Fishing Gunville Lake in Yellowhead, Manitoba

• Overview

  The Yellowhead end of Manitoba holds Gunville Lake. Height above sea level is 571 metres. It measures about 57 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The edge runs 3.8 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Dauphin at 51 km is the nearest place to stop. Beyond it, Minnedosa at 57 km and Neepawa at 74 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Gunville Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Yellowhead include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, Iowa darter and johnny darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Gunville Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 18°C and January near -19°C. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. The season on Gunville Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Slater Lake, 2.2 km away. For Gunville Lake in particular, ask before you travel.