Lake Winnipeg is the 6th-largest freshwater lake in Canada and home to some of the best greenback walleye and channel catfish fishing in the country.
Lake Winnipeg is a premier fishing destination in Manitoba. Here's what you need to know: what to catch, when to go, and how to maximize your time on the water.
Walleye: open all year (spring and fall are peak). Ice fishing (December–March) on the south basin is huge. Catfish: June–September.
The south basin near Winnipeg and Selkirk is the productive zone — walleye (called 'greenbacks' for their colour) are caught trolling crankbaits. Big channel catfish in the Red River where it enters the lake. Ice fishing huts dot the south basin in winter.
Greenback walleye are famous — the south basin produces limit catches regularly. The catfish fishery in the Red River mouth is world-class.
Lake Winnipeg falls under Manitoba fishing regulations. Limits, seasons, and special rules may vary by zone — some waters have reduced limits, slot limits, or catch-and-release-only designations. Always confirm the exact rules for the zone you're fishing before you keep a fish.
👉 See the full Manitoba fishing regulations guide — or carry every zone's rules offline in the TrueNorthAngler app.
Yes — anyone 18–64 needs a Manitoba recreational fishing licence. See our full guide: Canadian fishing licences explained. The TrueNorthAngler app stores your licence digitally so you'll never be caught without it.
Regulations, forecasts, and maps for Lake Winnipeg — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.