FINALIST FOR THE TRAVEL MANITOBA TOURISM AWARDS 2023
COVID 19
Do I need a license?
Yes, you do. Licenses can easily be obtained online. They vary in cost depending on age, status, and residency. You may choose a yearly or one-day license. Go directly here to purchase your angling license https://www.manitobaelicensing.ca/licensing.page
How do we get there?
Transportation is not included.
The “shack” is conveniently situated in Gimli Harbour on the West shore of Lake Winnipeg. Gimli is located approximately one hour North of Winnipeg. There is an avid ice-fishing community and an ice-fishing "village" with maintained and well-traveled ice routes. You will have the option to drive onto the lake or to walk to the shack located approximately 400m from shore.
The exact shack location will be shared upon booking.
What to expect?
You will be safe, warm, and sheltered.
The large 16’x7’ shack is well-appointed and equipped with a wood stove and indoor washroom. There are five x ten inch (25cm) fishing holes that are dug through the floor of the shack and down through the ice. All the equipment is new in 2021 and of very good quality.
Still have questions or concerns, email prairiegalfishing@gmail.com, or use our contact form.
What should I bring along?
The short answer is, not much!
If you have chosen a SHACK ONLY rental, bring all of your gear and bait. There are stools to sit on, and an ice scoop for the slush. The holes will be augered for you and the fire will be lit that morning. Note that you will need to stoke the fire upon arrival. Some Firewood is provided for the wood stove, but you are welcome to bring some from home if you’d like. You can pick up frozen bait at several fishing shops in Winnipeg or purchase minnows at the Husky Station or Home Hardware in Gimli.
For ALL INCLUSIVE rentals, just bring your snacks and drinks. Everything else is taken care of for you.
What to wear?
Dress in layers. The shack will take a bit of time to heat up, but once the stove is going, you can comfortably remove your jacket, mitts, and toque. You are always encouraged to wear long-johns (long underwear), and warm socks (not cotton). If you do not own ski pants or bibs, you can wear a pair of rain pants over sweats or tights. If anything gets cold, it is usually your feet. Wear warm socks and boots, regardless of how warm the temperature is… Remember this is not an aerobic activity, so your blood won’t be flowing unless you head out for a walk. Fish can be slimy, so don’t wear your “Sunday Best”.
If you are comfortable driving onto the ice to the shack, you can spend as much or as little time as you want outside. If you choose to walk out to the shack, the wind can be biting and very uncomfortable. Frostbite can happen quickly, so plan on covering your exposed skin.
Where do we fish?
The shack is located on Lake Winnipeg near Gimli Marina off of Highway 8 and 9. You will be given the precise location, but it is usually easy to spot with Trees all around it! We fish in approximately 12’ of water. Fish are always on the move. Note that YOU ARE NOT guaranteed to catch fish. You are always welcome and encouraged to try fishing outside and try your luck at different spots. A hand auger is provided for your convenience.
What if I need to pee?!
Yup. It is the most frequently asked question! You are STRONGLY encouraged to GO before you leave the house and to use the washrooms located at the local gas stations.
It is a reality of ice fishing. The guys tend to go, well, wherever. For women, it’s a wee bit different (see what I did there). The shack is custom-designed with a potty stall with a locking door. Alternatively, you are welcome to use the great outdoors or make your way back to shore. Hand sanitizer and feminine hygiene products are provided for you.
Snacks and bevies
There is a pot for the stovetop in the shack. There is instant coffee and tea available. Water is provided for ALL INCLUSIVE rentals and lessons. BYOW for shack-only rentals.
You are of course welcome to bring your own snacks along.
There are also excellent restaurants in town.
Alcohol is not allowed. The shack and lake are considered public spaces. Please abide by this rule, Conservation Officers check frequently and will fine you.
Driving on ice
The town of Gimli ensures that the access to the lake is cleared. You will drive down onto the ice just past the North parking lot of the Gimli Lakeview Hotel. PrairieGal pays to have a parking area maintained adjacent to the shack. You are encouraged to back in, this will make leaving easier.
For lessons, the PrairieGal will meet you on shore to show you the way.
Please keep your speed to a maximum of 30km/hr. Ensure that there are at least 2 car lengths between vehicles. Put your vehicle in AWD. Remove your seatbelt. The ice is thick enough to support large trucks, so don’t be afraid of falling through! We do not go onto the ice until there are at least 12-15 solid inches of ice. Your safety is our priority. If you are not comfortable driving, the shack is located only a 10-minute walk from shore.
What if you get stuck? It happens, wind can pick up and drifts can form quickly. There is a lot of help nearby. We supply shovels and tow ropes, and the phone number of a great guy with a big truck!