circumstances, the 2021 awards, auction, and Gala will be brought to you virtually and I will be hosting the event remotely from the Conservation Room at the Calgary Bass Pro Shops. However, that means you can enjoy your favorite beverage from the comfort of your home adopting a sturgeon, donating to a worthy cause, or bidding on the many incredible action items to raise conservation funds for the Fraser River white sturgeon. www.frasersturgeon.com and www.frscsauction.com