Elbow Lake, Manitoba: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Manitoba in Manitoba is where Elbow Lake sits. Around the bank it is lake country bush. About 3.50 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. There is roughly 30 km of bank, and each arm behaves like its own water. Lac du Bonnet is the closest place, 67 km off. Further out sit Kenora (99 km) and Beausejour (106 km). One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Elbow Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Work Elbow Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it. Read the water for ten minutes before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -19°C to 19°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late April until roughly mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Elbow Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. You can camp 330 m off, which suits an early start. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Rumble Lake is 3.2 km off. For Elbow Lake in particular, ask before you travel.