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Manitoba Ice Fishing Hot Spot: Lockport
Manitoba is a mecca for fishing and we’ve secured our spot as the place to catch fish when the summer sun shines. Close on the heels of that designation is ice fishing, and Lockport has long been the place to drop a line through the ice, especially now that March is upon us. Mother Nature is done casting cold on our lakes and rivers and the sun shines just a little warmer. Water temperatures start to rise and that gives the fish a little more energy. They’re looking for food. The bite is on and it’s March Madness, ice fishing style!
Why Lockport?
The gurgling waters of the Red River, as it passes through St. Andrews Lock and Dam, like to hold a healthy population of fish. In summer, it’s catfish, but in winter, it’s the prized walleye—fun to catch and delicious on the plate. The folks at Red River Cats make it easy to get on the ice with the creation of the Lockport Ice Fishing Village that includes easy access to the river, a collection of bays to park your shack or hang out for the day, a skating rink and even a crokicurl rink (the fabulously fun game that marries curling and crokinole).
The Ultimate Ice Fishing Experience
No ice fishing shack? No problem? Red River Cats has two icehouse rentals including The Cat House for up to five people and the super deluxe Taj Mahal, a 22-foot beauty that’s equipped with a stove, fridge, microwave, indoor washroom, television, DVD player and even an aquarium-style live well to keep your catches fresh. Both are fully heated and include WiFi and a barbecue. Posh indeed!
Stock Up
Start your day with a visit to the charming Lockport Grocery to pick up bait including live worms and frozen Lake Winnipeg minnows. Then stroll the tackle aisle for a handful of new jigs and a spare spool of line. Pick up your snacks for the day and don’t forget to check out the made-in-Manitoba section of treats including hot sauces, fish coatings and locally roasted coffee. The store is open every day from 6 AM to 11 PM.
Join Us For Lunch
Let someone else do the cooking with a visit to Gaffer’s Restaurant & Lounge in Lockport. A longstanding favourite for a casual bite or an upscale dinner, the restaurant showcases Manitoba walleye with a Gimli Lake Burger or the heartier English Style Fish & Chips (you’ll see it listed as pickerel—more on that later). If you’re not in the mood for fish, opt for the chargrilled Big Daddy Burger featuring two delicious patties, maple bacon, mushrooms and cheddar on an onion bun.
Pickerel or Walleye?
It’s the official fish of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and the state fish of Minnesota, Vermont and South Dakota. While walleye consumption is robust, you’ll seldom see it called walleye on the menu in Manitoba, even though it’s the same species. Instead, it’s called pickerel, causing no end of debate and confusion because true pickerels are members of a different genetic family. Biology aside, there’s no denying that pickerel burgers, pickerel cheeks, pickerel tacos and pickerel dinners are downright delicious.
How To Catch a Walleye
Walleye is a challenging fish to catch, and that’s what makes them so prized. Whether it’s open water or hard water (ice fishing), setting yourself up for success is key. We’ve put together these tips from the experts:
• Keep it quiet. Walleye can spook easily, even when there’s a metre of ice between you and them. Walk softly.
• Vary your options. Use a jig and a gentle ‘pull up and sink’ motion on one line while a minnow-baited pickerel rig sits quietly on another line. There’s no telling what they’ll prefer.
• Soft tips and patience. Use a rod with a soft tip so you can see walleye nibbling, nibbling as they like to do. Set the hook only when you’re confident they’ve taken a good bite.
• Mind the slot size. In Manitoba, the slot size for walleye is 55 cm or 21.65 inches, meaning than any larger fish need to be released.
Hang Out in the Village
Even if you have no intentions of dropping a line, Lockport is a bustling destination for a daytrip. Tour the Lockport Ice Fishing Village and strap on the skates for a spin on the Red River. You might even witness the landing of a Master Angler walleye from nearby anglers. Topside, pop in to Canvasback Pet Supplies or Eveline Street Clothing for some retail therapy. Still hungry? Half Moon Drive In, Skinner’s and Ricky’s All Day Grill have a little something for everyone. Check out Interlake Tourism for more information and to plan your trip!
About The Author
A journalist by trade and an adventurer at heart, my career has included stints as a reporter, magazine writer, editor, food stylist, television cook and digital marketer. I am always collecting stories about Manitoba, whether I’m on assignment or not.
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