Jumping Cracks on Lake Winnipeg

The spanish-named, Pacific-driven weather patterned that rule Manitoba's December left us with odd ice conditions on Lake Winnipeg.

No snow, ridges, cracks, open water have made for some tenuous travel.  Also large patches of extremely rough ice have left a few areas less than desirable to travel.

A few cms of snow the last couple of days was enough to take the new sled out. (Polaris Voyager 155, which is an icefishing beast)

Jumped some cracks, that were wider than expected but made a full scouting run.

We were rewarded with a good suspended bite on some big fish and lots for the pan.

Even managed to tempt a goldeye on a rattle bait!


Be safe out there, don't assume any ridge or crack is safe, test, travel in pairs, bring safety gear.

Getting involved

Sitting down with a cocktail following the first day of the MLOA (Manitoba Lodge & Outfitters) Convention had me wondering. Why aren't there more faces in the crowd?

I see this as a no brainer to be involved with. I'd just like to encourage my guiding/outfitting colleagues to take the time to be involved in similar groups in your jurisdiction. Having a group to be on top of the myriad of issues facing this industry and being an advocate for operators is invaluable. Trying to navigate these issues is a full time job and being present to be apart of the conversation is key.

Check out the MLOA website at MLOA

PS. 17" of ice on the westside of Lake Winnipeg. More reports to follow this week.

PPS. New sled is getting picked up Thursday...pumped. Westside Honda/Polaris took good care of me again on this. Great local dealer!

Saskatchewan whitetail

What a few days. Friend and Saskatchewan outfitter Greg Hamm from Bonequest Outfitters invited me out to see what hunting deer on the forest fringe in Saskatchewan was all about. After some insane scouting and prep, I arrived and we went through the Bone Show, made a wish list, checked the wind and a plan was formed.

This was the 7th buck that came into that stand. Unbelievable!

Keying in on Whitefish movements for big northern pike and lake trout

Fall has arrived at the 60th parallel, the birch trees show this in a new yellow cloak.
Geese are high in the skies riding north winds and water temps are dropping. This is a
time of year you can key in on water temps and fish movements to score big time.
As temps drop in the 50Fs whitefish and ciscos collect on windy shorelines or
 inflow/outflow in preparation for the spawn.

A couple days ago we did just this at the outflow of a medium sized lake.
Large pike and trout were stacked in 5' of water and looking for big meals.
Large herring and whitefish patterned flies (6" or larger) elicited vicious strikes
 from these predators. Working baits fast was key.

Manitoba's Offical Fish....

...and we chase 'em!

Walleye took on all challengers.  I like to think Greenbacks is what was meant!

Til next winter my emerald-sided friends. Time to enjoy the summer at Scott Lake Lodge

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/walleye-official-fish-of-manitoba-1.2650804

Has Spring made it to Lake Winnipeg?

Well for a few moments this past weekend, it sure felt like it. No jackets, no gloves and a few greenbacks...man we waited a long time for this March run.

Fishing was nothing short of spectacular. I had the right crew of guests who wanted big fish and were willing to sacrifice some numbers to key in on a big fish bite. Literally every bite we got was a giant!! These fish were going on live targets, psycho shads and spoons. Lake Winnipeg convention shows lots of movement this time of year. We fished the same spot 3 days in a row. Arrived drilled a bunch of holes and waited for the big girls to cycle through.

Burying a 20" extension on the auger with every hole. Pulling out a tracked Escalade stuck in 3' of slush and banner numbers of trophy fish, all under the sunny skies of March.

Where are you going on March break?

AYA Icefishing Derby Saturday March 8, 2014

Be sure to check out this event on Lake Winnipeg this weekend. The site is being plowed, the weather is warming up and I fished around the derby site....there are fish and big ones!

There are some incredible prizes and the event supports efforts to get young people involved in angling and the outdoors.


Tickets are still available at Pro Am Tackle, Winnipeg Sport and Leisure, Howard Johnson/Hat Tricks or at Chalet Beach Rd the morning of the derby.