| Licence | Manitoba resident | Canadian resident | Non-Canadian resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual angling licence | $29.40 | $45.15 | $72.45 |
| One-day angling licence | $13.65 | $18.90 | $27.30 |
Quick Answer — Manitoba Ice Fishing Season, Licence and End Dates
Manitoba does not sell a separate ice fishing licence. The same angling licence covers open water and hardwater fishing. The current Manitoba Anglers’ Guide says the annual angling licence for this cycle is valid from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.
For “when does ice fishing season end in Manitoba” searches, the practical answer depends on the species and waterbody. Many winter trips run until the spring closure for the target species or until ice becomes unsafe, but Walleye and Sauger closures begin in early spring. Southern Division closes April 6, 2026; Lake Winnipeg, Northwest, and North Central Walleye/Sauger timing needs the current guide and named-water check.
The winter-specific part is not a separate permit. It is the rule set around the licence: Manitoba requires barbless hooks, allows two lines through the ice, and keeps its waterbody, bait, and aquatic invasive species rules in force all winter.
Which Manitoba Licence Makes Sense for a Winter Trip
Manitoba’s current fee table is simpler than many older guides still floating around online. The province lists one-day and annual angling licences by residency class, not a separate winter product.
For a short visitor trip, the one-day licence is often enough. If you plan to fish more than once during the same licence year, the annual licence is usually the cleaner choice.
The Winter Rules That Matter Most on Manitoba Ice
The current Manitoba guide says anglers may use no more than one rod or line, except for two rods or lines while ice fishing, provided they are within 50 metres of the angler.
The same guide also says anglers must use barbless hooks. If you are travelling in with standard tackle, flatten the barb before the hook goes into the water.
Manitoba’s bait and aquatic invasive species rules also matter in winter. If you are driving in from another province or from the United States, check the current bait rules and clean, drain, dry, and decontaminate water-related gear when required.
Free Fishing Periods That Matter for Winter Planning
The current eLicensing calendar lists three licence-free periods around this licence cycle: March 27 to April 5, 2026, June 12 to 14, 2026, and February 13 to 15, 2027.
Those dates are useful if you want a low-commitment first trip or a family weekend, but they do not replace the rest of the rulebook. Barbless-hook rules, waterbody closures, size limits, and local restrictions still apply during licence-free periods.
When Manitoba Ice Fishing Season Ends Depends on the Water
If your trip is built around Lake Winnipeg, the Red River, Dauphin Lake, or the Assiniboine River, use the current Anglers’ Guide rather than relying on general division summaries. Manitoba’s 2026 guide and season notes list waterbody-specific closures and rules for these better-known waters.
For example, Manitoba says Lake Winnipeg opens for Walleye and Sauger on May 16, 2026, later than the general Southern Division opener. Manitoba also says some Red River and Assiniboine River areas are closed to all fishing from April 6 to May 8, 2026, and that Dauphin Lake and its tributaries, excluding the Vermilion Reservoir, close to fishing on April 1.
A simple Manitoba workflow is to use eLicensing for the purchase, then use the guide for the waterbody you actually plan to fish. For the broader opener and division table, use the Manitoba fishing season dates guide.
What to Carry on a Manitoba Ice Trip
Manitoba says your licence may be printed or carried on an electronic device. For ordinary day trips, a saved phone copy is usually enough. For remote lakes and winter roads, a printed copy is still a smart backup.
It also helps to keep three things together in one place: your licence, your photo ID, and the current Anglers’ Guide saved offline. That avoids a lot of last-minute confusion when service is weak and the rules for a specific lake are not the same as the division default.