Manitoba’s pristine lakes and rivers, teeming with walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, have long made it a premier destination for anglers. As bait fishing gains popularity, understanding the province’s licensing requirements is critical for both legal compliance and conservation. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of 2025’s updated fees, bait-specific regulations, and practical tips to secure your license while supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Understanding Manitoba Fishing License Costs
Manitoba’s fishing license fees vary based on residency status, duration, and conservation preferences. The province categorizes anglers into three groups: residents, Canadian non-residents, and international visitors. Revenue from these licenses directly funds habitat restoration, invasive species management, and fish stocking programs, such as Lake Winnipeg’s walleye initiative.
Resident and Non-Resident License Fees
The table below outlines 2025’s standard license costs for bait fishing:
| License Type | Resident Fee | Canadian Non-Resident Fee | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual License | $22.00 | $36.00 | $55.00 |
| 1-Day License | $8.00 | $12.00 | $19.00 |
| 3-Day License (Non-Resident Only) | N/A | $25.00 | $40.00 |
For frequent anglers, annual licenses (valid April 1–March 31) offer the best value. Temporary licenses are ideal for short trips, with 1-day options allowing flexibility. Canadian non-residents save 33% compared to international visitors, reflecting reciprocal conservation agreements.
Conservation Licenses and Senior Discounts
Anglers committed to sustainability can purchase a Conservation License, which reduces fees by 30% but imposes stricter catch limits:
- Resident Conservation License: $15.40 annually
- Non-Resident Conservation License: $25.20 (Canadian), $38.50 (international)
Key restrictions include:
- Walleye: 4 fish daily (vs. 6 with a regular license)
- Lake Trout: 1 fish daily in most zones
- Northern Pike: 3 fish daily
Seniors aged 65+ who have lived in Manitoba for at least six months qualify for a free Resident Seniors Conservation License. However, upgrading to a regular license is required to retain higher catch limits.
How to Buy a Manitoba Bait Fishing License
Manitoba offers multiple convenient channels to purchase fishing licenses, ensuring accessibility for locals and visitors alike.
Step-by-Step Acquisition Methods
- Online via eLicensing Portal:
Visit Manitoba’s official licensing website to instantly purchase and print your license. This method is ideal for last-minute trips. - In-Person at Retailers:
Over 200 vendors across the province, including Canadian Tire, Cabela’s, and local bait shops, sell licenses. Use the Province’s Retail Locator to find the nearest location. - Phone Orders:
Call 1-877-880-1203 to request a license by mail. Allow 10 business days for delivery.
Required Documentation:
- Residents: Manitoba health card or driver’s license
- Non-residents: Passport or government-issued ID
- Seniors: Proof of six-month residency (e.g., utility bill)
Special Permits for Protected Zones
Bait fishing is prohibited in ecologically sensitive areas like Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Winnipeg River. Anglers must purchase a Protected Waters Permit ($12.50) for designated zones, available through the same channels as standard licenses. Always check the 2025 Manitoba Angler’s Guide for real-time updates.
Bait Fishing Regulations in Manitoba
Manitoba’s bait regulations balance accessibility with invasive species prevention. The Southern Division permits live bait, while northern zones restrict anglers to artificial lures.
Approved Bait Species and Restrictions
- Live Bait Allowed: Fathead minnows, sticklebacks, and leeches
- Prohibited Bait: Crayfish, carmine shiners, and imported live baitfish
- Possession Limits: 4 liters (15 dozen live minnows) per angler
The use of barbless hooks is mandatory province-wide to minimize injury during catch-and-release. Ice shelters must display the owner’s name and address and be removed by March 31 in southern zones.
Seasonal Closures and Gear Rules
- Walleye Season: Opens May 13 (Southern Division) and May 20 (Northern Division)
- Spawning Protections: The Red River near Lockport Dam closes April 15–May 31 to protect walleye.
- Gear Specifications:
- Dip nets (≤1 m² mesh)
- Minnow traps (≤65 cm length)
For a deeper dive into bait selection, explore our guide to the Top Baits for Catching Walleye.
Conservation and Sustainability in Bait Fishing
Manitoba’s aquatic ecosystems thrive on responsible angling practices. The province allocates 30% of license fees to conservation initiatives like the Lake Winnipeg Health Initiative and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring, ensuring long-term resource sustainability.
Bait Fishing’s Ecological Impact
Live bait misuse remains a top cause of invasive species spread. Manitoba strictly prohibits:
- Importing live baitfish across provincial borders
- Releasing unused bait into water bodies
- Using crayfish or rusty crayfish (highly invasive)
Anglers must purchase bait from approved Manitoba vendors and retain receipts as proof of compliance. For ice fishing, biodegradable bait containers are recommended to reduce plastic waste.
Catch-and-Release Best Practices
To minimize fish mortality during catch-and-release:
- Use barbless circle hooks to reduce jaw injuries.
- Keep fish submerged while removing hooks.
- Avoid handling fish with dry hands—wear gloves.
- Revive exhausted fish by cradling them underwater until they swim away.
The province’s Fish Sustainability Index reports a 92% survival rate for released walleye when these practices are followed.
Seasonal Considerations for Bait Fishing
Manitoba’s bait fishing opportunities shift dramatically with the seasons, requiring anglers to adapt techniques and target species.
Ice Fishing Season (December–March)
- License Requirement: Valid for all ice fishing huts.
- Bait Restrictions: Live minnows permitted only in the Southern Division.
- Hotspots: Lake Winnipeg’s walleye grounds and Lake Manitoba’s burbot zones.
For guided trips, review our How Much Is a Fishing License for Fishing Charters in Manitoba? guide.
Open-Water Season (May–September)
- Night Fishing: Legal for catfish in the Red River using cut bait.
- Bait Storage: Live wells must be drained before leaving a waterbody.
- Closures: Check the Manitoba Fishing Seasons Calendar for real-time updates on spawning protections.
Penalties and Compliance
Violating Manitoba’s bait fishing regulations carries severe consequences:
- Fines: $298 for unlicensed fishing; $2,000 for using illegal bait.
- Gear Confiscation: Nets, traps, or boats used in violations.
- License Suspension: Up to 3 years for repeat offenses.
Conservation officers conduct random checks at popular sites like Lockport and Grass River Provincial Park. Always carry your license, ID, and bait receipts.
Conclusion
Bait fishing in Manitoba offers unparalleled access to trophy walleye, pike, and trout, but success hinges on compliance with the province’s evolving regulations. By securing the correct license, adhering to bait restrictions, and prioritizing sustainable practices, anglers contribute to preserving Manitoba’s waters for future generations. For the latest updates, bookmark Manitoba’s 2025 Angler’s Guide and explore Teenfish’s Manitoba Fishing Hub for gear reviews and hotspot maps.