Rise. Fish. Repeat.

Karin Schreiber
6 days ago
4 min read

Fishing Lodges in Saskatchewan’s wilderness

Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan & Paul Austring

Attention, anglers! Canada’s sun-kissed prairie province of Saskatchewan is 2.7 times the size of the UK. An impressive one-eighth of this vast landmass consists of freshwater. The province proudly boasts over 100,000 lakes and rivers - perfect conditions for every kind of water sport, but especially for fishing. Both seasoned pros and beginners will find their paradise here. With so many lakes and rivers to choose from, you could fish in a different body of water every day for the next 270 years!

Those in search of a true angling adventure in Saskatchewan’s remote wilderness are best off heading north. Here, amid endless expanses of boreal forest, lie sprawling lake landscapes. The deep, icy waters of the north provide ideal conditions for trophy-sized northern pike, lake trout, Arctic grayling and, of course, walleye - the province’s most common and most popular game fish. These waters are teeming with giants that make every angler’s heart beat faster!

A great place to start is Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, Saskatchewan’s largest provincial park, home to more than 100 lakes. Together, they cover a third of the park’s area! At its centre lies the 64-kilometre-long Lac La Ronge, one of the province’s top fishing destinations. Local outfitters based in the community of La Ronge offer guided excursions to even more remote fishing spots throughout the region.

Thompson's Resort

A little farther north, on the shores of Otter Lake, lies the tiny community of Missinipe and Thompson’s Resort, operated by Adventure Destinations International (ADI). With 33 cozy cabins featuring kitchenettes, barbecues and private bathrooms, it’s a comfortable base for self-catering guests. Groceries can be picked up at the nearby Churchill River Trading Post, and the resort’s own restaurant is just a short walk away.

Twin Falls Lodge

Thompson’s is the perfect launch point for day trips by boat or floatplane — or for a multi-day getaway to the secluded Twin Falls Lodge. Nestled on a peninsula between Otter Lake and Mountain Lake, the lodge is framed by two spectacular waterfalls — the Twin Falls and the Robertson Falls — along the Churchill River system. Just a 10- to 15-minute floatplane hop from Thompson’s dock brings guests straight into this pristine wilderness setting. The comfortable lodge features four modern guest cabins equipped with everything you need to relax and recharge. The heart of the property is the 1,200-square-foot main lodge, an open-concept space with a cozy lounge area, rustic dining tables, bar, wood-burning stove and washroom. The west-facing front deck offers breathtaking sunset views over Robertson Falls — an unforgettable sight.

Culinary pleasures match the fishing experience: breakfast and dinner are freshly prepared by the on-site chef and served in the main lodge. At lunchtime, guests can look forward to a traditional shore lunch — freshly caught fish, expertly cleaned and pan-fried by the guides right on the lakeshore, served with onions, potatoes and a touch of wilderness magic. The fast-flowing, cool waters around the falls provide ideal spawning and feeding conditions for a wealth of species, particularly walleye and northern pike. Guided boat excursions ensure the best chances for success.

Those interested in local culture can also join excursions to Indigenous rock paintings or to the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission — the oldest building in Saskatchewan!

For anglers craving even more solitude, a fly-in is the only way to go. Saskatchewan has the highest density of fly-in fishing lodges in the world — many of them accessible only by air. Here, legendary fishing meets warm hospitality, fine regional cuisine and cozy evenings by the campfire — sometimes under a sky painted by the northern lights.

Northern Saskatchewan - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan & Thomas Porter

Milton Lake Lodge

Farther northeast, almost at the border of the Northwest Territories, lies the Milton Lake Lodge, perfectly remote and accessible only by floatplane from Saskatoon. The journey itself is part of the adventure: from the air, the maze of lakes and rivers glistens like shattered glass under the sun. The intimate, wood-crafted lodge accommodates just 16 guests in lovingly furnished private rooms. Here, at what feels like the edge of the world, every imaginable comfort awaits. At the center of the lodge, guests gather in a grand common area complete with bar, dining tables, and three inviting lounges with open fireplaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows — nearly eight metres high — offer stunning views of the lake. Few places could make a more perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink!

Of course, fishing remains the star attraction. The waters around Milton Lake are renowned for their abundance, and top-quality gear — including fly-fishing setups — is provided free of charge. A typical day begins with a morning fishing expedition, followed by a hearty shore lunch prepared from the morning’s catch, and another round of angling in the afternoon. Optional floatplane trips to even more remote lakes can be arranged. Back at the lodge, guests unwind with a refreshing shower, share stories in the lounge, and end the day with a gourmet dinner and a fine glass of wine before relaxing by the outdoor fire or soaking in the hot tub beneath the northern sky.

Lloyd Lake Lodge

Equally outstanding fishing and dining await at Lloyd Lake Lodge, a fly-in retreat located in northwestern Saskatchewan, north of Clearwater River Provincial Park. Set on the scenic shores of Lloyd Lake, the lodge features five guest cabins, each with a private bath and lake-view deck. With a maximum of 20 guests at a time, the atmosphere remains relaxed and personal. Multi-day packages include round-trip flights from Fort McMurray, accommodation, guided boat excursions — even evening fishing trips — and all meals. The legendary shore lunches, prepared over an open fire, are a daily highlight. In the evening, guests gather for lovingly prepared, elegantly plated dinners made from the freshest local ingredients.