MANITOBA
As we move into the middle of October nights are finally starting to drop towards zero, cooling down water temperatures. It has been an extremely late fall and fish are just starting to move into more traditional fall areas. Channel catfish certainly don’t mind the extended fall and have been feeding aggressively in both the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Many anglers are fishing from shore and it’s a great way to spend a fall day especially when you can catch a fish like Desmond Moffat did on the Assiniboine!
NORTHERN MANITOBA
The weather has cooled considerably in the north but this means lake trout are getting ready for the spawn. Check out this beauty caught in Clearwater Lake by Trish Zaretzki.
On the western side of the province Lake of the Prairies is starting to heat up for walleye, perch and even some huge carp. Check out this Master Angler landed by Allison Watson.
Up in the Ducks it is tiger trout time in the Ducks and Twin Lakes.
EASTERN MANITOBA
Fishing for fall crappies is always a blast and there are plenty lakes and rivers in this part of the world that have excellent populations of these tasty game fish. The Lee River is one of those spots.
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Hooked Contributor and Professional Anglers Jeff Gustafson is always working with his sponsor to develop new products that will catch fish. At this time of year he gets to catch some big smallmouth bass on his favourite lure, the Smeltinator.
The smallmouths we were catching we puking up baitfish like crazy, I even saw one get spit up next to the boat and then swim away! They are pigs! Having some fun for a few days with @jacerpeterson and @cbpfishin playing with some new @northlandtackle baits!
SASKATCHEWAN
Dress warm and go out on the many lakes and rivers in southern and central Saskatchewan to catch the fish of a lifetime. The Qu’Appelle chain of lakes are all producing some outstanding walleye fishing.
Further up north the big fish are rolling on Tobin Lake. There is some great action out on the main lake along the primary and secondary dropoffs.
ALBERTA – WES DAVID, Host & Producer of Fishing the Wild West TV
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to do any fishing in the last two weeks due to other schedule commitments. However, we finished up shooting the 10th season of Fishing the Wild West TV at the Len Thompson Lure factory in Lacombe, Alberta. Along with the scheduled video work, we received a tour of the factory and gained a firsthand look at how Len Thompson Lures are made, as well as the Hot Spot Flashers, Northern King Lures, and Apex Lures. Each of these lures and flashers is handmade and painted. I even had the opportunity to paint a few 5-of- Diamonds!
Did you know?
The first Len Thompson Lure was handmade by Len Thompson himself in 1929 in Abernethy, Saskatchewan, using the metal from a bean can. Three generations later, the metal and location have changed, but the lures are still handmade in Lacombe, Alberta.
Manitoba CSI Fall Dealer Show
I attended the CSI Fall Dealer Show in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 7-8, and it was exciting to see and visit with everyone, as well as preview the new products that will be hitting the shelves at your favourite outdoor sporting store in 2026. There is a lot more that goes into providing and stocking the fishing products we need to be successful on the water than many realize. I can assure you that the companies and their representatives work diligently year-round to ensure anglers and hunters have what they need, well before the season begins. As an avid walleye angler, the Spro Rigging Box really drew my attention.
Good luck to everyone who’s heading out hunting and fishing this fall.
