Ready for a real Manitoba winter experience? Captain Mac Mulligan's got you covered with this 10-hour ice fishing trip that'll have you hooked. We're talking prime Northern Manitoba lakes, where the fish are big and the scenery's even bigger. For 440 CAD, you and two buddies can get out on the ice and try your luck at landing some trophy Walleye, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout. Don't sweat the gear – Mac's got it all covered. This isn't just fishing; it's a full-on northern adventure with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time dropping a line through the ice, Mac's got the know-how to make sure you're in for a day you won't forget.
When you head out with Mac, you're in for the real deal ice fishing experience. We're not talking about sitting on a bucket all day hoping for a bite. Mac's got heated ice shacks to keep you cozy, and he'll show you how to use state-of-the-art fish finders to locate those honey holes where the big ones hide. You'll learn to set tip-ups for pike and how to jig for walleye like a pro. And let's not forget about the ice itself – Mac's always on top of ice conditions, so you can focus on the fishing instead of worrying about safety. He'll even drill your holes for you, so all you have to do is drop your line and wait for that rod to bend.
Folks have been pulling some real beauties through the ice this winter. We're talking about 40-inch Northern Pike that'll test your arms and your drag. Walleyes have been biting like crazy, with many anglers hitting their limits and releasing plenty more. And if you're lucky, you might just hook into one of those monster Lake Trout that cruise the deeper waters. Mac knows all the hot spots and the best times to hit them. He'll get you set up with the right bait and lures for whatever's biting that day. Whether it's live minnows for those finicky walleye or big dead baits for the trophy pike, Mac's got the secret sauce to get those fish fired up.
"We had an incredible time ice fishing with Mac this past new years during our stay at Viking Lodge. We caught a lot of fish as well as several different species. He was great with our kids and kept them entertained and engaged the whole day. Highly recommend going out with Mac!" - Andrea
"Our experience with Mac Mulligan was absolutely fantastic! He guided us on our fishing trip to Athapap and Cranberry Lakes, and it was an unforgettable adventure. Over the three days the two of us spent with Mac, we caught well over 30 trout combined! Mac's expertise as a guide is truly impressive. He not only knows the best spots but also provided valuable tips and techniques that greatly enhanced our fishing success. His friendly and approachable demeanor made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxed. I highly recommend Mac Mulligan for anyone looking for a top-notch fishing guide. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned angler, Mac's professionalism and passion for fishing will ensure you have an amazing time on the water. Can't wait to book another trip with him!" - Doug
Northern Pike: These toothy critters are the bullies of the lake, and in winter, they're on the hunt. Pike in Northern Manitoba can grow to impressive sizes, with some monsters topping 40 inches. They're aggressive predators, which makes them a blast to catch through the ice. Mac knows just where these beasts like to hang out, usually near drop-offs or weed edges. When a big pike hits your bait, hold on tight – these fish fight like freight trains and will give you a run for your money.
Walleye: If you're after Manitoba's most prized eating fish, walleye is your target. These golden-eyed beauties are known for their tasty fillets and their finicky nature. Winter walleye fishing requires finesse and patience, but when you get it right, the action can be non-stop. Mac's got the inside scoop on walleye behavior, knowing just when they'll be active and what they're biting on. Expect to catch plenty in the 2-3 pound range, with the chance at a true wall-hanger over 8 pounds.
Lake Trout: For many anglers, lake trout are the ultimate prize through the ice. These deep-water dwellers are powerful fighters and can grow to impressive sizes in Manitoba's cold, clear lakes. Winter is prime time for lakers, as they cruise the shallower waters more readily. Mac's got the heavy-duty gear and the know-how to put you on these silver torpedoes. Jigging for lake trout is an art form, and with Mac's guidance, you'll be working those lures like a pro in no time.
It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. What keeps folks coming back to fish with Mac is the whole package. You're out there in the wilds of Northern Manitoba, surrounded by pristine forests and lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The air is crisp, the snow crunches under your feet, and the only sounds are the wind in the pines and the occasional whoop when someone hooks into a big one. Mac's not just a guide; he's a storyteller, a teacher, and a steward of these waters. He'll share tales of monster fish, point out wildlife tracks in the snow, and make sure you're learning something new every minute you're out there.
Look, winter doesn't last forever (even though it might feel like it up here sometimes), and neither do open spots on Mac's calendar. If you're itching to get out on the ice and experience some of the best fishing Manitoba has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend adventure or you're planning a trip from out of town, Mac's 10-hour ice fishing experience is the real deal. You'll come for the fish, but you'll leave with stories, skills, and memories that'll last a lifetime. So don't wait – grab your buddies, give Mac a call, and get ready for an ice fishing trip that'll have you hooked on Manitoba winters. Trust me, once you've felt the thrill of pulling a monster pike through the ice or tasted a fresh walleye fry-up right on the lake, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get off the ice.
January 10, 2025
Our experience with Mac Mulligan was absolutely fantastic! He guided us on our fishing trip to Athapap and Cranberry Lakes, and it was an unforgettable adventure. Over the three days the two of us spent with Mac, we caught well over 30 trout combined! Mac's expertise as a guide is truly impressive. He not only knows the best spots but also provided valuable tips and techniques that greatly enhanced our fishing success. His friendly and approachable demeanor made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxed. I highly recommend Mac Mulligan for anyone looking for a top-notch fishing guide. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned angler, Mac's professionalism and passion for fishing will ensure you have an amazing time on the water. Can't wait to book another trip with him!
March 6, 2025
Lake trout are the giants of our cold, deep lakes. These char can grow massive – 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon, and the biggest ones push 50 pounds. They prefer frigid water, so you'll find them deep most of the year. In winter, though, they sometimes cruise the shallows. Lake trout are slow-growing and not super abundant, which makes landing one a real trophy. Anglers prize them for their powerful fights and beautiful coloration. To catch one, you've got to go deep – sometimes 100 feet or more. Big spoons and tube jigs work well. Here's a local trick: use glow-in-the-dark lures and "charge" them with a flashlight before dropping them down. Lake trout have excellent vision in the dark depths and can't resist a glowing target. Land one of these beauties, and you've got bragging rights for life.
Northern Pike are real bruisers, often growing 2-3 feet long and packing a mean set of teeth. You'll find them lurking in weedy shallows and near drop-offs, waiting to ambush prey. These guys are active year-round, but winter can be prime time as they bunch up in predictable spots. Anglers love targeting pike for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They'll hit just about any lure, but I've had great luck with large, flashy spoons jigged near the bottom. Just remember to use a steel leader – those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. When you hook one, hang on tight and enjoy the battle. Pike make for some tasty eating too, if you don't mind dealing with the bones.
Walleye are the bread and butter of ice fishing up here. These golden-eyed predators usually run 15-25 inches and hang out near the bottom in 10-30 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so those are prime fishing times. Walleye love structure – look for them near underwater points, drop-offs, and weed edges. Their fight isn't as wild as pike, but they're crafty and make you work for it. The real draw is their taste – there's nothing better than fresh walleye for shore lunch. To catch 'em, try jigging a minnow on a plain hook right on the bottom. Give it a little twitch every now and then. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard. Patience is key with walleye, but the reward is worth it.
We had an incredible time ice fishing with Mac this past new years during our stay at Viking Lodge. We caught a lot of fish as well as several different species. He was great with our kids and kept them entertained and engaged the whole day. Highly recommend going out with Mac!