The Red River is the premier channel catfish fishery in North America — fish over 30 inches are common, and it's all in the heart of Winnipeg.
Red River (Manitoba) 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.
Catfish: June–September (peak July–August). Walleye spring and fall. Ice fishing for walleye in winter.
Catfish on cut bait (suckers, goldeye) fished on the bottom. The Lockport dam stretch is the hotspot — fish stack up below it. Accessible shore fishing throughout Winnipeg.
Master Angler channel catfish (over 30 inches) are caught daily in summer. Where else can you catch trophy catfish within a major city?
Red River (Manitoba) 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 Red River (Manitoba) — offline and in your pocket. Free for the 2026 season.