f there’s one destination that reigns supreme for trophy walleye fishing, it’s Hecla, Manitoba. This is hands-down one of the wildest walleye hotspots in North America. In spring, reeling in 100 or even 200+ fish in a day isn’t just possible—it’s practically guaranteed. Best of all, walleye fishing here is refreshingly straightforward. Forget complex trolling setups; just motor out five minutes from the launch, join the line of boats, and drop a jig. It’s every walleye angler’s dream come true. Below is my complete guide to chasing giant greenback walleye at Hecla, Manitoba.
PLANNING YOUR TROPHY WALLEYE TRIP TO HECLA
When it comes to planning your trip there are a few things we will consider. It’s an easy trophy walleye fishing destination, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without its own set of questions and challenges. Below we go through its location, gear, accommodations, and what to expect when you make your first trophy walleye trip to Hecla, Manitoba.
LOCATION
Hecla Island sits about a two-hour drive north of Winnipeg, an easy cruise along paved roads with a few gas stations and small towns dotting the route. Technically an island on Lake Winnipeg, you’ll find yourself fully enveloped by the lake’s vast waters by the end of your drive.
We launched from Gull Harbour, tucked in the island’s northeast corner, where a sheltered marina, cozy accommodations, and essential amenities await. It’s the perfect kickoff point for your fishing adventure and where we based our stay.
For those crossing from the U.S., just keep border logistics in mind—bring your passport and double-check regulations on what you can and can’t bring (never an issue for us).
GEAR: WHAT TO BRING
When planning your Hecla Greenback trip, the key is packing heavy-duty walleye gear (these fish, especially in fall, are absolute tanks), packing your boat (or booking a spot with a local guide if you don’t choose to bring it), and bringing weather-appropriate clothing. This is a prime DIY fishing destination, so if you’re comfortable towing your boat, I highly recommend it for the full experience.
For rods, you’ll need something with serious backbone. These walleye are bruisers, so skip anything light or medium-light, particularly in fall when they’re gorging and at their heaviest.
I swear by my St. Croix Avid, a medium-fast rod that’s hands-down my favorite for walleye anywhere. It’s sensitive, loads perfectly, and handles both Hecla’s giants and my home waters with ease. You can grab one here. For a more budget-friendly option, the St. Croix Eyecon is a fantastic choice—check out Megan putting it to work on these fish here and find the Eyecon here.
Beyond that, ensure your boat’s ready, pack fishing essentials, and bring drinks and snacks for long days on the water. I handle major meals onsite at Gull Harbour. Clothing-wise, be versatile—some days I’m in a T-shirt, others I’m bundled in my ice suit to battle the elements.
PRESENTATION & TECHNIQUE
When it comes to trophy walleye fishing Hecla, less is more. You don’t need any crazy trolling or sharp shooting tactics. You need to line up in what the locals call “the channel” and vertical jig. We were fishing in 25 to 30 feet, and there is a current, so a heavy enough jig is key. I used a 1/2 oz flasher jig, but my buddy Shauna uses 1 ouncers a lot of the time. These are big aggressive fish and targeting them is completely different then targeting our local Minnesota fish.
This last spring trip we used frozen shiners, however, I’ve used the YUM Break ‘N Shad successfully in the past. This last fall we used only plastics. You can stock up at lurenet.com using code nicole15 or going to Outdoor America and shopping their sale.
WHERE TO FISH
This is the simplest part of the whole adventure. From the Gull Harbour launch, it’s just a quick 5-minute boat ride to the Lighthouse, where boats stack up in spring like a walleye-fishing convention. You can’t miss it—a massive line of boats marks the spot. Slide into the “channel” where the fish are running, get in line, and brace yourself for non-stop action.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hecla offers a few lodging options, but I always choose Gull Harbour Marina, perfectly situated right at the access. It features cozy motel-style rooms, a private cabin, powered dock slips, and an on-site restaurant. There’s also a small convenience store stocked with fishing gear, bait, and snacks in case you forget any essentials. Staying right on the water is a game-changer for multi-day fishing trips, making everything seamless and convenient.
Another solid option nearby is the Lakeview Hecla Resort, a upscale hotel featuring an on-site restaurant and a waterpark, perfect for families or those wanting a bit more luxury. However, it’s a short drive from the lake and leans more toward a traditional hotel experience compared to the waterfront convenience of Gull Harbour.
WHEN TO PLAN THE TRIP: The Spring Vs. Fall Trophy Walleye Fishing Bite
When planning a Hecla Greenback trip, time it for the spring post-spawn bite or the fall shiner bite to maximize success. These windows are critical for the best action on the lake. I’ve fished from mid-May to early June for spring trips and mid-October to early November for fall, weather permitting.
In spring, the bite is explosive, and the weather is often pleasant. The trade-off? Post-spawn fish are leaner, with less girth than their fall counterparts. Also keep in mind, nets come out around the 1st of June (normally). If you can beat the nets, it’s pretty common for catch numbers to surpass 200+ fish.
In fall, greenbacks are stuffed with food and heavy, but the weather can be brutal—think strong winds, cold temps, and bundling up in ice gear.
Both seasons have their perks, but weigh these factors if you can only pick one.
THE TROPHY WALLEYE FISHING OF YOUR DREAMS
When it comes to EASY and incredible trophy walleye fishing, there is nothing better than trophy Greenback walleye. It’s easy, action-packed fishing that will have you coming home with more walleye photos and memories than you can dream.
A Hecla Greenback trip promises an unforgettable adventure, with trophy walleye that’ll leave you hooked and dreaming of your next cast.
Be sure to send me an email at nicole@nicolestoneoutdoors.com if you have any questions or want to share your catch photos!
You can also check out my Driftwood Lodge walleye adventure here.
