Lockport/Selkirk Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Channel Catfish and Walleye on Manitoba riversAwardwinning guides with over 20 years fishing expertiseAll bait and tackle provided for groups up to 4
Picture this: you're casting your line into the Red River near Lockport, where the current runs steady and the fish are hungry. City Cats Guiding Service has been putting anglers onto some of Manitoba's best Channel Catfish and Walleye for over two decades, and their track record speaks for itself. This isn't just another day on the water—it's your chance to hook into some serious fish while learning from guides who've been working these waters since before GPS was standard equipment. With room for up to four anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years.
The Lockport and Selkirk area sits right where the Red River gets interesting, and City Cats knows every productive stretch, back eddy, and structure that holds fish. Your day starts with a proper briefing about the water conditions and what the fish have been hitting lately. These aren't cookie-cutter trips—the crew adjusts tactics based on what's working right now, whether that's drifting live bait along the deeper channels for cats or working jigs through the current breaks where walleye stage up. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, perfect for both first-time river anglers and seasoned pros looking to dial in their technique. You'll spend quality time learning to read the water, understanding how current and structure create feeding opportunities, and maybe picking up a few local tricks that'll serve you well on future fishing trips. The Red River system here offers year-round action, so whether you're bundled up for some winter walleye or enjoying a summer evening chasing cats, there's always something biting.
City Cats takes care of all your gear needs, so you can focus on fishing instead of wondering if you brought the right setup. They run quality rods matched to the species you're targeting—medium-heavy actions that can handle a big channel cat's initial run but still let you feel a walleye's subtle bite. The tackle selection changes with conditions and seasons, but expect everything from slip-sinker rigs for cats to three-way swivels and jigs for walleye. Live bait is the name of the game here, with fresh minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches always on board. The guides excel at teaching proper bait presentation in current, showing you how to get that natural drift that triggers strikes. They'll walk you through reading your rod tip, feeling the difference between a bite and bottom contact, and setting the hook with the right timing. Drift fishing is the primary technique, letting the river's flow carry your bait through productive water while you maintain contact and stay ready. The boat positioning is key—these guides know exactly where to hold in the current to keep baits in the strike zone without spooking fish.
The Channel Catfish in this stretch of the Red River are the real deal—we're talking about fish that'll test your drag and maybe even your patience. These cats average 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised when something in the 15-20 pound range decides to grab your bait and head downstream. They're most active during warmer months, especially on overcast days or in the evening hours when they move shallow to feed. What makes catching them so satisfying is their pure power—once hooked, a big channel cat will use every bit of current to its advantage, making long runs and testing your technique. The guides know where these fish hold throughout the day, from the deeper holes during bright conditions to the shallow feeding areas when light levels drop. The Walleye fishing here is equally impressive, with fish ranging from eating-size 14-inchers up to true trophies pushing 6-7 pounds. Spring and fall offer the most consistent walleye action, when these fish are actively feeding and positioned in predictable spots. Walleye here fight clean and hard, making screaming runs in the current before coming to the net. What anglers really love about targeting walleye in this system is the combination of numbers and quality—you might boat a dozen fish in a session, with several being genuine wall-hangers.
City Cats has earned their reputation through consistent results and genuine passion for putting clients on fish. With over 20 years of experience and multiple awards recognizing their service, they've proven that attention to detail and local knowledge make all the difference. The fact that they handle all the tackle and bait means you can show up ready to fish without the hassle of sourcing gear or wondering what's working. Their recommendation to stay at the Canad Inn Garden City when visiting Winnipeg shows they're thinking about your whole experience, not just the time on the water. These guides understand that every angler is different—whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce kids to fishing, or chase a personal best, they'll tailor the trip to match your goals. The Red River near Lockport and Selkirk offers some of Manitoba's most reliable fishing, and having experienced guides who know every productive spot gives you the best shot at success. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest and everyone wants to be on the water.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the giants of the catfish world, and they'll test your gear when you hook into one. These slate-blue bruisers can hit 30+ pounds in our system, with their squared-off anal fin separating them from channels. They're opportunistic feeders that prowl deep holes and current breaks, especially where the water gets muddy. Summer nights are prime time when they move up to hunt baitfish and crawfish. What guests love is the raw power - these fish will strip drag and make long runs. The meat quality is excellent too, especially on smaller fish. Here's the key: use fresh cut bait like herring or goldeye, let it sit on bottom in the deepest holes you can find, and be patient. When they take it, they mean business.
Sander VitreusThese golden-olive beauties with their signature glassy eyes are what most folks come here for. Walleye typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, with the occasional trophy pushing 25+ inches. They're picky about structure - look for them around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-25 feet of water. Those reflective eyes help them hunt in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime time. Spring and fall fishing is stellar when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special? They fight smart, not just hard, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - firm, white, and mild. My go-to trick here is working a jig and minnow combo right along the bottom breaks where the current shifts. Keep it slow and steady.
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