In short. The south basin of Lake Winnipeg and the lower Red River are Manitoba's best-known walleye and catfish waters. The Red River has seasonal closures and size limits, so check the province's rules for the exact stretch. Fresh water here needs a Manitoba licence.
Rules change. Seasons, closures and limits change often and can change mid-season. We link to the official pages rather than repeat them, so check them before every trip.
Licences and rules
- Fresh water: fishing in Manitoba is managed by the Province. See the recreational fishing page and the Anglers' Guide.
- Licences: sold through Manitoba eLicensing. For rules on a specific lake, use the province's Lake Information for Anglers tool.
- Moving boats and gear: clean, drain and dry your boat and gear between waters, and check the province's rules on moving bait and fish.
Choose your fishing area
- Grand Beach and the east shore
- Hecla, Riverton, Powerview and the Interlake shore
- Red River: Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lockport
Fish named for this region: Walleye, Northern pike, Yellow perch, Bass. Read the species guide.
Grand Beach and the east shore
- East shore, south basin
- Walleye, sauger and northern pike (named for Grand Beach)
Hooked Magazine names shore fishing at Grand Beach for walleye, sauger and northern pike, and the Winnipeg River on the east side for walleye, pike, smallmouth bass, catfish and freshwater drum.
We list 2 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.
Hecla, Riverton, Powerview and the Interlake shore
- West and north of the south basin
- Waters not yet matched to fish
The article names Hnausa for crappie, pike, walleye, perch and carp and says Hecla Island and Gull Harbour have quality fishing, but does not tie particular fish to the towns in our listings. We list the campgrounds without fish for now.
We list 11 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.
Red River: Winnipeg, Selkirk and Lockport
- Lower Red River
- Channel catfish, walleye and sauger (named for the lower Red River)
Backroad Mapbooks calls channel catfish the main target on the lower Red River between Winnipeg and Lake Winnipeg, with walleye and sauger in the fall run. It also lists spring closures, size limits and a closed area at the St. Andrews dam, which change, so check the province's current rules.
We list 1 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.
Gear for this water
- Shore fishing essentials. A compact rod and reel suited to your target fish. Search on Amazon
- Boat launch & marine supplies. Dock lines and fenders sized for your boat. Search on Amazon
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