Early greenup on Lake Winnipeg

[Jason Hamilton]

This weekend was great on the big lake, the weather was warm, winds were less than gale force and a recent blizzard had smoothed out a lot of the bumps and drifts on the lake. Although stay away from permanent shacks...drifts on the south side of these were nearing 5'...could be dangerous in not paying attention.

Saturday I was with a group fishing under a special permit to fill up the Mid Canada Boat Show Lund Mega Tank, Manitoba Fisheries granted a special permit to retain these fish for educational purposes at the show next weekend. Through a lot of hard work by a number of folks this venture is pulled off every year in fine form and fish handling and health is paramount.

We concentrated on 8-10' of water under the ice, which is approaching 48" in many locations. Rattle baits were the ticket and saw a number of fish come in super aggressive, like lake trout, chasing the bait all over the water column. Around noon the bite slowed to a crawl, fish were still looking but less interested in eating. Downsizing to a 1/4 and 1/8oz Lindy Frostee spoon tipped with a minnow head iced a few more fish before we called it a day mid afternoon.

March is going to be on fire on Big Windy, if you are considering catching the fish of a lifetime, this is the time to do it, as warmer weather facilitates mobility...which will make you successful.

[Tim Moore]

Wow! I don't know what else to say. Beautiful fish. I have never caught a walleye but I hear they are great eating. Nice job Jason.

Tim

[Jim Kusuda]

Jason, I am sure that fish will look great in the Lund Mega Tank, swimming at the show! Wow! It is the kind of fish that I dream about.

[aaron otto]

Schnikes

[Gary Parsons]

Jason,

Is the bite getting good up there again? Chase and I are thinking of making the trek!

[Jason Hamilton]

Hey Gary, the bite has been quite good here.

[Bernie Keefe]

Jason, those are some really nice fish. I am getting jealous.

[Scott Seibert]

We need to plan an Ice Team trip to you area. Nice fish.

[Jason Hamilton]

Thanks gents Lake Winnipeg is hot!!