River vs. Lake Fishing

Explore the key differences between river and lake fishing. From gear to target species, get the inside scoop on maximizing your fishing experience in Manitoban waterways.

Lake Fishing Setup

For lake fishing, I recommend using a light-medium jigging rod with 5 to 15 pound monofilament fishing line. This setup is versatile enough for Walleye, Bass, and Panfish. For Northern Pike, simply add some wire to the line near the hook.

River Fishing Setup

River fishing calls for a heavier setup due to the stronger currents and larger fish. I recommend a medium strength 8+ foot fishing rod paired with a medium line capacity reel spooled with 15-20 pound braided fishing line. This provides the extra strength needed for landing those big Catfish!

Three Essentials

If I could only bring three things for either river or lake fishing, they would be a Pickreal rig, Worms, and my rod. The essentials for any successful fishing trip!

Dream Catches

My dream river catch is the Buffalofish - I've never caught one before! In a lake, I'd be thrilled to reel in a Lake Trout, as I haven't had the chance to target them yet.

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River Fishing Tip

For someone trying river fishing for the first time: Don't constantly reel your line, as it increases the chance of snagging the bottom. The less movement, the better, especially in murky environments where fish rely on scent more than movement. Think of the Red and Assinaboine Rivers.

Lake Fishing Tip

For lake fishing, I recommend moving your bait often, as fish appreciate a good presentation. Experiment with different retrieves to find what works best on any given day.