Hunting and fishing guides and outfitters in Manitoba

What hunting and fishing look like in Manitoba

The southwest is farmland and prairie potholes, a fall stopover for ducks and geese. The Interlake, between the big lakes, mixes marsh, forest and fields. North and east, the boreal forest and the Shield stretch for hundreds of kilometres of lakes and rivers.

Black bear hunting is one of Manitoba's best-known guided hunts, usually over bait in the forest. White-tailed deer are hunted in the farm and forest edge, moose in the boreal forest, and grouse and other upland birds in the woods and fields.

On the water, walleye and northern pike lead the way, with lake trout in the deep, cold northern lakes and yellow perch in the large southern lakes. Manitoba is known for trophy pike and for its catch-and-release culture on big fish. In winter, ice fishing on the big lakes is a tradition of its own.

How outfitters work in Manitoba

Manitoba's lodges and outfitters are licensed by the province. Many hunting outfitters focus on bear, deer or waterfowl, while fishing lodges range from road-access resorts to remote fly-in camps. Non-residents hunting big game such as black bear generally hunt with a licensed outfitter, and some rules differ for Canadians and foreign residents. Check the current rules for your situation and ask the outfitter.

Access: road, boat and floatplane

Southern lodges and many bear and deer camps are reached by road. On the big lakes, some fishing guides meet you at a harbour or a launch, and ice fishing guides often take you out by truck, side-by-side or tracked vehicle on the ice, with a heated shelter.

In the north, fly-in lodges and outpost camps are the norm. Ask about luggage limits, what the camp supplies, and what happens if weather delays a flight.

What to check before booking

Manitoba sells its own hunting and fishing licences, and some waters have special rules such as barbless hooks or catch-and-release for large fish. Waterfowl hunters also need a federal migratory bird permit.

• Read the province's current hunting and fishing regulations for the area you will visit
• Ask how bear bait sites are run and how many hunters share them
• For ice fishing, ask about ice safety, shelters and transport on the ice
• Confirm who buys the licences and what the package includes

Finding a Manitoba guide with GuideHunter

In GuideHunter, zoom the map on Manitoba and filter by hunting or fishing, then choose a species such as black bear, walleye or ice fishing. Each pin is a guide with offers that show what is included, the region and a price per person from, or on request.

Frequently asked questions