Hooked on Ice Fishing

As winter begins to tighten its icy grip on the prairies, the local ice fishing community is chomping at the bit, eagerly awaiting the arrival of safe ice to set up their beloved shacks. While some seasoned anglers have already ventured onto the early ice with spud bars in hand, others, like the Kowalyk family, are patiently waiting for the ice to reach a safe 30 to 40 centimetres thick in order to support both trucks and shacks. For this family of avid ice anglers, the season is about much more than the catch — it’s about creating lasting memories.

Melyssa Kowalyk, who credits her husband Rory for introducing her to ice fishing, described it as “a fun way to get outside in the winter and get the kids involved.” Their ice adventures include everything from building snow forts to riding snowmobiles and sleds, all while teaching their children the ins and outs of fishing.

“We always look forward to ice fishing season,” she said. “It really is the whole family out there.”

The Kowalyk’s story is part of a broader trend that has recently transformed ice fishing. Once seen as a male-dominated activity, over the last several years it has become a family-friendly sport, with women taking to the ice in growing numbers.

“Ten years ago, it used to be an activity with all the boys to catch lots” said Kowalyk. “Now it has morphed into more of a family event.”

The Kowalyks have plenty of fish tales to share, like when Rory lost his rod down a hole, only to snag the line with another rod and reel in both the fish and his lost gear. For Melyssa, memories like winning the youth category at an Oak Lake derby when she was 11 or watching her son Maxwell catch his first northern pike at age 4 are treasures.

“These are moments we’ll never forget,” she said.

The family has even turned the ice shack into a cozy retreat, complete with a wood stove and the scent of perogies and sausage sizzling over the fire. For the Kowalyks, ice fishing isn’t just about reeling in a big catch — it’s about reeling in quality family time with their young boys.

Manitoba’s well-stocked lakes and trophy fish attract ice anglers from across the region, keeping bait shops busy and local economies humming through the winter.

“Ice fishing is one of those activities that gets you outside during the cold months when you just want to stay home,” Kowalyk said. “And fried walleye is delicious!”

Unlocking the Secrets of Ice Fishing with Westman’s Guru

Stepping onto the ice for the first time can feel like venturing into a frosty labyrinth — where every seasoned angler is guarding their secrets like a dragon hoarding treasure. For newcomers, navigating the mysteries of ice fishing can be as daunting as drilling through thick ice. What gear do you need? What bait works best? And most crucially, where are the hot spots?

Ice fishing has a code of silence that rivals the most covert operations. Many die-hard anglers keep their knowledge locked away, ensuring their honey holes remain untouched and their catches abundant. But for those looking to break into this mysterious frozen frontier, Westman This Week has uncovered a local legend willing to open the can of worms.

Enter Marty Alders, the sporting goods manager at Brandon Home Hardware on 18th Street. An anonymous source described Alders as the “guru” of ice fishing and hunting in Westman. Need to know the best bait to lure a trophy walleye? Curious about which lakes might yield the catch of the season? Alders is your man.

While many ice fishers shroud their spots and strategies and can’t be baited to open the lid on their fishing catches, Alders’s knowledge is an open book for those looking to break the ice — pun intended. He’s the guy who can help you land your first fish and ensure your ice fishing shack feels like a cozy home away from home.

“Hot spots” are whispered about with the kind of intrigue you’d expect from a spy novel, and Alders knows them all. Though he might not give up every detail (a good fisherman never reveals all his secrets), he’s the perfect guide for gearing up, getting started, and setting yourself up for success in your first outing.

Things to Know Before you Go

Manitoba’s lakes are a haven for anglers, brimming with species like walleye, trout, northern pike and even the elusive tiger trout and sturgeon. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a family looking for a winter outing, there’s a spot for everyone. From well-known lakes like Minnedosa and Oak Lake to hidden gems like Patterson and Tokoruk, all within an hour’s drive of Brandon.

Before You Drop a Line

Before heading out, don’t forget to secure your Manitoba fishing license, which is required for anglers aged 16 and over. Licenses can be purchased online, so you can focus on planning your trip. If you’re fishing in a national park like Riding Mountain, you’ll need a separate license, as provincial permits don’t apply there. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations — these can help ensure you’re fishing responsibly and within the rules.

Top Spots to Explore

Here are a few recommendations to make your fishing experience unforgettable:

• Minnedosa Lake: An ideal spot for pickerel and walleye. A sports store on Main Street offers bait, supplies and updates on lake conditions.

• Pibaus Lake: Just 5 km south of Sandy Lake, it’s renowned for tiger trout catches.

• Sandy Lake: A popular destination for walleye and pike.

• Antons Lake: Located near the iconic “million-dollar bathroom” at the junction of highways 10 and 16, this spot is known for its impressive trout.

• Patterson and Tokoruk Lakes: North of Oakburn, these icy spots are favourites for trout enthusiasts.

• Bower and Williams Lakes: Found in the Turtle Mountain area, these scenic lakes are perfect for trout fishing.

A Chef’s Tip for Crispy Perfection

For those who love bringing their catch from the ice to the table, there’s nothing quite like crispy walleye or pickerel cheeks. This simple yet irresistible Italian batter recipe is sure to make a yummy feast out of your winter catch:

Crispy Italian Batter

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2¼ teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1⅔ cups Beer, Sprite or Seven Up

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Mix the dry ingredients, then whisk in the water and olive oil until smooth.

Dip the fillets or cheeks into the batter, fry in hot oil until golden and enjoy a taste of Westman’s favourite winter delicacy.

Whether served with a squeeze of lemon or heaping spoons of Manitoba’s favourite dipping condiment – Honey Dill Sauce – this recipe is bound to reel in compliments.