In “Ice Fishing for Shallow Water Walleye | The Canadian Angle,” the video follows Jay Siemens as he joins Matt and Paul Wiens, owners of Viking Lodge, and their friends Keevin and Lorne Erickson on an ice fishing trip in Northern Manitoba. The group targets shallow water walleye near creeks where they are staging for spawning, using various fishing techniques such as tip-ups for pike and jigging for walleye. Throughout the trip, they catch several walleye, pike, and even a large pike measuring almost 40 inches in length. The video also highlights the importance of catch and release practices for fish survival, as well as the unique features of Manitoba’s fishing regulations and fish species.
This entertaining and informative video showcases the excitement and challenges of ice fishing for shallow water walleye in Northern Manitoba. From capturing the beauty of the Cranberry Chain of Lakes to demonstrating different fishing strategies, the video provides a glimpse into the world of ice fishing and the diverse fish species found in Manitoba’s waters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a fishing enthusiast, this video is sure to leave you eager to grab your fishing gear and head out to explore the Canadian wilderness.
Identifying the Fishing Location
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Ice fishing is an exhilarating and rewarding activity that allows you to enjoy the peacefulness of winter while reeling in some impressive catches. If you’re looking for an ideal ice fishing spot, the Viking Lodge on the Cranberry Chain of Lakes in Northern Manitoba is a fantastic choice. Known for its abundant walleye, pike, and lake trout populations, this fishing location offers a diverse range of species that will keep you engaged and excited throughout your trip.
Aside from the Viking Lodge, another great option for ice fishing in Manitoba is near creeks where fish spawn. As the winter months progress and spring approaches, walleye and other species gather near these creek areas to prepare for spawning. By targeting these locations, you can increase your chances of successful fishing and reel in some impressive catches.
Another important consideration when ice fishing is exploring different depths. Fish behave differently at various depths, so it’s crucial to experiment with different fishing depths to find the most productive areas. Depending on the time of year and the species you’re targeting, you may find that fishing at different depths results in more successful catches. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt your fishing techniques to improve your chances of success on the ice.
Getting to Know the Crew
A successful ice fishing trip is not just about the fishing itself; it’s also about the people you’re with. At the Viking Lodge, you’ll have the pleasure of meeting the lodge owners, Matt and Paul Wiens. These experienced anglers have a deep knowledge of the local fishing spots and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your trip.
Joining Matt and Paul are Keevin and Lorne Erickson, friends and fellow fishing enthusiasts. Together, this crew forms a dynamic team, each contributing their skills and expertise to enhance the overall fishing experience. Whether it’s sharing fishing tips, telling stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the crew dynamics play a significant role in making your ice fishing adventure a memorable one.
Target Species for the Fishing Trip
When planning an ice fishing trip to Northern Manitoba, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the target species you’ll be pursuing. On this particular trip, the focus is on three primary species: walleye, pike, and lake trout.
Walleye is a highly sought-after species in Manitoba, known for its delicious taste and thrilling fight. These elusive fish can be found in various habitats, making them both challenging and exciting to catch. Anglers often target walleye near creeks during the winter months, as they stage for spawning. The Viking Lodge and surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for catching walleye in shallow water near these creeks.
Pike is another popular target species among anglers in Manitoba. These aggressive predators are known for their strong strikes and impressive strength. Fishing for pike can be an adrenaline-filled experience, as they often put up a fierce fight. By using tip-ups, a fishing technique specifically designed for pike, you can increase your chances of landing these thrilling fish.
Lake trout, on the other hand, present a unique challenge. These fish are known for their elusive nature and can be more difficult to locate and catch. However, the reward of hooking into a large lake trout is well worth the effort. By exploring different depths and fishing techniques, you can increase your chances of experiencing the thrill of reeling in one of these majestic fish.
Fishing Techniques Used
Throughout the ice fishing trip, the crew utilizes various fishing techniques to target their desired species. When it comes to catching pike, tip-ups are the go-to method. These devices consist of a spool of line attached to a flag that pops up when a fish bites. For pike, large live or dead baits, such as minnows, are usually used. Once a pike bites, the fisherman can quickly set the hook and engage in an exciting battle to land the fish.
For targeting walleye, the crew employs the jigging technique. This technique involves using a lead jig with a hook and enticing the walleye to strike by jerking the bait up and down. Jigging mimics the movement of live prey and can be highly effective in attracting walleye. Pairing jigs with live minnows often proves to be the winning combination when it comes to enticing these fish to bite.
While bait preferences may vary depending on the species and angler’s preference, jigs and minnows are commonly used in Manitoba for ice fishing. The scent and movement provided by minnows make them an irresistible bait for many fish species, including walleye and pike.
Catch Highlights from the Trip
Among the many memorable moments of the ice fishing trip, the crew’s major catches include walleye and pike. These fish provide thrilling fights and moments of excitement that make for unforgettable experiences on the ice. Whether it’s the intense run of a pike or the powerful fight of a walleye, each catch brings a rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment.
One particularly impressive catch was a large pike, measuring almost 40 inches in length. Landing a pike of this size requires skill, patience, and a solid understanding of their behavior. The crew’s efforts paid off, resulting in an exhilarating battle and a trophy-sized fish.
Unique Features of Manitoba’s Fishing Environment
Manitoba’s fishing environment offers several unique features that set it apart from other fishing destinations. One notable aspect is the province’s barbless fishing regulations. Barbless hooks are designed without the small barb traditionally found on hooks. This regulation makes catch and release practices more effective, as it allows for easy and safe hook removal, minimizing harm to fish. Barbless hooks are especially crucial for ice fishing, as fish can be more vulnerable during winter months.
Another unique feature of Manitoba’s fishing environment is the presence of greenback walleyes in Lake Winnipeg. These distinctively colored walleye are known for their vibrant, emerald-like hue. Greenbacks are highly sought-after by anglers due to their beauty and challenging nature. Lake Winnipeg provides an exceptional opportunity to target and catch these unique fish.
Catch and release practices are essential in Manitoba’s fishing environment to ensure healthy fish populations for future generations. By releasing fish carefully and responsibly, anglers contribute to the sustainability of Manitoba’s fisheries.
Culinary Experiences on the Ice
One aspect of ice fishing that adds to the overall experience is the opportunity to enjoy culinary delights right on the frozen lake. The crew takes advantage of this and prepares bacon-wrapped walleye, a flavorful snack that satisfies their appetites while immersed in the icy surroundings.
Cooking bacon-wrapped walleye involves wrapping fresh walleye fillets in bacon and cooking them over an open flame or portable stove. The combination of the smoky flavors from the bacon and the delicate taste of the walleye creates a mouth-watering treat. The crew enjoys this snack on the ice, appreciating the unique experience of savoring freshly cooked fish in the midst of their ice fishing adventure.
It’s worth noting that bleeding out a fish before cooking can affect its taste and texture. Bleeding out involves cutting the fish’s gills to drain the blood, which some believe improves the flavor and texture of the meat. However, it’s essential to consider local regulations and fishing ethics before engaging in this practice.
Surprise Catches
While targeting specific species, ice fishing often brings unexpected surprises in the form of different catches. One of the surprises during the trip was a lake trout caught after a meal. After enjoying a bacon-wrapped walleye snack, the crew found themselves reeling in a fat and lively lake trout. This unexpected catch added an extra element of excitement to their ice fishing experience.
Another surprise catch was a good-sized whitefish. Using a treble hook and a minnow chunk as bait, the crew enticed the whitefish to bite. Whitefish are known for their delicious and delicate taste, and angling for them adds a new dimension to the ice fishing adventure. Landing a good-sized whitefish provided an unexpected bonus and added to the diversity of catches during the trip.
Relocation During the Fishing Trip
During an ice fishing trip, it’s crucial to be adaptable and willing to relocate if necessary. On this particular trip, the crew made the decision to move to a new fishing location. Various factors were considered before making this decision, including the number of people fishing in the area and the overall fishing activity. By assessing these factors and weighing their options, the crew determined that moving to a different location would increase their chances of success.
The success at the new location was evident as the crew continued to reel in impressive catches. Relocating during a fishing trip can be a strategic move that allows anglers to find more active fish, ensuring an enjoyable and fruitful experience on the ice.
Conclusion
The ice fishing experience in Northern Manitoba, particularly at the Viking Lodge on the Cranberry Chain of Lakes, offers anglers a remarkable opportunity to catch a variety of impressive fish. Through a combination of skill, patience, and the right techniques, targeting walleye, pike, and lake trout can lead to thrilling battles and unforgettable moments on the ice.
Lessons learned during the trip include the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of the fishing environment, such as Manitoba’s barbless fishing regulations and the presence of greenback walleyes in Lake Winnipeg. Additionally, adapting fishing techniques, exploring different depths, and utilizing specific baits can significantly increase the chances of success when ice fishing in Manitoba.
For anyone planning future ice fishing trips in the area, it is recommended to embrace the culinary experiences on the ice, try cooking different recipes, and enjoy the flavors of freshly caught fish. Surprises in the form of unexpected catches are part of the thrill of ice fishing, so being open to new opportunities and embracing the unexpected can lead to even more exciting adventures on the ice.
In conclusion, ice fishing in Northern Manitoba provides an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, adventure, and the thrill of reeling in trophy-worthy catches. So pack your gear, gather your friends, and head to Viking Lodge for an ice fishing trip you won’t soon forget.