Testimonials
This was my 2nd trip with Blackwater Cats and Ryan was our guide again on Lake Winnipeg. Ryan busted his butt to get us on fish and we caught... read more a lot of fish and a lot of big fish. 6 of our 8 guys caught personal records (including my 30.5" walleye). We had 1 day in which we

March 1, 2017
My wife and I booked two mornings to fish with Donovan. We both caught numerous big channel catfish. We were supplied with great rods and reels. Donovan was knowledgeable, extremely... read more hard working, professional, pleasureable, and really put us on the fish. It was a great two

July 1, 2016
Had a blast on the Red River during one of our down days of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. We are visiting from the U.S. and were introduced to... read more some of the biggest catfish we have ever seen! Our guide, Donovan (owner), was fantastic and helped us reel in all the catfish we could handle. Great half day trip. Would definitely recommend...he is a great host and has a fantastic boat that flies on the water.

June 10, 2015
My uncle and I made a trip up to Winnipeg this fall and spent a 1/2 of day fishing on the Red river guided by Donovan who operates Blackwater Cats.... read more We spent about 3 hours fishing and caught 21 big cats, averaging 25-30 lbs. Most of the cats were in the 34-35" ranges. The guide has been fishing this river most of his life and works hard to keep you on the fish. I highly recommend this outfitter if you are looking to catch fish on the Red River North of Winnipeg. Donovan thanks for a great experience my Uncle and I will never forget.

November 16, 2015
Visited Manitoba with a friend of mine, and booked a cat fishing trip on the Red River with these guys. We had a ball, catching lots of really big channel... read more cats...several of Citation Size. The boat is large, stable, and fitted with the latest safety equipment. The supplied fishing tackle is all new, and first rate too. I highly recommend fishing with them. This is a very professional, safety conscious group, and, they'll put you on fish.

April 22, 2016
My husband and 2 teen boys LOVED this cat-fishing trip! It was the highlight of our Canadian vacation!! Between the 3 of them they caught 10 HUGE catfish!... read more Donovan did a great job answering all of our questions and teaching them the ins and outs of cat- fishing! I didn't fish but, I loved being out on the water and got to take some awesome pictures! My husband and kids can't wait to come back for some ice fishing next!! We would highly recommend this excursion!!

July 30, 2015
Had a fantastic time. My partner and I had a boat / guide booked for a 6 hr trip, caught over 80 cats over 30”. Absolutely amazing. James, (Paddy),... read more was our guide, great fellow, he worked his ass off baiting and netting, poor guy. I couldn’t recommend a guide more. Thanks Donovan for making the arrangements for us. We will definitely return. Where can you go that in the course of a 6hr trip, between 2 people you can catch in excess of 80 fish all over 15lbs and some exceeding 25lbs?? Contact these guys!!

August 1, 2021
Great day Cat fishing on the Red River.
Weather was excellent, Donovan was a great fishing guide and he know's the river extemly well. We had a slow... read more start but we ended up catching 18 catfish in 4 hours...wow! I will highly recommend Balckwater Cat's Outfitters.

July 14, 2016
Had a great time today with my family. Our guide, Donovan, was very knowledgeable and great with our kids. We were fishing for cat fish and we caught... read more many! Also he took the time to teach the kids how to handle reeling in these big catfish, as well as how to cast for gold eyes. His boat and equipment were exactly what was needed and he was prepared for the day. I would highly recommend Blackwater Cats if you are in Winnipeg( he is roughly 45 minutes out)!! Thanks Donovan for a great time and a day we will never forget!

June 8, 2017
Great people they know where the big fish are and put you on them and show you how to catch them. We caught many fish over 8 lbs and out largest was 32 inches. We are planning our next trip back.


To all you dads taking your kids up to Canada to go fishing this is a MUST. I just took my kids and we had one of the best fishing experiences you could ever encounter. Donavan is a fantastic guide and he does an amazing job. -- We fished for just over 3 hours and boated 60 Channel Cats that all but one was over 30" long. The action was fast and we had so much fun!. -- GIVE IT A TRY AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED! --- Five Stars - all the way!!


We had a great time Walleye fishing Lake Winnipeg with Blackwater Cats outfitters, our guide Brett really put us on the fish. Even with not so great weather, we caught a ton of eaters, a bunch of fish in the 23"-26" range and 4 Masters!


we had a great morning on the water with Donovan today and caught tons of cats...awesome time! Thanks Donovan!!


I just want to give Donovan and Blackwater Cats a huge thank you! My son and I went out for a great afternoon, and can't say enough about how well we were treated. Donovan went above and beyond to make a memorable trip for us, resulting in a whopping 38" catfish! Every nine year old boys dream. He's already talking about next years trip, and inviting his friends. You can't do better than Blackwater Cats!

