Red River Fishing Adventure in Winnipeg
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Channel Catfish and trophy Walleye on Red River watersAll bait, tackle, and equipment provided by experienced guidesSmall group fishing trips accommodate up to four guests
The Red River cuts right through Winnipeg, and if you know where to drop your line, it's absolutely loaded with fish. City Cats Guiding Service has been working these waters for over two decades, and they've got the awards to prove they know what they're doing. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – these guys live and breathe Red River fishing, and they're itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, they'll make sure you go home with stories worth telling.
City Cats keeps things simple but effective – they handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. Your group of up to four anglers gets the full treatment with all bait and tackle provided. No need to stress about what lures to bring or whether you've got the right hooks. These guides have been perfecting their Red River setup for years, and they know exactly what's working on any given day. The Red River has its moods, and water levels, temperature, and seasonal patterns all play into where the fish are holding. That's where experience pays off. City Cats reads the water like a book, positioning you in the sweet spots where walleye and white catfish are actively feeding. The river flows through urban Winnipeg, but don't let that fool you – there are plenty of productive stretches with deeper holes, current breaks, and structure that hold serious fish.
The Red River demands different approaches depending on what you're targeting and where the fish are positioned. For walleye, you'll often find yourself working jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers along the bottom structure. The guides know how to read the current and place baits in those prime feeding zones where walleye ambush prey. Drift fishing and trolling are go-to methods, especially when covering water to locate active schools. White catfish require a different game plan entirely. These fish respond well to cut bait and prepared stink baits fished on the bottom in deeper holes and slack water areas. The key is knowing where these fish concentrate, and that's where City Cats' two decades of local knowledge becomes invaluable. They've mapped out the productive spots and understand how fish movement changes with seasons, water conditions, and time of day. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included, so you're fishing with gear that's matched perfectly to Red River conditions.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Red River fishing, and for good reason. These fish are incredibly tasty and put up a solid fight that keeps things interesting. Red River walleye typically run anywhere from 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional bruiser pushing well over that mark. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning and evening – but can be caught throughout the day if you know where to look. Spring and fall are prime time for walleye action, when they're moving and feeding aggressively. What makes walleye so exciting is their unpredictability. One minute you're working a jig slowly along the bottom, and suddenly you feel that telltale tap-tap before your rod loads up. They don't jump like a bass, but they'll make strong runs and use the current to their advantage.
White catfish bring a completely different energy to your Red River trip. These fish can get surprisingly large, and when you hook into a good one, you know it immediately. They're powerful bottom fighters that will test your drag and your patience. White catfish are less finicky than walleye when it comes to conditions – they'll bite in muddy water, bright sunshine, or during weather fronts that shut down other species. Summer months are typically best for catfish, when they're actively feeding in the warmer water. The fun part about catfish fishing is the waiting game followed by explosive action. You might sit for a while watching your rod tip, then suddenly it's bent over and screaming drag. City Cats knows the deep holes and current seams where these fish stack up, especially during their feeding periods.
The Red River is right there in Winnipeg, which means you don't have to travel to remote areas to find world-class fishing. City Cats has put together a top-rated operation that takes all the guesswork out of your trip. Their track record speaks for itself – over 20 years of putting clients on fish and earning recognition for their guide services. This is the kind of local expertise you can't fake or learn from a book. When you're ready to experience what Red River fishing is all about, City Cats is your best bet for consistent action and professional service. The fact that they recommend Canada Inn – Garden City for accommodations shows they're thinking about your entire Winnipeg fishing experience, not just the time on the water. Don't wait around – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during prime seasons when both walleye and catfish are most active.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the Red River's golden prize - sleek fish with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in murky water. Most run 14-20 inches here, though we see some real beauties pushing 6-7 pounds. They love structure like rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed, but summer evenings can be magic too. What makes walleye special? They fight smart, not just hard - making long runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. Plus, they're hands-down the best eating fish in these waters. My go-to tip: when you feel that subtle "tick" on your jig, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit first - walleye are notorious for just mouthing bait before committing.
Ameiurus CatusWhite Catfish are the Red River's hidden gems - smaller cousins to our big channels but just as scrappy. They typically run 1-3 pounds with blue-gray backs and white bellies, sporting those trademark whiskers. You'll find them in slower sections with muddy bottoms where they root around for insects and small fish. Unlike other cats, these guys aren't strictly night feeders - morning and evening bites can be fantastic. What's cool about white cats is their rarity - most anglers don't specifically target them, so landing one always feels special. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a trick that works well: use smaller hooks than you'd think (size 2 or 4) with fresh nightcrawlers. Let your bait sit just off the bottom rather than right on it - white cats like to cruise a foot or two up looking for food.
Winnipeg