I have gone through a bunch of searches to try to find info on best time window for the big girls. What have you guys found to be the best chance at 30″ ers. Any guides you would recommend to get us started?
March madness….i think anytime is a good time to catch big fish up there most wait until March bc it’s usually nicer weather and the fish stage a little more in the south basin ready to run up the river. If you have the equipment a guide is not needed…its a run and gun fishing style yes they maybe have an idea where the pods of big fish have been but there’s alot of other factors that come in to play especially luck…its no different than catchin a trophy around home you need a little luck…difference is there’s more numbers in Winnipeg. I did a guide one year an it was a good time…didnt catch any more or any bigger fish than I did 2 weeks later when I went back up and wemt on my own…fish 15 min if you don’t mark a fish make a big move maybe a mile…if ure marking and catching a few a smaller move…you will catch fish I have never not caught fish…i personally have yet to pull out a MA but I’ve been with and seen people that have less that 20 yards away…you have to love ice fishing to enjoy Winnipeg to its full potential…not like but love…its a workout it’s hard on equipment but it’s a blast…whatever you decide good luck and report back…i got up March 15 I’ll give a report when I get back
If you decide on a guide
Donovan with Blackwater cats is good and who I used
Lee nolden if he still guides much
Bruin outfitter
Jason Hamilton
Anytime in Feb or Mar with decent weather is a great time to go. One of those good fish will make the trip!
What do you guys use for augers? I have read really cold temps can cause problems with propane
10″ Strikemaster Lazer Pro with 10″ chipper blades. Ice can be real dirty and hard on Lazer blades Bring extensions as ice gets deep. Clean out shavings two or three times while drilling hole. You can get your auger stuck believe it or not.
I’ve used my propane the last 5 years…dont know exact temps but ran fine and it was right around 0 last year when I was there I would just prepare and have a backup plan just in case
20” extensions should cover me?
Seeing reports of 40+ inches 20 should be okay maybe pack an extra if possible
If you keep you propane tanks warm you should have no trouble. But like Brady said based on the reports there is a lot more ice up there this year than the last couple. Not looking forward to drilling through all that ice!
The big girls are biting now! And will only get better. Anytime from now and especially into next month is the best time to go.
Bring an extra set of blades for an auger and an extension, you’ll need it. What most people don’t realize and I found out was that for some reason the ice is dirty ice up there and takes a toll on blades.
Winnipeg will do a number on equipment for sure. I have a propane Jiffy and to be honest, up there I made my buddy bring his gas auger.
Also, if you get close to a pressure ridge and drill holes, be carefull. The ice gets stacked and can be extra thick. I drill in one last year and got about a half inch from the head of the auger with an extension. It was enough just to barely punch through. The problem is the water started to come up and it was so cold it started to freeze the auger instantly into the hole. I thought we were going to have to write off the auger bit.
Good info, keep it coming!
We have several people that can sharpen blades too if need be. Big numbers of big fish. Both blackwater and Bruin just had weeks of over 30 masters. No joke.
We have several people that can sharpen blades too if need be. Big numbers of big fish. Both blackwater and Bruin just had weeks of over 30 masters. No joke.
We???
Lol. I meant here in winnipeg if you need blades sharpened. They do a booming business.
Donovan and the rest of the Blackwater Cats guides are awesome we have been up there 3 times with him. They work hard and communicate to put you and keep you on fish.
Taking our virgin voyage to LW the end of March, any advice on bait and must haves that are unique to LW would be appreciated. Staying on the southeast end of the lake. What line weight and type ?
Thanks
I take a package of the magic preserved shiner up there and they’ve done me well…take any spoons you have down to 1/8oz and as big as u have…believe it or not a guy in my group was catching fish jigging an old red and white dare devil w a shiner…lipless cranks with rattles are very popular if they don’t hit those I’d switch to spoons…i run 8 lb power pro and I don’t run a leader but alot of guys run a few foot leader with fluorocarbon. I would think you would want braid for a main line so it doesn’t cut on the ice as the fish do nt come up easy and take some coaxing…when r u going sully and where r u staying
Our go to lure has always been the Live Target Golden Shiner lipless crank. Both the 2 3/8th” and the bigger 2 7/8ths”. We hook a salted minnow horizontally by hooking the head to the front hook and the tail to the back hook. We’ve tried them all. The last couple of years we have been using some 3″ salmon spoons in pink/white colors and have done well also. 10lb fireline with a snap. Many use a flouro leader but I have never needed it. Lastly if you have room bring two of most things – heaters, augers, flashers……shoot we’ve even brought an extra snowmobile. This lake is tough on equipment. Be prepared for weather changes. You do not want to get stuck out on this lake in blizzard conditions (GPS and backup heat source a must!!). Been there done that. In -30F degree temps we’ve had both propane tanks and snowmobiles start on fire. Best thing is to be prepared.
Hey Brady,
Thanks for the info.We are going up the 3rd.week of March and staying at a cabin near Grand Marais.
Thanks Gone Hunting,
Apprecate the info. Not familiar with the Live target golden shiner crank, will have to check the local tackle stores for them. Have heard from several to bring lots of everything.
Again thanks
Not sure where you are located but Scheels in Fargo and Cabelas in Grand Forks should have the Live Targets Rattle baits. You can get online as well. I should have added the Silver/Blue color. I’ve heard the Rapala Rippin Raps have been working as well. Good luck.
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I see there made in Canada, is it cheaper to buy them near lake Winnipeg?
I’m not sure but $13 each is about the going rate in the U.S.
Unfortunately you won’t find them any cheaper, but they have been one of the go to baits up there for a few years. I’d recommended getting some other brands of rattle baits in different colors. Every year seems like something else is the hot lure up there.
They run around 17 bucks here, so not cheaper. Jackall tn-60 and 70, ripping raps, 3 or 4” pelican or rj lured spoons, all have been producing. Fish are in shallow already. Lots of ice, running around 40”, more near the ridges. A friend came up from Fargo this weekend, 8 over 28”, a bunch in the 25-28” range, and eaters.
Probably some of the best advice. It’s wilderness style fishing. If it can break it will, and weather can get nasty. Clackin raps are also great lures. But they are discontinued.
Lastly if you have room bring two of most things – heaters, augers, flashers……shoot we’ve even brought an extra snowmobile. This lake is tough on equipment. Be prepared for weather changes. You do not want to get stuck out on this lake in blizzard conditions (GPS and backup heat source a must!!). Been there done that. In -30F degree temps we’ve had both propane tanks and snowmobiles start on fire. Best thing is to be prepared.
Go on instagram and look at blackwatercats pics. The number of huge eyes is mind blowing.
Go on instagram and look at blackwatercats pics. The number of huge eyes is mind blowing.
Yep. And Bruin outfitters as well. Those two crews put in a lot of time scouting and keeping clients on fish.
Thanks for all the info. guys,much appreciated.
Keep a tight line.
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