A Parkland Weekend: Early Ice, Big Views and Late Season Hunting
Winter settles over Manitoba’s Parkland in a way that feels made for adventure. Frost builds along the timberlines of Riding Mountain and Duck Mountain Provincial Park, shallow trout lakes tighten into fishable ice, and wildlife trails begin to stand out across the snow. For anglers, this is the moment when stocked trout lakes offer a head start on the season, and when walleye and pike fall into reliable early ice patterns on the region’s bigger waters. For hunters, December still echoes with the sound of beating wings as upland seasons continue.
Add in a stay in Clear Lake or one of the quiet foothill towns like Minnedosa, along with access to world-class year-round trail networks, and you’ve got everything you need for a perfect Parkland weekend. It’s a region of Manitoba where everything connects. From fishing and hunting to the cozy places that make exploring the Parkland unforgettable.
Early Ice Fishing for Stocked Trout
The Parkland is home to some of Manitoba’s most productive stocked trout lakes, and many of them are among the first waters in the province to freeze. Shallow basins and sheltered shorelines help these lakes lock up early, creating a perfect jump start to the ice fishing season in both the Riding Mountain and Duck Mountain regions. Once temperatures hold, anglers can find early access to rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, tiger trout, and splake, with several lakes producing Master Angler class fish each winter.
Anyone planning winter trips can browse the Manitoba lake stocking records program for an up-to-date look at annual stocking efforts across the region. You can explore the interactive map here, and it is worth bookmarking for planning both early- and late-season trout outings. Below are a few of the most well-known trout lakes to consider for your Parkland weekend.
Corstorphine Lake
Corstorphine sits just south of Riding Mountain National Park and north of the community of Sandy Lake. It has long been recognized for its high-quality rainbow trout, with many fish reaching Master Angler lengths. Recent brown trout stocking has added another layer of opportunity. Early ice conditions are often favourable here because of the lake’s smaller footprint.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, located in the Duck Mountains just north of Roblin, is famous for tiger trout. These fish are the main draw and regularly reach Master Angler class. Stocking efforts in recent years have remained strong, which helps maintain consistent size and quality. The surrounding mixed forest also creates a scenic setting for early winter fishing, especially at sunrise.
Patterson Lake
Patterson sits just south of Riding Mountain and east of Rossburn. It is a reliable option for rainbow and brown trout and has seen steady stocking in recent years. The combination of healthy trout populations and easy winter access makes Patterson a dependable choice for early-season fishing. Anglers often spread out along depth transitions where trout cruise for food under new ice.
East Blue Lake
East Blue Lake lies in the centre of Duck Mountain Provincial Park near the junction of Highway 367 and Highway 366. This lake is best known for rainbow trout and has an excellent stocking history. The recent stocking of splake provides another species to target as these fish continue to grow. The lake’s deep, clear water makes it one of the most unique trout fisheries in the region.
Laurie Lake
Laurie Lake sits just off Highway 367 in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. It is one of Manitoba’s top splake lakes and has seen significant stocking in recent years. The current Manitoba record splake was caught here last year, which speaks to the lake’s potential. Laurie also supports brown trout and has produced trophy-class browns, helped by consistent stocking efforts and a strong forage base.
Lake of the Prairies, Early Season Walleye and Pike
While the stocked trout lakes kickstart the first ice opportunities in the Parkland, Lake of the Prairies is the next major system to come into play. As soon as the bays and shorelines build enough ice for safe foot travel, anglers spread out along points, channel edges, and the contour breaks that make this long reservoir so productive. Good mapping is available for the lake, and many anglers line up along the original riverbed, focusing on the ten- to twenty-foot range where fish often concentrate at first ice.
Because this is a large water body with moving water under the ice, early caution is important. Ice thickness can vary quickly, and conditions can shift from spot to spot, so scroll down to the ice safety section for more information before heading out.
To get a feel for how this lake fishes on early ice, check out the Clayton Schick Outdoors videos included below. He showcases the system well and gives a clear look at what anglers can expect when the first safe ice arrives.
Clear Lake, Whitefish, Relaxation and Family Friendly Adventures
Clear Lake is one of Manitoba’s top destinations for targeting whitefish, and the Master Angler record book backs that up. Many of the largest whitefish submissions in the province come from this clear basin, and early winter is a dependable time to find schools feeding in deeper water; you may even end up with a bonus Northern Pike.
Beyond the fishing, Clear Lake sets up an easy, all-in-one winter weekend. With many excellent accommodation providers in the area, you can find a unique and comfortable stay.
Klar So offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in tranquillity, a Nordic Spa with saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and a cold plunge.
Just north of the park, the Northgate Trails offer an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique area of the province. The world-class trail system supports snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and fat biking, and offers unique winter accommodations that give visitors another way to explore the forested landscape surrounding the region.
Clear Lake ties everything together. Strong fishing, comfortable lodging and easy winter recreation all sit within minutes of each other, making it one of the most complete winter getaway spots not only in the Parkland, but in the province.
It should be noted that provincial fishing licenses are not valid in national parks. You must possess a national park fishing permit to fish in Riding Mountain National Park.
Ice Safety: Know the Conditions Before You Go
Early ice can be some of the best fishing of the season, but it is also when conditions change the fastest. The Life Saving Society of Manitoba reminds anglers that ice is never completely safe and that caution should guide every step onto a frozen lake. Depth, current, snow cover and shoreline structure all affect thickness, and ice can vary within just a few steps. Checking conditions often with a spud bar or auger is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.
Carrying the right equipment also makes a major difference. Items such as ice picks, a throw rope, a flotation jacket or suit, waterproof layers, a headlamp, cleats, and a fully charged phone in a waterproof case are considered basic essentials for early-season travel. Moving with a partner and staying spread out adds an extra layer of safety, especially on larger bodies of water.
Strong fishing opportunities are part of what makes early ice exciting, but preparation should always come first. Taking a few extra minutes to understand conditions and follow the guidance of organizations like the Life Saving Society of Manitoba helps ensure every trip ends well.
For an even deeper look at staying safe on the ice, Jay Siemens has an excellent ice safety video that builds on these points and is worth reviewing before any early winter outing in the Parkland.
Upland Bird Hunting into Late December
As big game season begins to wind down, the Parkland region is a great place to spend those last days in the field. Upland bird hunting continues through the end of December, and the region’s mix of forest, farmland, and transition habitat suits ruffed grouse, spruce and sharp-tailed grouse exceptionally well. It offers a completely different feel from earlier in the fall, with quieter woods, softer snow and fresh tracks that guide the way. For hunters with a keen eye and the right skill, it’s also the perfect time to chase new milestones in the Manitoba Master Hunter program.
Sharptails are often found along the edges of natural meadows, native grass and agricultural land, while ruffed and spruce grouse hold deeper in the timber. Ruffed grouse favour mixed forests and young growth, and spruce grouse are more common in thicker conifer stands and along quiet bush trails. This variety allows hunters to explore a wide range of terrain in a single outing.
Apps like iHunter make planning easier. Landowner maps help identify private property and the right contacts when asking for permission, while crown land and wildlife management area layers highlight public options throughout the Parkland. It is a simple way to organize your route before stepping into the field.
Upland bird hunting adds a final layer to the Parkland experience, extending the season and revealing landscapes many visitors overlook. Before you go, take a moment to review seasons and regulations in the Manitoba Hunting Guide so you are up to date for the area you plan to hunt.
Wrapping Up a Parkland Weekend
Early winter in the Parkland brings together a unique mix of experiences that you won't find anywhere else in Manitoba. Trout lakes firm up first and offer reliable early ice action, Lake of the Prairies follows with strong walleye and pike opportunities, and Clear Lake adds both high-quality fishing and a comfortable place to settle in for the weekend. Upland hunters can stretch their season right to the end of December, exploring new cover and quiet landscapes that feel completely different once snow settles in.
Add in the trails, scenery and small communities that anchor this region, and the Parkland becomes a natural fit for anyone looking to ease into winter with a bit of adventure. It is a place where the seasons shift gently rather than all at once, giving visitors the chance to transition from lake to forest to resort in a single trip and experience the best of early winter along the way.
