I have talked about fishing Lake Winnipeg earlier this season. It is the crown jewel of the local ice fishing scene. It’s a short distance from Winnipeg and it has some of the highest quality walleye in Canada. It’s a fishery where a novice could hook into a fish of a lifetime. Despite all these qualities, it’s a lake that deserves respect. Combined with the increased popularity of ice fishing, it’s likely that people will eventually run into issues. Most local people personally know someone who ran into trouble on the lake at one point. Chances are that if you follow social media regularly, you will see someone in need of a rescue from time to time.
I will preface that I myself have also been guilty of being underprepared and have been in need of help. Nothing too devastating on my end but I did learn some lessons the hard way. Heck I will continue to learn lessons myself. With my personal experience and having learned from others on social media, I decided to make this post in hopes of awareness of safety. If it convinces a few people to always pack a shovel in their truck, I will say the effort was worthwhile.
The Hazards of Lake Winnipeg
Ice fishing is always a little risky but Lake Winnipeg is a different beast. Lake Winnipeg is the 10th biggest freshwater lake on the planet. Even though most of the fishing happens in a small section of the south basin, it’s still massive. Most of the time travelling takes at least half an hour. Due to the massive size, it is possible to be disoriented especially in low visibility conditions.
Lake Winnipeg is nicknamed Big Windy for a reason. With a massive open space, the winds will be incredibly powerful. If there is snow, the wind will create tall drifts and wipe out any tracks used for navigation. These drifts are where vehicles can be hung up and can really ruin an angler’s day.
Another factor are the massive pressure ridges. Lake Winnipeg has zero infrastructure and there is nobody to create artificial crossings. They shift with the temperature and wind, either rising up to create an impassable barrier or a crack that can swallow vehicles.
Despite all these factors, Lake Winnipeg is still enjoyed by hundreds of anglers on a given weekend. It can be tackled given the proper preparation and judgement. Of course, nobody can prepare for everything but at the very least you should prepare for the most common scenarios.
Know Your Limits
As much as I am an avid angler, I have to admit we have to set some limits.
Always check the weather first. If the winds are extreme, I would stay off. With how exposed the lake is, you’re likely in a lot of discomfort at best. Setting a shack will be really hard. Drifting will happen fast. Visibility will be reduced drastically. Just driving to the lake can be unpleasant as well there’s lots of snow.
Another thing to consider is that extreme cold is not really fun either. True with modern heaters and shelters you’ll be fine but lately I’ve been taking the safe side more often. With a lake the size of Lake Winnipeg, mechanical failure is more than an inconvenience when help can be far away. Equipment in general is just not as suitable in the extreme cold as well, increasing the possibility that something could break. The season is long and sometimes it’s better to spend your effort and fuel on nice weather days.
If you’re out on the lake and the weather starts to get bad, you should probably cut your trip short and get off the lake. It’s also critical to get off the lake before it gets dark, especially if you’re traveling solo. That way if you do run into a pickle, at least there should be other people making their way back who might be able to help out.
Probably good if you can mention to someone where you will be going just in case things really go south.
Being Equiped
Navigation
Lake Winnipeg is a big lake with few reference points and many hazards. I highly recommend a GPS device that can make trails. You can download apps for this but it taxes your phone’s power, which could be your only lifeline if you’re stranded. Most fish finders these days have GPS capabilities so you should use them if possible. Start your trail when you go out on the lake and follow it back if it was a safe route.
As a bonus, if you do lose something on the lake (which happens a lot), you can follow your track to retrieve your item.
Truck Essentials
I’m guilty of not being totally prepared myself in the past. However lessons were learned and I started to make sure that if I took my truck out, I would have the tools needed to get out of most situations. At some point you will blaze trails and potentially end up in deep snow.
Always turn off traction control as it can work against you in deep snow.
I always keep two heavy planks in my truck to cross open cracks if I see them. They don’t take much room plus they can be used as makeshift tables or cutting boards. I’ve probably only ever used them twice ever but they are always there in case I need them.
Getting hung up on drifts is probably the most common incident that you will encounter. For this reason a shovel per person is a must. Preferably one with a long handle to reach the underside of the truck. Shovels should be metal as plastic is more fragile. Traction mats can also help.
A tow rope is very useful when you have another truck nearby. Make sure you know where you can hook it up to your vehicle.
With the proper tools, it will be miserable but you can get yourself out in a lot of situations. Of course there are situations that you can’t easily get yourself out of like if you were hung up on ice or stuck in a ridge. Having gotten out of these situations before, I realized it was better to just travel with other trucks and support each other especially when conditions were less than ideal. Eventually I got a sled so I never had to worry as much about the hazards.
Survival Mode
Perhaps you’re in a really bad spot and a rescuer can’t safely get to you immediately. It’s a big lake and rescuers should not put themselves at risk when conditions are bad. You need to prepare a way to survive the night.
Before heading out on the lake, make sure you have a full tank of fuel. I personally carry two propane tanks at all times which is enough to get you though the night. Carry some extra food. I personally like oatmeal packs as I stuff if in my tackle and rod cases as padding and it can stay there for years. Have some way to charge your phone, either from your vehicle or a power bank. If you have to stay in your vehicle for long periods of time, make sure to clear snow out of the exhaust pipe to prevent CO poisoning.
This article from way back is worth a read. Goes to show how a simple trip can turn into a survival situation.
Getting Help
After having exhausted all available options, sometimes you’re going to need help as some situations are insurmountable. Let’s be honest, even veterans get into trouble at times. Fortunately social media (as much as I have problems with it) is good for getting help as there is a chance someone might be nearby. As I mentioned earlier, it’s always good to leave while there is daylight as there are more people around and people to follow. Good to mention your coordinates, vehicle description, occupants and level of supplies if you are truly stranded.
Since a rescuer is spending their effort and fuel to reach you, calling for help should be a last resort. It would be much appreciated to prepare some form of compensation. While there are people who are compassionate, expect some harsh words on social media, especially if you came totally unprepared and made mistakes.
While social media is super useful and has saved many, it’s not a substitute for being unprepared.
Final Words
Incidents are inevitable on Lake Winnipeg and will continue to happen. Ice fishing is a risky activity after all and we all make mistakes. Though by being better equipped and being prepared we can get ourselves out of a lot of situations. Hopefully the less experienced will take note and put the necessary gear into their vehicle. Even better to travel with multiple vehicles and stick together to support each other. Or invest in a tracked vehicle and have near total peace of mind and mobility. Do everything you can to reduce the likelihood of needing help.
Although it seems like a lot to pack, it doesn’t really take up that much space and most items are available at your local department store. Sure it costs money but it’s a one time purchase and the items will pay for themselves one day.
If you do fish a lot on the lake, do help others who are stuck if you do run into them. I’ve been helped a few times myself and helped others out. It’s important that as a community we all support each other.
