When you visit Manitoba, you will learn that almost any kind of weather is possible here.  

 

Depending on the time of year you are coming will determine how you should prepare.  Here is a good way to think of what our weather may be like:

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1. In the summer, prepare for summer and fall/spring like conditions

2. In the fall/spring, prepare for summer, fall/spring, and winter conditions

3. In the winter, prepare for winter and fall/spring conditions

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 To cite some examples of extreme weather, we have seen t-shirt and shorts weather on the Friday evening of may long weekend turn into sub zero temperatures and snow on the ground by Sunday morning.  We have seen stretches of 30C to 35C (86F to 95F) through the summer, and we have seen cooler summers (sweater weather) with rain almost every day.  We have seen some falls that were comparable to summer, some more like winter, some with both.  We have been ice fishing in December, January, and February anywhere from -40C (-40F) to about the freezing point.  We have been ice fishing in March and April in -30C (-22F) to 15C (59F), sometimes getting a serious sunburn from the reflection of the ice.  We have ice fished in both the months of November and in May on safe ice conditions, but this is rare.  And right now as this is typed, in a bizzare fashion, we have seen accumulated snow on the ground 3 times at the end of September.

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Now that you are sitting there wondering "who in their right mind would live in such a place" we must remind you that the above information just describes some of the extreme events of weather we have seen over time.  We do have many beautiful days here in Manitoba that do actually follow somewhat of a trend but we wanted to get across the point that extreme weather does happen and we would like you to keep that in mind.  We want you to come prepared so that in the case of extreme weather, we can still get you out and give you a good experience.  The two things that ruin a good outdoor experience are wet clothing and freezing body parts, and these usually go hand in hand.  So it's always a good idea to bring extra socks and gloves, as these are the two most common things that cause discomfort.

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When we go ice fishing, we recommend winter boots with removeable liners so they can be dried and your boot can breath while you wear it.  We suggest you stay away from insulated rubber boots, as they tend to keep your feet warm only while you are active and traps moisture, then your liners freeze while you sit despite being in a heated shack with a floor.  I use Sorels, but Kamiks are a good choice as well.  The key to keeping your feet warm in the winter is to keep them dry.  Wool socks are the best, but wearing one to two layers of other socks works too.  Always bring an extra couple pairs.  Wear insulated gloves to get to and from the shack, and for any time spent outside, and also bring extras.  Wear a base layer on your top and bottom, and layer from there.  When it is extremely cold, I wear fleece base layer, thin pyjama pants, thick pyjama pants, and my coveralls on my lower half.  Jeans are never a good idea to wear as they tend to make you cold.  I wear fleece base layer, two medium heavy sweaters and a heavy windbreaker jacket on my top half.  Fleece neck protectors are very helpful to avoid frostbite, and scarfs are good as well.  I suggest wearing a toque with a baseball cap and even sunglasses because of how bright it can be outside from the reflection off the snow and ice.  This will prepare you for our cold winter weather, and should it get warmer or while you are in the shack, you can just remove layers.

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Spring and fall open water fishing are the most challenging times to dress for as the weather can be so variant and even within a few days of each other.  Insulated rubber boots are likely a better idea than regular winter boots with lots of extra socks.  Bring some running shoes in case we reach warm weather.  A toque and insulated gloves might be needed at this time of year.  Bring and wear layers of clothing that you take off or put on if the weather changes.  Rain pants and jacket are a good idea to bring along every day in the boat through the open water season, but checking the forecast daily will give you a good idea of what to expect for temperature for the upcoming day and what else to wear.  A good windbreaker that will fit over your other layers is a must-have to keep you warm as we move around the lake or if the wind gets up and gets cold.

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Summer is predominantly beautiful and sunny.  Thunderstorms come through and can produce a lot of rain, but generally come and go with the sun and heat returning.  Rain gear should be brought every day, but apparel can range from running shoes to sandals in the boat.  Jeans and shorts for bottoms, t-shirts and having a couple sweaters or a jacket handy is a good idea in case it cools.  Always wear a hat in the boat to try to keep from sunburning, and wear some sunglasses to keep the glare down, and maybe even to help you see the fish. 

 

The boat is supplied with some high spf sunscreen and bug spray for the clients to use.  Also we supply life jackets but make sure you specify to us what size you require before you come up, especially if it is a size out of the normal.  If you have a life jacket that you prefer to wear then please bring it and wear it so you are comfortable.

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Any questions regarding how to prepare just contact us and we will be happy to help you.

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