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Manitoba’s world-class fisheries offer some of North America’s most exceptional angling opportunities, with over 100,000 lakes and rivers teeming with trophy fish. Whether you’re targeting massive greenback walleye on Lake Winnipeg or record-breaking channel catfish on the Red River, understanding the 2025 regulations is essential for a successful and legal fishing adventure. This comprehensive guide covers everything from season dates and licensing requirements to the best fishing spots across the province.
What’s New for 2025
The Manitoba government has implemented several significant changes to fishing regulations for the 2025 season:
- Dramatically increased fines for violations (e.g., using barbed hooks fine increased 323% from $52 to $220)
- Electronic licenses now fully implemented, allowing anglers to carry digital licenses on mobile devices
- New size restrictions for walleye, pike, and other species to protect trophy fish
- Enhanced conservation measures for specific waterbodies, including Dauphin Lake
- AI-assisted catch reporting being piloted in select areas
As noted in the 2025 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide, these changes reflect Manitoba’s commitment to balancing recreational opportunities with conservation priorities.
Key Season Dates and Openings
Understanding when you can legally fish for different species is crucial to avoid hefty penalties. The 2025 season features several important dates for anglers to mark on their calendars.
Walleye and Sauger Seasons
| Division/Area | Season Opens | Season Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Division | May 10, 2025 | April 7, 2026 |
| Lake Winnipeg, Northwest & North Central | May 17, 2025 | May 1, 2026 |
Important closures: Several areas will be completely closed to fishing from April 7 to May 10, 2025, including:
- Red River between Lockport Dam and Lake Winnipeg
- Dauphin Lake and its tributaries (except Vermilion Reservoir)
- Assiniboine River from Portage Diversion to Provincial Road 240
These closures protect critical spawning habitat and ensure healthy fish populations for future generations.
Ice Fishing Season
Ice fishing is typically available from mid-December through mid-March, depending on ice conditions. For 2025, the mandatory removal dates for ice fishing shelters have been updated:
- Southern Division: All shelters must be removed by March 31, 2025
- Northern Division: All shelters must be removed by April 15, 2025
The province has also implemented new identification requirements for ice fishing shelters, requiring owner’s name and contact information to be clearly displayed.
Free Fishing Weekends
Manitoba offers two free fishing weekends annually when anglers can fish without a license (all other regulations still apply):
- Summer Free Fishing Weekend: June 6-8, 2025
- Winter Free Fishing Weekend: February 14-16, 2026
These weekends provide perfect opportunities for beginners to try the sport or for experienced anglers to introduce friends and family to fishing without the initial license expense.
2025 Licensing Requirements
License Types and Fees
The Manitoba government has streamlined its licensing system for 2025, with fees adjusted to support conservation initiatives.
| License Type | Manitoba Resident | Canadian Non-Resident | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual (May 1–Apr 30) | $23.10 | $55.00 | $98.00 |
| 1-Day | $8.40 | $19.00 | $25.00 |
| Senior (65+/Veteran) | Free | N/A | N/A |
Annual licenses are valid from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, providing a full year of fishing opportunities.
Who Needs a License?
Most anglers require a valid Manitoba fishing license, but several exemptions exist:
- Youth under 16 (must follow adult catch limits)
- Manitoba residents aged 65 and over
- Status Indians (when fishing for food, with proof of status)
- Active Canadian Armed Forces members who are Manitoba residents
- Anyone fishing during Free Fishing Weekends (all other regulations apply)
Remember that even if you’re exempt from needing a license, you must still adhere to all other fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and gear requirements.
How to Purchase Your License
Manitoba offers multiple convenient ways to obtain your 2025 fishing license:
- Online: Visit Manitoba eLicensing for instant access
- Mobile App: Download the Manitoba Angling app (new for 2025)
- Phone: Call 1-877-880-1203 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST)
- In-Person: Purchase at authorized vendors including sporting goods stores and Manitoba Conservation offices
Licenses can be printed or stored digitally on your mobile device-both formats are legally acceptable when checked by Conservation Officers.
Updated Regulations for 2025
Catch Limits and Size Restrictions
Manitoba has implemented science-based limits to protect fish populations while maintaining quality angling opportunities.
| Species | Daily Limit | Size Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye/Sauger | 4 | None over 55 cm |
| Northern Pike | 4 | None over 75 cm |
| Lake Trout | 1 | None over 65 cm |
| Channel Catfish | 4 | None over 60 cm |
| Smallmouth Bass | 4 | None over 45 cm |
| Yellow Perch | 10 | None over 30 cm (Big Bobs Lake) |
These limits ensure that trophy-sized fish are protected for catch-and-release enjoyment, preserving genetic diversity and supporting Manitoba’s reputation for world-class fishing opportunities.
Equipment and Tackle Rules
Several equipment regulations remain in effect for 2025, with strict enforcement:
- Barbless hooks only: All hooks must be barbless or have barbs compressed flush with the shaft
- No live bait imports: To prevent the spread of invasive species, importing live bait is strictly prohibited
- Two lines maximum: Anglers may use up to two lines when ice fishing, but only one line when open-water fishing
- Artificial lure restrictions: Some waters have specific restrictions on lure types
Pro tip: While you may keep barbed hooks in your tackle box, all hooks attached to lines (whether in use or not) must be barbless when fishing.
Increased Penalties for Violations
Manitoba has significantly increased fines for fishing violations in 2025, demonstrating a serious commitment to conservation:
| Violation | 2024 Fine | 2025 Fine | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing with barbed hooks | $52 | $220 | 323% |
| Exceeding catch limits | $102 | $390 | 282% |
| Bringing live bait into province | $200 | $433 | 117% |
| Unattended fishing line | $52 | $220 | 323% |
| Possession of crayfish | $200 | $433 | 117% |
| Fishing without a license | $298 | $298 | 0% |
Conservation Officers conduct regular patrols by boat, vehicle, helicopter, and snowmobile. With penalties now much steeper, understanding and following regulations is more important than ever.
Top Fishing Destinations in Manitoba
Lake Winnipeg
As North America’s sixth-largest lake, Lake Winnipeg offers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year. The lake is renowned for its trophy “greenback” walleye, particularly in fall and winter.
Prime Fishing Spots on Lake Winnipeg:
- Gimli: This western shore town is a major hub for summer fishing, with marina facilities and easy access to deep waters.
- Balsam Bay: Located on the eastern side of the south basin, this area features shallow waters that warm quickly in summer, attracting walleye and pike.
- Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park: The waters around Hecla Island offer scenic fishing with various structures and depths to explore.
- The Narrows: Where the north and south basins meet, this area acts as a funnel for migrating fish and provides excellent year-round action.
For more detailed information about Lake Winnipeg fishing, visit TeenFish’s Lake Winnipeg Guide.
Red River
The Red River, flowing north through Winnipeg into Lake Winnipeg, is famous for its monster channel catfish-many exceeding 30 pounds! It also offers excellent walleye fishing, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
Key Red River Fishing Locations:
- Lockport: Located just 30 minutes north of Winnipeg, the area around Lockport Dam is a hotspot for trophy catfish and walleye.
- Selkirk Park: This accessible shoreline spot offers good bank fishing opportunities for multiple species.
- Emerson: Near the U.S. border, this section of the river provides diverse fishing opportunities with less pressure than locations closer to Winnipeg.
Learn more about fishing the Red River on TeenFish’s Winnipeg Fishing guide.
Northern Lakes
Manitoba’s northern lakes offer a wilderness fishing experience that rivals any in North America. These pristine waters hold trophy pike, lake trout, and walleye in spectacular natural settings.
Top Northern Fishing Destinations:
- Lake Athapapuskow: Known for massive lake trout and abundant walleye, this lake near Flin Flon is a bucket-list destination.
- Clearwater Lake: The crystal-clear waters of this northern gem hold trophy lake trout and northern pike.
- God’s Lake: This remote destination is renowned for trophy lake trout, pike, and walleye.
Eastern Region Lakes
The Canadian Shield lakes of eastern Manitoba offer excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike in a stunning landscape of rock, forest, and clean water.
Eastern Manitoba Highlights:
- Whiteshell Provincial Park: Multiple interconnected lakes with diverse fishing opportunities close to Winnipeg.
- Nopiming Provincial Park: Less crowded than Whiteshell but equally productive for multiple species.
- Winnipeg River: Flowing through eastern Manitoba, this river system offers excellent multi-species fishing.
Fish Species and Best Times to Catch
Understanding the seasonal patterns of Manitoba’s fish species can dramatically increase your success on the water.
Walleye and Sauger
Peak Seasons:
- Spring (May-June): Post-spawn feeding frenzy
- Fall (September-October): Pre-winter feeding period
- Winter (January-March): Excellent ice fishing opportunities
Best Locations: Lake Winnipeg, Red River, Winnipeg River, and most larger lakes across the province
Effective Techniques: Jigs with live bait or soft plastics, bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, trolling crankbaits, and jigging spoons through the ice
Northern Pike
Peak Seasons:
- Spring (May-June): Shallow post-spawn feeding
- Fall (September): Aggressive pre-winter feeding
- Winter: Consistent action near weed edges
Best Locations: Most Manitoba lakes and rivers, with trophy opportunities in northern lakes
Effective Techniques: Spinnerbaits, large spoons, inline spinners, and large dead baits for ice fishing
Lake Trout
Peak Seasons:
- Early Summer (June): Before deep summer retreat
- Fall (September-October): Surface-oriented feeding
- Winter (January-March): Deep basin ice fishing
Best Locations: Clearwater Lake, Lake Athapapuskow, God’s Lake, and other deep, cold northern lakes
Effective Techniques: Jigging spoons, trolling spoons and plugs, large tube jigs, and jigging through the ice
Channel Catfish
Peak Seasons:
- Late Spring (May): Pre-spawn movement
- Summer (June-August): Peak feeding activity
- Early Fall: Pre-winter feeding
Best Locations: Red River (world-class fishery), Assiniboine River, Winnipeg River
Effective Techniques: Cut bait (goldeye, sucker), prepared stink baits, and frogs or leeches
Other Popular Species
- Smallmouth Bass: Best in eastern shield lakes from late May through September
- Yellow Perch: Excellent year-round but particularly good through the ice
- Brook Trout: Prime in stocked streams and ponds from May through June
- Carp: Abundant in southern waters, best from June through August
Conservation and Sustainability Efforts
Manitoba’s fishing regulations reflect a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability. The 2025 changes include several key initiatives:
- Enhanced protection for spawning areas through seasonal closures
- Size restrictions that protect breeding-sized fish
- Strict enforcement of regulations with increased penalties
- Aquatic invasive species prevention measures
- Habitat restoration projects funded by license revenues
According to the Manitoba government, the province boasts “the finest freshwater fisheries in the Western Hemisphere,” worth approximately $600 million annually in economic benefits. Protecting this resource requires the cooperation of all anglers through responsible fishing practices.
The Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund supports numerous conservation projects annually, funded in part by fishing license revenues. These initiatives help ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations.
Tips for a Successful Manitoba Fishing Trip
Pre-Trip Planning
- Obtain the proper license well before your trip
- Study the regulations specific to your target water body
- Check for fishing closures or special restrictions
- Research seasonal patterns for your target species
- Book accommodations early for popular fishing destinations
Essential Gear
- Barbless hooks (required by law)
- Digital or printed copy of your fishing license
- Species-specific tackle appropriate for your targets
- Weather-appropriate clothing (Manitoba weather can change rapidly)
- Safety equipment including life jackets, first aid kit, and communication devices
Local Knowledge
Tap into local expertise through:
- Bait and tackle shops like Pokey’s Tackle Shop
- Fishing guides and charters for a guided experience
- Online fishing forums specific to Manitoba
- Provincial park visitor centers for current conditions
When does the 2025 fishing license become valid?
The 2025 annual fishing license becomes valid on May 1, 2025, and remains valid through April 30, 2026. Licenses for the 2025 season are available for purchase starting April 1, 2025.
Do I need a separate license to fish in national parks within Manitoba?
Yes. A Manitoba fishing license does not authorize fishing in national parks. You must purchase a separate national park fishing permit, available at park visitor centers or online through Parks Canada.
What are the consequences of fishing without a license?
Fishing without a valid license results in a $298 fine. Additionally, all fishing equipment used in the commission of the offense may be seized.
Can I use fish caught in Manitoba as bait?
Only certain fish species can legally be used as bait, and they must be dead. Using live fish as bait is prohibited in Manitoba to prevent the spread of invasive species.
What should I do if I catch a tagged fish?
If you catch a tagged fish, record the tag number, species, date, location, and whether you released or kept the fish. Report this information to Manitoba Fisheries at 1-800-214-6497 or through their online reporting form.
Are there special regulations for border waters?
Yes. On lakes that cross provincial borders, you may fish with either a Manitoba license or a license from the neighboring province. However, you must adhere to the Manitoba catch limits regardless of which license you hold.
How can I report a fishing violation?
Report suspected violations to the Manitoba Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076. Reports can be made anonymously, and information leading to convictions may be eligible for rewards.
Manitoba’s fishing opportunities remain among the best in North America, with diverse waters holding trophy specimens of numerous species. By understanding the 2025 regulations, respecting conservation measures, and planning your trip effectively, you can experience the fishing adventure of a lifetime while helping preserve these resources for future generations.
For the most current and detailed information, always consult the official 2025 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide before heading out on the water.
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