Low water levels affect summer activities across Manitoba

Lower-than-average water levels in rivers across Manitoba have posed problems for fishermen and people looking to do other water activities.

Low river levels across southern Manitoba are posing problems for fishers in the area and prompting advocates to call on less human intervention in water systems.

Fishing near the Lockport Dam Monday morning, Corey Quesnel hadn’t many nibbles as of yet.

The area resident said he’s been to areas near the Brokenhead River and close to Selkirk but neither have been great for casting lines.

“Everything is low,” he said.

Wayne Dabrowski said fishing this year has been average compared to prior years, like three years ago when a dry spell brought the province’s waterways to a historic low.

“You could almost walk halfway across the river,” he said, referring to the Red River which he just finished fishing on.

According to provincial data, the community of Fisherton, Man., has seen the most precipitation since May 1 with 259 mm recorded, while the community of Cartwright in Central Manitoba has seen the least, with only 48 mm recorded.

The average precipitation for the Central Manitoba area is 201 to 244 mm.