Do I need a snowmobile for a Lake Winnipeg trip?

My buddy and I are trying to figure out an ice fishing trip to Lake Winnipeg this January. The only real concern we have is if we need to have a snowmobile or not. On lots of videos and photos I see from LW it doesn’t look like deep snow develops on the lake. Neither of us own snowmobiles. Would we be able to head out and hunt for walleyes with a 4wd truck or suv? Or would we just get stuck in the snow and have our trip be ruined? Are there ice roads out there that allow you to get to most places on the lake? Any input is greatly appreciated this is kind of the deciding factor for this trip.

i have only been there once last march we barely made it around with a truck even after the snow had melted limited travel at best take a snowmobile if at all possible you wont regret the option of having it there its a big place

No plowed road but there is usually a beaten path…watch the weather find some contact watch lake Winnipeg ice fishing on the book if u do that thing…one year there may be little to no snow and trucks are fine others u need a sled or tracks…i would at least plan on bringing a quad w tires it’s alot easier to go your own way…if you question if u’ll need it up there…bring it that’s a long ways to go to forget something. There are a few members here that are from that area. Cameron White comes to mind he’s given me very good info in years past look him up see if he can give u any tips on what snow pack is like when time comes

Deep snow DOES develop on the lake! Here’s the deal. It is doable with two vehicles, but your limited in access. I would not go in a single vehicle, you will get stuck. East side out of balsam or road 103, generally good road. West side out of warner, Ralph or wpg beach, same. Ridges seem worse on the west side. Are you opposed to a guided trip?

I’ve been up there about 8 years in a row. A snowmobile definitely increases your ability to get around. Often away from the crowds where you can find more fish. LW can also be rough, ok more often than not. Trucks take a beating trying to get to areas with snowpack. If you take snowmobiles make sure you have reliable machines. Nothing worse than breaking down in temps below -20degrees. Bring extra heaters and augers as LW is rough on equipment. Travel in pairs or in a group and carry a GPS at all times. Not to sound so serious but LW can be dangerous in tough conditions. Only saying because we’ve learned all this the hard way. The rewards of LW master greenback walleye is more than worth it, just plan for it all.

One recommendation would be to rent a SnoBear through Icebound excursions. https://www.snobearrental.ca/

Def worth it if you’ve never been out there.

I’m a local, and how Big Windy decides to play will all depend on how much snow we get and how bad the wind is between now & then. Another big factor this year is the high water levels. We are currently flooding up here. If you have ever been to Selkirk the blue bridge in town is currently closed due to the high water that has flooded the east side.

I split my time on the lake between the quad & truck. You can pretty much guarantee that at least 1 trail will be broken from either Balsam or Warner no matter the conditions. Arrive early at any of the access points and you should be able to follow the convoy out. Depending on the freeze, your truck will get put through the ringer. Make sure you have a good recovery strap.

As mentioned in the posts above, do not take Lake Winnipeg lightly, You need to be prepared for the worst. The wind can pick up quickly and you can be in a complete white-out in minutes.

I run the Ice Fishing Manitoba FB Page and there will be countless updates on access conditions and travel.