Supposed to be on LOW from December 9th thru the 13th with Eelpoutguy but I am not sure there will be enough ice so we might have to venture farther north. I had mentioned Lake Winnepeg to him and that sounds like a possibility so I am wondering if anyone has been up there for early ice, where is a good place to stay and where to go on the lake?
Big lakes typically freeze last, if it were me I would be looking into the nearby smaller lakes near where you want to stay. That way if it gets close to go time and the big lakes aren’t safe, you will have a backup plan.
“No ice? Head north across the border!”….
Lets just hope that this is the case all winter here.
Based on the reports of the fall fishing on the Red River this fall, early ice should be very good on the river and the lake. I personally have not fished in December, but doing some research and networking I have learned that a great fall bite typically leads to a great early ice bite.
IF you fish the Red River, I would suggest staying anywhere in Selkirk that has good lighting. Several hotels downtown (Selkirk Inn & Conference Centre) that are a option and a short drive down the EOM (end of main) road, where fishing is done.
If the lake has good fishable ice then accessing the west side of the lake on access, such as Chalet Beach is popular.
Lodging is the hardest to find come March, early ice you should have no problem finding a hotel. Unfortunately there is no resorts to stay at or places on the lake unless you happen to stumble on a cabin for rent.
From the hotels in Selkirk to the river you should be able to get to the fishing spot in 20-30 min, to the lake from the hotel you would be pushing 45 min.
Still in the 50’s up here. No snow. Getting into the -teens next week. Should be first ice on the river the week before Christmas I’m thinking. The lake won’t be ready until late December/early January, as long as we don’t get a big blow.
Accommodations; south beach casino, 15 minutes north of Selkirk, brand new hotel in Selkirk, canalta. On the outskirts of town.
Cameron,
Do you generally fish the river or the main lake? As a first timer eventually coming to the area which would you recommend for me? I have seen the shows about the giant green backs but it seems like they are out on the main lake. Is there much structure to stay on top of or is this the type of situation where you just keep moving and punching holes?
Cameron,
Do you generally fish the river or the main lake? As a first timer eventually coming to the area which would you recommend for me? I have seen the shows about the giant green backs but it seems like they are out on the main lake. Is there much structure to stay on top of or is this the type of situation where you just keep moving and punching holes?
I’m on the river for the first ice bite until the lake firms up, then I’m off the river the rest of the season. I would strongly recommend you try and push off your trip until feb/March for the lake. Last year the lake was forming perfectly, we got a major north wind that piled up the ice in the south. It looked like a war zone. Honestly, we were all over the river last year at this time. We’re about a month behind.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s structure in the south basin… It’s just more subtle. The north basin is more your typical lotw shield lake. A ton of structure. And largely unexplored. Guys stay mobile; look for baitfish and clear water. If you get chocolate milk, don’t bother. The shiners won’t be there. The eyes follow the shiners.
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