The Fish and Lake Improvement Program for the Parkland Region

FLIPPR

History  Strategy   Water Quality   Fishery Improvement   Marketing 

    

 

ALL About FLIPPR

FLIPPR’s Vision

FLIPPR's Mission

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

The Vision:

By working with its partners, FLIPPR strives to create a world class stillwater trout fishing destination that provides economic, tourism and recreation opportunities for Manitoba’s Southwest Parkland region.

The Mission

FLIPPR, in collaboration with its partners, facilitate economic development opportunities by creating, managing, protecting and promoting world class trout lakes throughout Manitoba’s Southwest Parkland region.

FLIPPR's sole purpose is to enhance angling possibilities for the entire Parkland and surrounding areas.  As a result regional water quality is improved.

We realized the potential for increased tourism to the area several years ago and developed a network whereby numerous fly fishermen and other anglers were attracted to the area and continue to come annually. Having realized the economic advantages and gaining a proven track record, we are dedicated to expanding upon the effort to better the Parkland both economically and environmentally. We plan to continue promoting the region on behalf of our stakeholders--those in a position to benefit from the increased tourism--by supplying the needed tools, expertise and media.

We instituted this strategy via a two-pronged approach, in cooperation with Manitoba Water Stewardship:

A:     Resource Management 

• Enhancing existing lakes, streams and fish stocks in conjunction with regional and provincial entities.
• Identifying and surveying new waters for potential trout habitat
• Monitor resources for long-term viability of lakes
• Feedback to ensure that replenishment levels match harvest

B:  Resource Marketing/Business Development

• Attracting fishermen to the area through use of various modern media

• Teaching local entrepreneurs how to benefit fully from a new and perhaps hitherto unfamiliar economic resource.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you call yourselves FLIPPR?

Were not about dolphins. The short form stands for Fish and Lake Improvement Program for the Parkland Region--which also extends throughout Western Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan.

What is the main function of FLIPPR?

To monitor the fishery from a fly-fishing aspect which in turn benefits all facets of sport-fishing for salmonids and other species. The varied expertise levels injected by the principals involved in the organization are found nowhere else in North America when applied in the fertile environment of local Parkland waters.

Who are the main players?

It varies as more communities join. The persons contribute their expertise in certain areas. When working together the pool of experience gets things accomplished throughout the entire Parkland.

What is the largest trout recently caught in your region?

32.5 inches and 18.5 lb Rainbow sniggled in East Blue Lake, Duck Mountains. Remember that these are not steelheads and they don't fight like steelheads that depend on water currents to make a good fight. 

What are my chances of landing a 30-inch trout if I traveled to your area?

Your chances of hooking and playing one are reasonably good, but landing one is another scenario. These are tackle busters. It's worth the experience and we've seen grown men nearly cry.

Are the lakes you bring on stream designated catch and release?

We work primarily on public waters which maintain enforced limits that protect larger trout. Nonetheless, recently introduced lakes such as Patterson and W. Goose have conservation limits, one fish, under 18 inches (45cm) and artificial lures only. Manitoba is barbless, promotes C&R and lacks the dense population of anglers of southern destinations, whom allegedly "wipe out" southern fisheries during one season. As more lakes are added, the pressure on the fishery lowers further. Visiting anglers generally keep no fish. They advise us that they appreciate a public, wild fishery where they can compete without feeling as though they were on a private pond where monster fish are a paid assurance. We tend to agree. FLIPPR and Manitoba Water Stewardship keep a close eye on depletion levels and most of our lakes are at a point where we've actually have to cut back on some years. Fortunately, other lakes are coming on-line annually so the hatcheries have to keep finding ways to produce more trout.

Do I need a guide?

Finding the lakes is not a problem once you have  your guide, the FLIPPR directory booklet or follow the directions on this site. Nonetheless, first time visitors to the region would do well to hire a knowledgeable guide. Knowing what fly pattern is effective under the highly variable conditions is an art form. Moreover, some of the best lakes require a boat to get to the better areas where you will launch your tube. Trolling from boats is not recommended unless that's all you have.

Where can I get the flies or patterns needed to fish the area?

Your best bet is to attend the Trout Festival on years when it is held. Since it is held at the very peak of the best fishing, one gets an opportunity to fish, watch some of the best tyers anywhere and buy the flies from those who attend and provide the service. If you tie yourself you can look to our fly pattern pages (link to the left border of this page). Or you can take a copy of the PDF file to a tyer in your own area or hometown and have them tie the pattern for you. If you want a knowledgeable local Parkland tyer to outfit your fly box there is no better one than Bill Pollock (deerfly@mts.net) who lives in Roblin, MB.

For other information on acquiring the needed fly patterns, go to the Link's Page or consider acquiring the books along the right column of the fly pattern page(s).

Where can I find information on accommodation, campgrounds, restaurants and other services?

That is another purpose of our Directory booklet! Order your copy today. It is interspersed with advertisements from our corporate sponsors. Please frequent their establishments when in Manitoba's SW Parkland. More information is available in a booklet put out by the Parkland Tourism Association.

Click here to get a copy of their booklet.

What is your weather like? Do I need a parka?

We have everything to bone-chilling cold at ice out, to summer heat so intense that even breathable waders leave sweat. Remember our days are longer and of course are more sunlit. Bring clothing for every occasion, and in the last gasp before freeze-up, a toque. We have some excellent outdoor clothing stores in our Directory that can accommodate any situation.

What weight of rod should I bring?

See rods, reels and more in Tackle/Equipment pages

Is FLIPPR a voice for fly-fishing only?

Not in a total sense. The warm water angling opportunities in the Parkland and western Manitoba region are very well developed and a huge network of very capable organizations are involved in maintaining the associated fishery. FLIPPR, having seasoned and/or internationally known fly fishermen on its board, is leveraged to address fly-fishing issues. However, all issues are addressed. Surveyed lakes deemed unsuitable for the implantation of salmonids but amenable to warm water species are outlined and passed on to Manitoba Water Stewardship. In some cases warm-water species such as Smallmouth Bass and/or Walleyes are required to control or prevent stunting in indigenous species (i.e.: Yellow Perch) and a multi-species lake will develop.

Is FLIPPR a USA funded operation and represents only visiting USA anglers?

Hardly. To date almost all funding has come from Canadian and Manitoba sources, either through grants, matched dollar governmental funding or donations. All final decisions rest with Manitobans, through policies shaped by Manitoba Water Stewardship.  The Dakota Fly Fishers based out North Dakota, have created a Patterson Lake Aeration Fund.  As of March 5, 2005, the Dakota Fly Fishers have raised $1700 towards the maintenance and operation of aeration , mainly on Patterson Lake.

Will FLIPPR be demanding that lakes be changed to “Catch and Release Only”, “Artificials Only” or requesting that ice-fishing be banned? 

No. Only two such lakes exist in the Parkland and only one of them is a FLIPPR Lake. Twin Lakes has only Tiger Trout in it, an aggressive species and is protected by C&R. Perch Lake in the Duck Mountains is a brown trout C&R lake designated under Provincial regulations. All lakes are open to ice fishing and, with the two exceptions, at  least one trout under 18 inches may be retained.  Manitoba and Saskatchewan are located simply too far from major North American population centers to require overly-restrictive regulations. FLIPPR’s thrust instead is to demand and ensure that adequate replenishment matches depletion, whether by angling pressure or natural pathogens. Some trophy lakes are designated artificial lures only to eliminate mortality from deeply hooked fish. Trophy lakes may get a one-fish limit to ensure a pool of adequate monsters that offers opportunity for all local and visiting anglers.

What do you actually do on the water? Is this an opportunity for a few people to get paid to fish? 

Hardly. The only angling done during a survey occurs when an indigenous species is suspected that is incompatible with salmonids. Since the lakes involved contain no trout, angling is about the last requirement. Gill nets are used for that and regulated by the Province fisheries staff. A survey consists of making a hydrological map, insect and forage studies, shoreline assessments, inlets, outlets, springs, dissolved oxygen, algae studies and a host of other parameters known as the Kansas protocols. Some associated organizations and known experienced anglers report and provide such angling information as required to measure the health of an already developed water.

Have you actually stocked any lakes yet? 

FLIPPR does not stock lakes. Recommendations are sent to Manitoba Water Stewardship who is in control of such decisions. Other communities are educated by FLIPPR personnel to take advantage of their local water resources and get them ready to work with Manitoba Water Stewardship.

Why do you look at lakes that need aeration? Why not stock mountain lakes that need none? 

Various organizations have worked with Manitoba Water Stewardship to successfully develop "mountain" lakes that need no aeration. These already exist and need only to have higher visiting angler successes to achieve larger recognition. Visiting anglers love to pursue the huge fish that are found in the more fertile lakes located off the escarpments where growth rates of a kilo a year are achieved. Not only does this spread economic activity to communities where angling formerly provided little, but adds the possibility of controlling disease during severe winters.

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