Planning a Bucket List Fishing Trip to Hecla Island? You Might Need a Backup Plan

Fishing on Lake Winnipeg can be outstanding, but the weather doesn't always cooperate. Knowing some alternatives can make the difference between sitting in your hotel room and spending another day on the water.

I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time fishing in Manitoba, and I've learned to appreciate the value of having options. Strong north or south winds can make fishing Lake Winnipeg difficult or even unsafe.

When we're fishing Manitoba, we usually make our weather decisions early in the morning, although sometimes we make that call the night before. We look at the forecast, wind direction, and conditions before deciding where to launch.

Sometimes that means fishing Hecla as planned. Other times, it means loading the boat and heading somewhere else.

Here are three options to consider before you go.

The Red River

The Red River is one of the first alternatives I consider when the wind makes fishing around Hecla Island difficult.

I've fished the Red multiple times, and it's always been a great multi-species fishing experience. We target the Greenbacks in the river using the same basic setups we use around Hecla.

We also catch plenty of bonus fish like pike, catfish, drum, and even jumbo bullheads. It's a great place to fish if you want to chase Manitoba Master Angler awards.

Boat access and parking at Selkirk Park are convenient, and there are plenty of places to stay around town.

I like staying at the Canalta Hotel Selkirk. The staff has always been super friendly, there's good parking for boats, power available to recharge batteries overnight, and a fish-cleaning station on site.

Lake Manitoba Narrows

Another option I've fished is Lake Manitoba Narrows.

You're fishing Lake Manitoba rather than Lake Winnipeg, so it's a completely different setting with its own structure, scenery, and walleye opportunities.

The Narrows requires some additional driving, so it's worth checking the forecast and conditions before heading out.

Keep in mind that Lake Manitoba is another large body of water. Just because Lake Winnipeg is too rough doesn't automatically mean Lake Manitoba will be suitable.

But when conditions are right, it's another excellent option to have in your back pocket.

Traverse Bay and the Winnipeg River

Traverse Bay, near the mouth of the Winnipeg River on the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg, is another area worth knowing about.

Depending on the wind direction, conditions can be very different from what you're seeing around Hecla Island.

The adjoining Winnipeg River also gives you another fishing environment to consider, and many of the same jigging techniques and tackle we use around Hecla carry over.

You'll still want to check the weather, local conditions, and boat access before making the drive.

Traverse Bay is still part of Lake Winnipeg, so don't assume it's protected just because you're fishing a different part of the lake.

Consider Selkirk as Your Base

In a different article, How to Prepare for Your First Trip to Hecla Island, we discussed staying at Gull Harbour or Lakeview Golf Resort.

Those are good options when Hecla Island is your primary destination.

But if you want more flexibility, Selkirk is worth considering.

Staying in Selkirk puts you close to the Red River while still giving you the option of trailering to Hecla, Lake Manitoba Narrows, or Traverse Bay depending on the weather.

Different Water Doesn't Necessarily Mean Different Tackle

One thing I've learned fishing different Manitoba waters is how much of the same tackle carries over.

We've used Hecla Hammers, EyeCon jigs, and soft plastics across these fisheries.

I like having jig weights from 3/8 oz to 1 oz, several colors, and a selection of 4-inch soft plastics.

The conditions may require changing weights or presentations, but the basic approach remains much the same.

Make the Most of Your Trip

If you're planning a trip to Hecla Island, spend a little time researching alternative fishing locations before you leave home.

Check the weather, know your options, and be willing to change your plans.

Sometimes the right decision is to stay off the water altogether.

Don't turn a fishing trip into a dangerous situation just because you've traveled a long way to get there.

Some of my favorite experiences fishing Manitoba have come from changing the original plan.

Lake Winnipeg may be the reason you're making the trip, but it doesn't have to be the only place you fish.

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