Testimonials
This was our first catfishing trip we had ever done and it was so great that I don't think we'll ever top it. We started out at 8 and by... read more about 9:15 we already had 16 cats caught. There were other boats around us but none we're catching them like we were. We ended the day at 4 with 55 cats landed and many muscles made sore. Throughout the day, Donovan was always making sure the bait was fresh and that we were in the right place at the right time while also giving us any tips/advice that we needed. Definitely the best guide I've ever been out on the water with. Without a doubt we will be booking with Blackwater cats next year and I can't wait!
August 26, 2015
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 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 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 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
Spent a great morning battling monster cats. Have fished with Blackwater Cats a couple of times and both times we brought in a number of master anglers including a massive... read more 37.75” beast. All tackle is provided. Big thanks to our guide Ken who consistently put us on the fish.
August 11, 2019
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
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
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 caught 15 walleye over 25". The thing I find impressive is how all the guides work together to find fish.
Great time, looking forward to next year.
March 26, 2017
Thanks Blackwater Cats and our guide Ryan Beck for a fantastic weekend of fishing! Caught my PB 30.5 inch Walleye!!
Great experience. They get you on the fish. The guides are courteous and personable and just all around fun. It makes for a good day.
Great guides and even better guys. Took our family up with three children and two grandpas. Helped put us on the fish and made sure everybody in our group was comfortable and having a blast. Can't recommend these guys strongly enough!
Had an amazing time fishing for catfish on the river. The guide service could not have been better. If I try and think of anything that could have been done better I can’t name one single thing. Not only did Donovan set us up for some amazing fishing, he helped create memories that my family and I will forever cherish. I highly recommend.
Great guides that know how to catch big fish. They work to put clients on fish and the type of people you want to do business with! Absolutely the ones you want to take a Lake Winnipeg Greenback adventure fishing trip with and learn about the lake and fish and the experience, top notch!

