Ontario Walleye Fishing
On Lower Manitou Lake
Trophy Walleye to 33 Inches
Lake Trout Fishing
Muskie Fishing
Bass Fishing
Pike Fishing
Walleye Fishing
Ice Fishing
Walleye Fishing on Lower Manitou Lake
Lower Manitou Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Northwestern Ontario, but not typically known for its walleye fishing. In the last few years however, the walleye population has grown and they have started to create quite a buzz on the lake. It is not a lake where you will catch huge numbers in a day, but you may catch some big, fat walleye. Because of the small population, we do practice catch and release on walleye to help the population continue to stay healthy and grow.
Certain times of year are better than others; June and September seem to be the best. Fish range in size up to trophy size 25-33”. If you want to catch walleye during your stay, ask one of our fishing guides to put you on some, or rent one of our fishing boats. You will be impressed with the size and quality of these golden beauties.
Walleye Fishing Tips
How to Catch Walleye:
Many don’t know Lower Manitou Lake as a walleye lake, but certain parts of the lake do hold some true trophies. Guests are always amazed by the strength and size of the fish. You won’t catch numbers but you will catch trophies. We recommend catch and release walleye fishing on Lower Manitou Lake.
Typically the best approach is Lindy rigs, drop shots or just good old jigs. Minnows, worms and leeches all work. Early in the season leeches and worms are good. Minnows get better later in the year.
May and June the fish are down spawning and heading out to deeper water. You can catch them on the points, reefs or weed-beds in 8-15 feet of water.
As the year progresses they start to move deeper. By the end of August they are in 20-25 feet.
See Jay Siemens’ great video which includes a lot of walleye fishing and information on how to do it on Lower Manitou Lake!
Guest Receives Ontario Angler Award for Walleye
Hello Manitou Weather Station
Recently, Diane my lucky fishing wife recieved a certificate from the Ontario Angler Awards run by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. It celebrates her Walleye catch and release . The fish was caught on July 6, 2011 .Measured 25.5 inches/ 62cm. about 6.5 pounds/2.5 kilos. This fish was caught within sight of Watson Falls, we were guided by Captain Kris Esselink.
Charles Weiss
Top WALLEYE Lures
- X Raps (white, black/silver, perch)
- Twister Tails (cotton candy, white, orange/black, silver/black)
- Spinner Baits
- Tube Jigs
- Mepps #3 -#5 (silver or gold blade)
- Jig and Leech – always work, great for young kids
Walleye Weight Calculator
Manitou Weather Station
Walleye Fishing Photos
Walleye Fishing on Lower Manitou Lake: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lower Manitou Lake a good walleye lake?
Yes, and it is getting better every year. Lower Manitou Lake made its name on muskie, lake trout and smallmouth bass, and the walleye fishery has come up strong behind them – it now produces trophy fish in the 25 to 33 inch range. This is a lake where you fish walleye for size rather than for a full livewell, and a 30-inch walleye is a fish most anglers never see.
When is the best time to catch walleye on Lower Manitou Lake?
June and September are the two best months. June fish are shallow and aggressive after the spawn, and September brings a strong fall bite as the water cools and walleye feed heavily ahead of winter.
What depth should I fish for walleye on Lower Manitou Lake?
In May and June, walleye hold on points, reefs and weed beds in 8 to 15 feet of water. By late August they move deeper, typically to 20 to 25 feet. Through September they follow the bait back onto the same points and reefs they used in spring, and can be taken shallower again as the water cools.
What baits work best for walleye on Lower Manitou Lake?
Lindy rigs, drop shots, and jigs tipped with leeches or worms work well early in the season. Minnows become more effective later in the year as the water cools. Walleye here also take a fly well – a weighted streamer worked over a shallow reef in June is a genuinely good way to fish them.
Do you practice catch and release for walleye on Lower Manitou Lake?
Walleye are released here. The walleye fishery is the youngest on the lake and it is growing fast, so putting them back is what keeps that going – and it is why the lake now produces the sizes it does. If you want fish for a shore lunch, northern pike is the one to keep. Pike from this water eats better than most people expect, and there are plenty of them.
How do you get to Lower Manitou Lake?
Two ways, and unlike most remote lodges in Northwestern Ontario you get a choice. Drive and boat in – about 43 miles by road from Fort Frances on Highways 11 and 502, then Cedar Road and Esox Landing Road to the boat launch at Esox Landing, and roughly 24 miles north by boat to camp. Or fly in by float plane from Fort Frances, about 45 minutes. Because there is road access to the launch, you can bring your own boat and as much gear as you want instead of packing to a float plane’s weight limit. In winter, access is by snowmobile.
Do I need an Ontario fishing license to fish for walleye at Manitou Weather Station?
Yes. Every angler needs a valid Ontario fishing license and an Outdoors Card, and one license covers walleye, muskie, lake trout, northern pike and smallmouth bass alike. Buy both before you arrive, online from the Ontario government, at any ServiceOntario location, or from tackle and outdoor stores in Fort Frances on your way through. Non-residents choose between a Sport license and a Conservation license; the Conservation license costs less and carries lower catch limits. Size and catch limits are set by Ontario regulation and change from time to time, so check the current fishing regulations summary before you travel. There is Starlink internet at all three camps, so you can check the regulations or sort a license online from the lake if you need to. Visitors from the United States also need a passport or another approved document to cross the border at Fort Frances.
How do I book a walleye trip at Manitou Weather Station?
Trips are booked directly with Manitou Weather Station. Current packages, open dates and rates are on the Packages & Rates page, and the Contact page will reach the family with any questions before you book.