MANITOBA
As is usually the case, stocked trout have been the early ice story in Manitoba. Given the wind and warmth this has also been the safest choice for ice anglers. Bower Lake in the southwest corner of the province has been producing some really nice rainbow trout. Hardcore angler Sarah Henuset has been landing some master angler fish.
Up in the Duck Mountains you have a variety of lakes that are fishable. Gull Lake has been solid for a variety of stocked trout species. As always Twin Lakes continue to amaze. It has decent ice and the fishing has been solid. Think shallow though at this time of the year. Check out this archived article from a trip we did a few years ago at this time of the year.
One of my all time favourite trout lakes is Patterson Lake in the Parkland region of Manitoba. It is one of the best brown trout fishers in the province. Check out this beauty caught by Daniel Yurkiw.
Anglers have been doing quite well on the Red River north of Lockport for both goldeye and walleye. There have been Master Anglers of both species landed. Here is a 28.5 inch fish landed by Ryan Pederson
If you are just gearing up for the walleye ice fishing season Jay Siemens shares his top three lures with you.
LAKE OF THE PRAIRIES – ROGER AND SUE GERES
We been out a couple times , fishing has been excellent a mixed bag of fish each time , seems the bait is on the move and so are the fish.
With no snow cover it’s super slippery so you need cleats! Ice is still gaining but still varies from area to area be sure to check for yours and be safe .
We just been using frozen bait and are doing well like that , changing jigging cadence when something sets them off. Try different things and move around till you find active fish and have fun!
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
NORTHWEST OUTFITTERS-JAYDEN SYMONDS
After missing a “boatload” of fish last week while ice fishing… a few tweaks were in order to correct the ship. Downsizing presentations while upgrading hook sizes is what did the trick to landing fish rather than losing fish. Another first ice video on the Winnipeg River in Northern Ontario out of Kenora hits the big screen just to show how subtle changes can make such a big difference in catching fish… or not.
If you are interested in a guided ice fishing trip or luxury Ice shack rental, we are offering trips as early as January 1st running until March 15, 2024. I will also be accommodating groups with their own fish houses who want to experience the tranquility and unpressured fishing opportunities of the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods. Check out the website and shoot me a call/email to reserve your spot!
SASKATCHEWAN
In Saskatchewan Round Lake is always a good early season choice. It tends to freeze cleaning because of the protection of the hills around the lake. Check out this early season walleye video from DB Fishing.
LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE
Anglers are out in force on the Mountain! Some big fish are being caught but most are walking out or travelling light. Sand flats and inside turns in 18 to 20 feet are producing some big fish.