Avid angler Eric Labaupa with Kickerfish gives his latest Buzz Bite Report for Lake Winnipeg on March 9th, 2022.

Lake Winnipeg Buzz Bite Report 3-9-2022

We are well into March and Lake Winnipeg continues to be blanketed in a deep layer of snow cover. This winter in fact has seen the third-highest accumulated snowfall on record in our region and it’s had an effect on the walleye fishing.

Anglers have reported all season long of seeing plenty of fish on their electronics, but the majority of them very hesitant to take a lure. Various theories have been thrown around as to the reasons for the extended finicky bite, with the lack of sunlight penetration evident this season at the top.

Longer daylight hours and some hints of spring melt have turned some greenbacks pods on however in recent days.

Reports of several 30-inch plus walleye and solid ‘eater-sized’ action have been posted and discussed at local tackle shops. Anglers are targeting depths from 4 to 12 feet under the ice which seems to be holding the largest concentrations of bigger fish.

The snow cover we mentioned has limited access for much of the lake to tracked vehicles only. Quads and wheeled side-by-sides are doable depending on the area and how soft the snow is that day.

Trucks and SUVs have been limited this past month to accessing via plowed entrances and ice roads that extend just outside marinas. Eighteen inches or more of extension on your augers is required as well as anglers are having to drill through packed snow before getting to the 40 inches plus of lake ice.

On top of everything, lots of slush has started to develop beneath the top layer of snow and the ice making even walking around tough on many parts of the lake. March Madness is here, but it’s mostly just Lake Winnipeg hardwater anglers slowly going mad from this winter’s conditions. We’re still optimistic though that we’ll have a stellar stretch run to end the season.