A Winter Weekend on the Red River: Ice Fishing in Lockport
While much of Manitoba settles into winter quiet, the Red River comes alive.
Along its frozen surface, the ice hums with augers, laughter, and the steady rhythm of lines dropping below the ice. This is one of the best places in the province to try hardwater fishing (aka ice fishing), especially if you’ve never done it before.
Just minutes from Winnipeg, the Red River North region pairs world-class ice fishing with easy access to amenities, warm-up spots, and welcoming communities. Out on the ice, friendly locals are quick with advice or a helping hand, making it easy to feel comfortable, confident, and right at home.
Lockport: Where Ice Fishing Feels Like a Community Event
Your winter weekend truly begins when you reach Lockport Ice Fishing Village, a vibrant community carved out on the frozen Red River.
Here in Lockport, a team of passionate volunteers and local partners maintain plowed roadways right on the ice, creating roughly 26–27 spacious bays where anglers can park their vehicles, drop their gear, and fish at their own pace, no reservations necessary and no shack required.
Imagine driving straight onto the ice, selecting your spot among smiling faces and seasoned fishers, and hearing that satisfying thud as your auger breaks through the river’s frozen surface. The setup makes access effortless, whether you’re pulling a pop-up tent, an ice shack, or just carrying a bucket and rod.
But Lockport’s ice village is more than holes in the ice. It’s a winter festival of sorts:
Prepared Ice Roads and Bays: Multiple cleared lanes and cross-streets help you move around easily and find your perfect fishing home for the day.
Community Energy: The village thrives on camaraderie; even those just curious about ice fishing come down to skate on the rink, try crokicurl (a playful mix of curling and crokinole), or enjoy Slingshot Alley.
Free and Welcoming: Access is free for all, supported by local sponsorship and volunteers. Bring your family, bring your friends, there’s always room and always someone to show you the ropes.
Amenities on Ice: Warming stations, restrooms, and even Wi-Fi help keep your day comfortable.
Gear and Rentals: If you prefer fishing in heated comfort, local outfitter Red River Cats offers icehouse rentals, or you can stop by Lockport Grocery for bait, tackle, snacks, and hot drinks before heading out.
As you settle into your fishing rhythm, the rhythm of winter here becomes part of the experience. You’ll meet families taking a break from the city for the day, first-timers dropping lines with excited anticipation, and veteran anglers swapping tips on jigging techniques and hot holes.
By midday, the cold has earned you lunch, and Lockport delivers. A stop at Half Moon Drive-In or a cozy local café warms you up with hearty fare that tastes even better after time spent chasing fish on hardwater.
Ice Fishing Tips for First-Timers (Hardwater 101)
If you’ve never tried ice fishing before, Lockport is about as welcoming as it gets. A few basics will help you feel confident stepping onto the ice:
Start Simple
You don’t need everything. A basic rod, bait, warm clothing, and a bucket will get you started. Many anglers fish right beside their vehicles or tents, keeping things comfortable and low-stress.
Dress for Stillness
Ice fishing isn’t about constant movement. Dress warmer than you think you need: insulated boots, windproof outer layers, and good mitts make all the difference. Hand warmers and a thermos go a long way.
Follow the Crowd
One of the advantages of Lockport is visibility. Well-used areas are typically safer and more active. Stick to plowed ice roads and established bays, especially on your first visit.
Ask Questions
This might be the most important tip. Lockport locals are famously friendly (after all, this is a volunteer-run project). Ask about depth, bait, or technique, and you’ll often get better advice than any guidebook could offer.
Be Patient
Ice fishing has its own pace. Some moments are quiet, others electric. Enjoy the stillness, the conversations, and the feeling of being part of something shared.
Safety First
Always check local ice conditions, carry basic safety gear, and make sure you have a valid Manitoba fishing licence. Lockport’s managed access helps, but awareness is still key.
Beginners Welcome
Everyone starts at the beginning, and at Lockport, you’re in great company. One of the best parts of fishing the Red River North is how easy it is to learn as you go, surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
If you’d like to learn from the experts, help is close at hand. Red River Cats is a go-to for guided experiences, AMAZING ice houses (seriously) and local know-how on Red River catfish and sturgeon.
For bait, tackle, snacks, and last-minute essentials, Lockport Grocery is widely considered one of the best bait shops around and a classic stop before heading onto the ice.
Just up the road in Selkirk, Smoke N Fish offers another solid option for gear and advice, while outfitters like Blackwater Cats Outfitter and Cat Eye Fishing bring deep local experience and guided trips for those who want to fast-track their learning.
Whether you’re asking your first question, drilling your first hole, or booking your first guide, Lockport is a place where starting somewhere feels easy and encouraged.
