Fishing Hildebrand Lake in Manitoba, Manitoba

• Overview

  The Manitoba end of Manitoba holds Hildebrand Lake. The setting is northern bush on every side. At 2.17 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. With 17 km or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. Oxford House sits 44 km from the bank. After that come Cross Lake 19A at 120 km and Thompson at 155 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Hildebrand Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On Hildebrand Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort. A drop in wind often turns the surface quiet and the fishing slow.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -23°C to 16°C. Winter runs most of the calendar, and everything worth doing happens in the gap. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid May. Averages suggest open water from about mid May through to roughly early November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. The season on Hildebrand Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Louis Roberts Lake, 20 km away. Check the position at Hildebrand Lake before loading the car.