The Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2026 is now available and anglers are encouraged to access the guide online for information on the upcoming fishing season.

“The release of the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2026 marks the start of another exciting fishing season,” said Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie. “During these free fishing days, I encourage Manitobans and visitors to enjoy their time outdoors safely and responsibly.”

Anglers can fish without an angling licence until April 5 during spring break. Federal angling licences are still required in national parks.

New regulations, including updated angling licence fees and changes to some possession limits and size restrictions, take effect April 1. For more information on fishing regulations refer to the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2026 , available online at www.manitobafisheries.com. Printed copies will be available later in April in stores where angling licences are sold.

Anglers fishing for walleye and sauger are reminded of the following fishing season dates:

  • April 6 – walleye and sauger season closes in the southern division;
  • May 1 – walleye and sauger season closes in the northwest and north central divisions;
  • May 9 – walleye and sauger season opens in the southern division (except Lake Winnipeg); and
  • May 16 – walleye and sauger season opens on Lake Winnipeg and in the northwest and north central divisions.

Anglers must not target these species during closed times. The fishing division map is available in the anglers’ guide.

Dauphin Lake and all its tributaries, excluding the Vermilion Reservoir, will be closed to fishing on April 1. Some areas are closed to all fishing from April 6 to May 8, including the Red River between Lockport Dam and Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries upstream to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 9 and PTH 59, and the Assiniboine River downstream of the Portage Diversion to Provincial Road 240.

Manitobans are encouraged to help protect the province’s water bodies from aquatic invasive species by ensuring all watercraft and water-related equipment are clean, drained, dried and, if necessary, decontaminated after use in any Manitoba water body.

To learn more about updated fees for the 2026 season, visit gov.mb.ca.