Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1208721
BY JIM TIMLICK There's something fishy going on here in Manitoba this winter. In truth, it's been going on for some time and it's why some folks refer to this province as the ice fishing capitol of the world. Each winter, thousands of ice fishing enthusiasts descend on our seemingly endless supply of lakes in hopes of landing a prized Walleye or Northern Pike. So, what's the draw? Well, consider that Lake Winnipeg, the 12th largest lake in the world, is the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for anglers. Its trophy-sized Walleye, which can measure more than 60 centimetres long, have helped make the region famous among fishers here at home and across North America. Better yet, there are dozens of prime hardwater hotspots where you can ice fish located within an hour's drive of Winnipeg. "We are blessed with one of the greatest trophy Walleye fisheries in the world right in our backyard. Not only is it attractive to locals but it brings in a massive amount of tourist dollars from the U.S. every winter," says Donovan Pearase, who runs Blackwater Cats Outfitter, a well- known Lake Winnipeg guide service. "If you took a roomful of anglers from Manitoba and asked them how many have caught a 28-inch or 10-pound Walleye probably half or more of the people in the room would put up their hand. That would be a lifetime achievement anywhere else." Todd Longley, who's been operating City Cats Guiding Service on Lake Winnipeg for 20 years, agrees that the close proximity of so many great fishing holes is a big part of the sport's appeal. That said, Longley says ice fishing is as much about what goes on above the frozen water surface as below. "It's just a big social thing," he says. "You and your buddies or you and your family can go out as the sun rises. Then as the day progresses you can get a big barbecue going with your group and fish almost until dark. People just can't get enough of it." While it doesn't take most ice anglers long to get hooked, the sport does require some investment, both in terms of time and dollars. In addition to fishing rods and an auger to drill holes in the ice, you'll need some kind of shelter, heater, chairs and a lake map. Pearase's advice to anyone looking to take up ice fishing is to try it with an experienced angler first or hire a guide so you can find out what you need and gain some first-hand experience using gear and equipment before investing in it. Longley stresses that safety should be the first consideration going out on the ice, even for experienced anglers. That means fishing as part of a group, having the right kind of vehicle and always having a GPS unit with you. "The last thing you want to do is take your family out on Lake Winnipeg for a day without the proper equipment. It can go badly pretty quick if you're not properly equipped," he adds. Even though the sport hasn't c h a n g e d much over the years, the equipment anglers use for ice fishing has undergone something of a technological transformation in recent times. That's especially true when it comes to electronic fish finders and mapping systems. Many of them can precisely pinpoint where fish are gathering. "Anglers can now really finetune their fishing spots. There's no guessing," Longley says. The toughest part for fishers might be choosing which of the many choice ice fishing spots available is right for them. Some of the most popular locations for first-time fishers include FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg, Wekusko Falls near Dauphin and Bakers Narrows just outside of Flin Flon. Meanwhile, Balsam Bay on Lake Winnipeg, Warner Road near Winnipeg Beach and Pruden Creek off of Highway 59 draw dozens of experienced anglers throughout the winter. Ice fishing season in Manitoba typically begins in mid-December and can run until the end of March. The good news is that the fishing license you purchase in the summer is also valid throughout the winter. Hardwater heaven Manitoba blessed with some of the best ice fishing spots in the world 204-253-9236 windsorpark@ccsam.ca www.windsorparknordic.ca 10 Rue Des Meurons Western Canada's Only Urban Cross Country Ski Facility Find us on @wpnordic NOW OPEN 9 AM – 7 DAYS A WEEK • All Trails Lit for Night Skiing • Rentals & Lessons – Group or Private • Trails Groomed Daily • Clubhouse & Café Maintained & Operated by: SPECIAL SECTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020 D7 (Above) With dozens of prime ice fishing spots located within an hour's drive of Winnipeg, anglers don't have to go very far to land a prize catch. (Below) Technological innovations in equipment have taken a lot of the guesswork out ice fishing. Todd Longley says huge catches like this one have made Lake Winnipeg one of the most popular spots for ice fishing in Canada. 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