Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
FISHING 15 TAKE THE FAMILY ON ONE OF MANITOBA'S MAGICAL FISHING TOURS THIS SUMMER In a province that boasts more than 100,000 lakes, finding a spot to drop a line is a breeze. Add in rivers, creeks and streams, and your search for the perfect family fishing spot just got easier. ANGLING INSIDE CITY LIMITS Few visitors think of the city of Winnipeg as the destination for a fishing adventure, but take a stroll on the elm-lined banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers and you'll see plenty of anglers whiling away a sunny summer afternoon. These two rivers that criss-cross downtown are home to walleye, sauger, goldeye, channel catfish and dozens of other species. Early in summer, head to the banks of the Assiniboine River near the Manitoba Legislative Building. Bring along some salted minnows for bait. In the heat of the season, Spirit Point at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine puts you in line to hook a hefty freshwater drum. Earthworms and cocktail shrimp are particularly good bait choices for these fish. If you're in the mood for a fight, head to the Provencher Dock where there's an excellent chance of tying in to a channel catfish or big old carp. TALES OF CATS AND DOGS Head north of Winnipeg for about 30 kilometers until you reach Lockport. You can't miss the massive St. Andrew's Lock and Dam. At the general store, stock up on minnows and smelts. Join the anglers along the shoreline where you'll no doubt have some luck plucking out walleyes and drum. But really, this is catfish country. Big channel catfish country! Be prepared to hang on tight and hold on for a long stretch when that fatty grabs your hook. After all that battling, your crew will be starving. In Lockport, there's been a lifelong tug-of-war for customers between Skinner's Restaurant, established in 1929, and The Half Moon Drive Inn, established in 1940. Both opened shortly after a new culinary wonder was introduced to the world. They called it the hotdog. To put it simply, Lockport hotdogs are worth the drive. >> PHOTO: CENTRAL GUIDING SERVICE