MANITOBA
We are almost into March, the favourite month for most hardcore ice anglers.
The sun can be hot and sunburns occur and the fish are usually more active and hungry. It all adds up to some fun times on the ice.
One of the hottest lakes in the province right now is West Shoal Lake. There are numerous perch 13 inches and over being caught and registered in the Master Angler program. I have spent many days on this body of water and March is a great time to head there. West Shoal is fairly shallow so you have to be a bit careful were you drill. Perch at this time of the year like transition spots from hard to soft bottom which concentrate the insect larvae that they are feasting on. It is also a relatively large lake so it pays to move around to find the larger schools of fish.
Check out this video from Hunt/Fish Mb from this time last year.
For passionate anglers, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new waters in search of an unfamiliar species. Last weekend, Sarah Henuset—a dedicated multi-species angler who’s always up for a challenge—set out just to do that. She was joined by fellow hardcore anglers Brinna Tough, Donna-Lee Bean, and Blake McMullen, all sharing the same relentless passion for chasing trophy fish.
A game-changer on this adventure was the Aqua-Vu underwater camera. With crystal-clear views beneath the ice, they gained real-time insight into fish behaviour—watching some approach with curiosity, others hesitate just inches away, and a few strike aggressively. That added layer of visibility brought a whole new level of excitement to the experience.
With beautiful weather finally on their side, the group had a great day on the ice, landing plenty of fish—including Sarah’s first-ever Master Angler whitefish!
While they don’t grow as large as whitefish, we have some great tullibee water in this province. The best known and most popular is Big Whiteshell Lake. Check out this beauty caught recently by Jordan Page
March is also a great time to catch crappies in Manitoba. While eastern Manitoba is known as the crappie hotspot western Manitoba has a couple good lakes as well. Here is a beauty caught by
SASKATCHEWAN
It is prime time in the Wheat Province. Pick your species, do a bit of research and head out. Most lakes are drivable right now but caution is advised as always. Might be time to plan a big pike adventure up to Tobin Lake. The big females are starting to cruise the flats looking to bulk up on some tullibees and perch before the spawn. The southeast corned of this large reservoir has the largest population of big pike at this time of year as they start working towards their spawning areas.
Tip Ups and being quiet is crucial on the flats as is good bait.
ALBERTA – WES DAVID, FISHING THE WILD WEST TV
The Calgary Boat & Outdoor Show (CBOS) held on February 21-23, at the BMO Center on Stampede Park was a huge success. I never heard the final attendance numbers, but the halls were full during all three days of the show. There were five BC lodges at the CBOS, and all the BC lodges said they were booking trips. The top three fish species on the angler’s wish list were Chinook Salmon, halibut, and ling cod and all the BC lodges at the CBOS could offer all three species plus a variety of rockfish species.
By the time this fishing report comes out, the Red Deer Sports and Outdoor Show (RDSOS) will be underway. The doors open to the RDSOS on February 28, at 4:00 pm and run until March 2. I spoke with the RDSOS managers, and they said the show is completely sold out. Along with the halls being filled with hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors, the Wild TV Outdoor Stage will be filled with local hunting and fishing pros talking about hunting and fishing in Alberta. However, Blaine Calkins, the Shadow Minister for Hunting, Fishing, & Conservation, will be talking on the Wild TV Outdoor Stage on Saturday, March 1, at 12:00 pm. Blaine will be delivering some valuable information for all outdoor enthusiasts. It is a positive message, but it is also very clear that there has never been a more important time for hunters and anglers to stick together and support their local hunting and fishing clubs, associations, and organizations.
I hope to see you at the Red Deer Sports and Outdoor Show!