Fishing at Hill Lakes, Manitoba, Manitoba

• Overview

  Manitoba, is where Hill Lakes sits. Elevation runs to 301 metres. At about 11 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Manitoba. For a base, Thompson sits 200 km out. Snow Lake is 214 km and Pelican Narrows 236 km. If this one is busy: Stan Lake some 1.2 km off, Bog Lake at 2.2 km, Westdal Lake some 2.3 km off, Gold Lake at 2.7 km and One Island Lake some 5.1 km off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Hill Lakes

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. At Hill Lakes the water rewards a slow, careful approach. Colour after rain pulls fish into the margins.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 16°C and January at -26°C. This far north the hard season runs and runs. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. Ice usually gives way near mid May, and forms again about early November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Hill Lakes runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Stan Lake at 1.2 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Hill Lakes are worth checking on the day.