DISCOVER your local fish
Manitoba is home to a wide variety of fish species.
Learn more about what types of fish are swimming in your backyard.
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Native Region
Canada and Northern United States
Identifying Traits
Olive colour, white belly, spiky first dorsal fin
Fun Fact
In English speaking Canada, many people refer to walleye as “pickerel”, but this is a misnomer! Walleye fish are actually not related to true pickerel fish. Because of this quirk of language, many Manitobans regularly eat Walleye without even realizing it!
As well, Waterhen Lake and Cedar Lake are the only two local sources of MSC certified sustainable walleye.
Lake Whitefish
Coregonus clupeaformis
Native Region
Most of North America
Identifying Traits
Green-brown scales on back, small head compared to rest of body
Fun Fact
Sauger
Sander canadensis
Native Region
Much of United States and Southern Canada
Identifying Traits
A spiny dorsal fin next to a smooth dorsal fin, caudal fin is square shaped.
Fun Fact
Goldeye
Hiodon alosoides
Native Region
Canada and Northern United States
Identifying Traits
Blue-silver colour, large gold eyes, small body size.
Fun Fact
Goldeye hold a special significance in Manitoba’s culture. These fish are almost exclusively processed in Winnipeg, where they are popular to eat smoked. This fish is also the namesake of Winnipeg’s local baseball team, the Winnipeg Goldeyes!
Cisco
Coregonus artedi
Native Region
Most of Canada
Identifying Traits
Silver colour, long slender body.
Fun Fact
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Native Region
Canada and Northern United States
Identifying Traits
Olive green colour with spot-like pattern
Fun Fact
Northern Pike are known for being relatively aggressive. When food is scarce these fish sometimes eat each other.