2026 Fall Fishing Report

I was lucky enough to fly-in fish to Northern Manitoba lakes in August. What a learning experience!! The two lakes were significantly different, Siers Lake had an average depth of about 20 feet. Einarson Lake was much deeper with depths to 70-80 feet., it also contained lake trout which Siers did not.

So, where were the walleye? In both lakes, they were in the weeds, usually less than 6-8 feet. We caught a lot of fish in the 4 foot depth range. It took a lot of trolling and experimenting to find the walleyes, but I call, “hunting”fish. The pattern was to drift and drop minnow tipped jigs straight down. Our most successes were where rivers flowed into or out of the lakes. A short and sweet tug of war ended up with modestly sized walleye. We caught no monsters on this trip, but did enjoy the usual shore lunch fish fries. Our southern reservoirs do much better at consistently providing plus 20 inchers!

I’ve done annual fly-in fishing trips for many years and although the walleye have always been there- our warmer Alberta reservoirs grow bigger fish, faster on average. For truly exceptional walleye fishing in Alberta, my choice would be Lac Biche. The quality and size of walleye from this lake can not be matched. That is strictly my opinion, and I’m sticking to it.

As for trout, in flowing waters, things are definitely picking up. Rivers and creeks are running clear with reduced water levels. If you have a pair of insulated waders, get out there! There are much fewer hatches, but they still do occur. Generally, streamers, minnow and leach patterns, are a go to along with sinking lines. The beautiful fall colours, along with uncrowded water, are definitely calling. Enjoy the remnants of the season……

Peter Varga
ODFGA Fish Chair