A hand is reaching for the fish on the wall.

How to Measure a Fish

A hand is reaching for the fish on the wall.

Measuring a Fish

Total fish length is measured from the most anterior part of the head to the most posterior part of the tail laid flat (i.e. not pinched). Note: 2.54 cm = 1 inch.

A man holding a fish in front of a boat.

Lake Winnipeg Walleye Regulations 2018

A man holding a fish in front of a boat.

Limits and Possession

Fish are considered to be in possession if they are not immediately released into the water from which they were taken. Possession limits are the same as daily catch limits in Manitoba. You may possess no more than one limit of each kind of fish at any time. This includes all fish you have in hand, camp, transportation, at home or for use in a competitive fishing event.

Walleye (Pickerel) & Sauger (either or combined):

  • General Limit
    • Conservation Licence – 4
    • Regulare Licence – 6
  • None may be shorter than 35cm (13.75″)
  • Only one may exceed 55cm (21.5″)
  • Anglers may retain only 1 walleye longer than 70 cm per year. Licence holders who catch and retain one of these fish must immediately record the date on the back of their licence.

* information above obtained from the 2018 Manitoba’s Anglers Guide

A man holding a fish while standing next to a child.

Northern Pike | Esox Lucius

One of the most aggressive species of fish found in Manitoba, northern pike (esop lucius) have always been one of my favourite fish to catch.  They are a great option to target through the ice.

With the large variation in waterbodies across the province, from rivers to shallow mud bottom lakes to deep shield lakes.  Manitoba provides a great opportunity to land monster pike.  Withe the largest in the province recorder at 153.67cm (60.50in) caught on Apisko Lake, you may land your new personal best. With Master Anglers being caught through the ice all across the province  from up north on Reed Lake to the Red River in the south or Lakes throughout the Whiteshell and Winnipeg river to the east. Get your name in the record books today!

With one of the most common ways to target these fish being the use of tip-ups, they can also be targeted through the ice ice with spoons, crank baits and even jigs.  The hard water season can be the easiest time of the year to single out the largest fish.  Using a quick-strike rig with a large smelt or Cisco (tullibee) suspended off the bottom.

Normally not a favourite table fare, in the winter, pike loose a bit of their characteristic slime and fishy smell making them a great option for a shore lunch.