Shoe Lake Outing

Shoe Lake, Nopiming Provincial Park  Saturday July 13, 2024

Registration deadline June 13, 2024

Host

  • Name:  Kylie Therrien
  • Ph/text number: 204-894-0600
  • Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Time: 8 am to 4 pm
·        
Directions.

  • The drive to Shoe Lake takes around 2 1/2 hours from Winnipeg.  The last 50 km or so is gravel and can be quite rutted or wash-boarded so be aware!  Head toward Lac du Bonnet, usually on Hwy 317.  Head north on Hwy 11, then right onto Hwy 313.  At 314/315 split, remain on 314 to Shoe Lake. (315 goes to Booster Lake, another good bass lake).  There is good parking and a nice boat launch.
  • Cell Phone coverage may vary by provider but you will lose coverage about 1 km from Shoe.  Before that you will get 2 bars of service with a few dead zones.

Accommodations

  • If you want to camp overnight, there is very nice camping at Black Lake Campground, 10 km up the road.  There is also backcountry camping on some of the islands in Shoe Lake.  You should make reservations well in advance.

Boating Equipment needed

  • Float tubes can be used, but a powered pontoon boat, canoe, kayak or boat are better options as much of the fishing is a distance from the dock up the west and east shores.  West of the launch is better for float tubes.  Gas motors are allowed.
  • This is a larger lake oriented northwest to southeast.  High winds from the north can make for tricky conditions at the boat launch and reduce the fishing areas.  A nearby alternate lake is the contingency plan if wind conditions dictate.

What to bring

  • Provincial Park Pass
  • Water and something for lunch.   
  • Sun and rain protection
  • Washroom facilities are available at the boat launch.

Fishing Info

  • While there are walleye and pike in the lake, the target species is smallmouth bass.   A 6 or 7 wt rod is perfect.  Bring a floating line for poppers, and a slow, intermediate, or Type 3 sinking line for trolling.
  • Small poppers can be very fun along the shore.
  • Scotty McFly is a proven favourite for trolling, but woolly buggers, DDH leaches, muddlers all work well also.

Contest Rules

  • Must be MFFA member to participate in the contest
  • Time period: July 13 8 am to 4 pm  
  • Prize: $50 gift card for Fishing Hole
  • Largest fish prize: Longest smallmouth bass – ties broken by second longest fish.
  • Novice prize: Longest fish caught by a novice as defined by an MFFA member of 2 years or less who has not previously won an outing prize. If no fish qualifies then all novices will be entered in a draw for the prize.
  • One prize per person. E.g. If novice has the largest fish, the next prize goes to next largest fish
  • If no novice is present only one prize will be given for largest fish.
  • As per common fishing competition rules, all caught fish must be released to be eligible for prizes.

Fishing Regulations

  • Practice good catch and release methods
  • Possession limits
    • Smallmouth bass - 4 none exceeding 45 cm (17.7 in)
    • Walleye - 4 none exceeding 55 cm (21.6 in)
    • Pike - 4 none exceeding 75 cm (29.5 in)
  • While respecting the right for members to harvest fish within regulations, the MFFA encourages release of trophy-sized fish for others to enjoy.

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Register here.