Lake Winnipeg Hotspots and Hidden Gems
Fishing on Lake Winnipeg may feel overwhelming being that it is the largest lake in Manitoba, but don’t let this discourage you. Lake Winnipeg has a lot to offer so let me share a few hotspots and hidden gems.
A BUCKET LIST DESTINATION
Big Windy, as it is nicknamed, offers a large variety of fish species with walleye, also known as the ‘Greenback’ being the most popular. There are many easily accessible locations that don’t require the use of a boat yet are absolute hotspots for multi species fishing.
PUBLIC DOCKS
Docks can sometimes be crowded hotspots but if you don’t mind the company, Lake Winnipeg has some amazing public docks to try. Whether you’re a professional angler or just a casual fisher, they can be an outstanding spots for fishing. A few gems include:
1: Gimli is well-known for its beautiful scenery, easy accessibility, tourism and multi species fishing. It makes the perfect outdoor getaway for your fishing needs.
2: Hnausa, located on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, is a quiet secluded area perfect for an easy day trip.
3: Balsam Harbour on the east side of the lake is a popular spot for commercial and recreational fishermen and has beautiful scenery and easy open water access.
RIVERS CONNECTING TO LAKE WINNIPEG
The Red River is a world class channel catfish destination. It’s also home to many other fish species, like record breaking walleye, goldeye, carp, drum just name a few!
The Winnipeg River, flowing into the lake on the east side is commonly known for targeting walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass catfish and freshwater drum.
WEEKEND GETAWAYS
If you do decide to boat or explore more remote locations there are plenty more to be found. One of the most popular destinations on the lake for campers and tourists is Hecla Island.
Known for exceptional views, community history and quality fishing, it is the perfect weekend getaway for all ages. Hecla and Gull Harbour offer numerous access points including boat launches, docks, and shorelines. The quality fishing makes the island a perfect location for the die-hard anglers.
Grand Beach, located on the east side of the lake, has beautiful beaches and great camping. While not as well known, it’s a fantastic spot for fishing, especially from shore. Some of the most common fish species to catch include walleye, saugers and pike.
MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
The opportunities for exceptional fishing on Lake Winnipeg are endless. Your chosen location will always vary on the specific fish species you’re targeting. No matter the circumstance there’s always somewhere nearby on the lake to create memories and stories to share with friends and family. Whether fishing from a dock, off a shoreline, riverbank, from a boat or with an experienced guide, there are so many adventures to be had. Even after all these years of enjoying what Lake Winnipeg has to offer, I’m still shocked at how diverse the fish population is, and how many trophy fish it contains.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE!
One day last spring while fishing off Hnausa Dock with my brother we got into a hot bite, an outing for the books. I decided to cast my line into a pile of weeds just under the dock, where to my surprise I hooked onto a crappie.
I was aware there was crappie in the lake, but just did not expect there to be any in that location. We not only caught a crappie but we also several pike, walleye, perch. We even had some interaction with carp, although we couldn’t land one. This just goes to show how unlimited the possibilities are on Lake Winnipeg, and how easy it is to find that perfect spot!
THE MIGHTY CHANNEL CATFISH
Who doesn’t love the thrill of catfish? Growing up, catching catfish offshore was a family tradition. There are many locations along the lake and rivers that are perfect to catch these great gamefish. Anywhere along the beach can be an opportunity, as they come in incredibly close to shore in the warm months. The best part about catfish is that they aren’t picky. Simply throwing out a large hook weighted with a large shrimp, hotdog or some liver can get the fish coming in. Not only that, but they are extremely challenging and fun to reel in. If you haven’t yet tried out targeting catfish, I highly recommend giving it a whirl.
HOOKING ONTO THAT THRILL
Generations upon generations have enjoyed fishing on Lake Winnipeg. These include early indigenous fishers, commercial fishers, and anglers of all kinds. Recreational fishers looking to catch their first fish to professional diehard anglers looking for that Manitoba Master Angler… I hope you are encouraged to try out new locations around the lake and find those simple hidden gems.
