Where the Big Ones Are
Saskatchewan’s Legendary Fishing Waters
There is fishing. There is trophy fishing. And then there is northern Saskatchewan, where somewhere beneath the surface of a deep, cold lake a lake trout weighing 40, 50 or even 60 pounds may be waiting. Up here, the lakes are vast, the water crystal clear and the next fishing spot may be reached not by road, but by floatplane. Welcome to one of Canada’s most legendary freshwater fishing regions!
Saskatchewan’s far north is made for anglers with big dreams. Remote wilderness lodges provide a comfortable base in landscapes where lakes stretch seemingly forever into the boreal wilderness. And while northern pike, walleye and Arctic grayling add plenty of excitement, the undisputed star of many of these waters is the lake trout – or simply the “laker”, as anglers like to call it. From enormous inland seas to secluded wilderness lakes that see only a handful of anglers each season, here are some Saskatchewan waters where the next tug on the line could turn into the fishing story of a lifetime.
Hatchet Lake – Four Species, One Wilderness Lake
Deep in northern Saskatchewan, Hatchet Lake spreads out across a remote landscape of boreal forest, rocky shorelines, islands and wonderfully clear water. Far away from roads and settlements, this is the kind of place where anglers have plenty of wilderness almost entirely to themselves.
Even better, there is no need to choose just one species. Hatchet Lake is home to northern pike, lake trout, walleye and Arctic grayling – the four fish that make up Saskatchewan’s coveted northern fishing Grand Slam. Trophy lake trout are one of the great attractions, while surrounding lakes offer even more possibilities for anglers eager to explore waters with very little fishing pressure.
Hatchet Lake Lodge sits on an island right in the middle of this wilderness, providing direct access to the lake as well as fly-out adventures to more remote fishing grounds. And out there, every new stretch of water comes with that wonderful question: What might be swimming down there?
Try this outfitter: Hatchet Lake Lodge
Hatchet Lake Lodge - Credit: Kevin Hogarth Photography Hatchet Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hund Visual Storyteller Hatchet Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hund Visual Storyteller Hatchet Lake Lodge - Credit: Kevin Hogarth Photography
Lloyd Lake – Fishing with a Taste of the North
Far away in Saskatchewan’s northwest lies Lloyd Lake, surrounded by a seemingly endless landscape of boreal forest, rivers and lakes. Getting here means flying in – and that moment when the aircraft leaves roads and settlements behind is the beginning of the adventure.
Lloyd Lake itself offers excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike, but anglers with lake trout on their minds can venture farther afield. Nearby Big Fish, Preston and Langley Lakes add lake trout to the menu, while the Clearwater River offers opportunities to fish for Arctic grayling. Big Fish Lake in particular holds some impressive trout, with fish approaching the 40-pound mark recorded in these waters.
Fishing is only part of the story here. At family-owned Lloyd Lake Lodge, chef and co-owner Derrick Uniat adds a culinary touch to wilderness life – making a good dinner another experience to look forward to after a long day on the water.
Try this outfitter: Lloyd Lake Lodge
Lloyd Lake Lodge - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan Lloyd Lake Lodge - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan Lloyd Lake Lodge - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Otter Lake & the Churchill River – Where the Road Meets the Wilderness
Not every northern Saskatchewan fishing adventure has to begin with a floatplane. Drive north from La Ronge to the small community of Missinipe and eventually you reach Otter Lake and the Churchill River – a vast network of lakes, channels, rapids and boreal wilderness that feels like a natural gateway into Saskatchewan’s north.
Otter Lake - Credit: Eric Lindberg Churchill River - Credit: Paul Austring
Thompson’s Resort sits directly on Otter Lake and makes an easy base for exploring the surrounding waters. Guests can rent a boat, head out with an experienced guide or simply spend their days discovering the lake at their own pace. Walleye and northern pike are among the main targets here, while the Churchill River landscape provides the spectacular backdrop.
Fishing at Thompson's Resort - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan Fishing at Thompson's Resort - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
And if the wilderness begins to call a little louder, there is an easy answer. From Thompson’s Resort, a floatplane takes only around ten minutes to reach Twin Falls Lodge, tucked away on the Churchill River system between Otter and Mountain Lakes. Here, the focus remains firmly on the water, with walleye and northern pike providing plenty of fishing action. A traditional shore lunch turns the morning’s catch into a meal beside the water – fresh fish, open fire and wilderness all around. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.
Twin Falls Lodge - Credit: Paul Austring Twin Falls Lodge - Credit: Destination Canada Twin Falls Lodge - Credit: Destination Canada Twin Falls Lodge - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Yet this stretch of the Churchill River offers more than fishing. Canoe trips, ancient Indigenous pictographs and excursions to spectacular Nistowiak Falls provide plenty of reasons to put down the rod for a few hours.
Paddling on the Churchill River - Credit: Chris Hendrickson Indigenous Pictographs - Credit: Eric Lindberg Nistowiak Falls - Credit: Scott Aspinall
The beauty of this particular fishing adventure is the choice: stay at the road-accessible resort on Otter Lake or hop aboard a floatplane and disappear a little deeper into the wilderness.
Try these outfitters: Thompson’s Resort and Twin Falls Lodge by Adventure Destinations
Reindeer Lake – Thousands of Islands and Endless Possibilities
At around 5,500 square kilometres, Reindeer Lake offers an entire world to explore. Thousands of islands, rocky points, reefs, channels and enormous open-water basins create countless habitats for lake trout – and countless possibilities for anglers.
Depending on conditions, trophy fish may be found around shallow wind-swept reefs, in deep channels or out in the vast open water. The sheer size and diversity of the lake help make Reindeer one of Saskatchewan’s great northern fishing destinations. Northern pike, walleye and Arctic grayling add even more variety, making it possible to chase several of Canada’s most iconic freshwater species during one trip.
And then there is lodge life. Arctic Lodges sits on a remote island surrounded by this immense watery wilderness, putting anglers right in the middle of the action. Guided days lead through Reindeer Lake’s maze of islands, bays and rocky points, often rounded off with a traditional shore lunch prepared over the fire. Back at the lodge, comfortable cabins and even private lakeside hot tubs await – not a bad ending to a day spent chasing big fish!
Try this outfitter: Arctic Lodges
Tazin Lake – Where Monsters Live
If there is one place where the word “monster” doesn’t feel like an exaggeration, it is Tazin Lake. Hidden away in Saskatchewan’s extreme northwest, this deep and exceptionally clear lake reaches depths of more than 400 feet. With no commercial fishing pressure, lake trout have the chance to grow – and grow. Fish in the 60 to 70-pound range have been recorded here, making Tazin one of the ultimate destinations for serious trophy hunters. And then comes that moment: the line tightens, the rod bends and suddenly there is something very large moving somewhere far below the boat. Better hold on!
Try these outfitters: Ena Lake Lodge or Cheemo Lodge
Ena Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hunt Visual Storyteller Ena Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hunt Visual Storyteller Ena Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hunt Visual Storyteller Ena Lake Lodge - Credit: Fish Hunt Visual Storyteller
Lake Athabasca – Saskatchewan’s Inland Sea
Saskatchewan’s largest lake feels less like a lake and more like an inland sea. Lake Athabasca stretches across the provincial border into Alberta, offering an enormous expanse of cold, nutrient-rich water where lake trout can spend decades growing to impressive proportions. For anglers, that means plenty of room for adventure – and realistic chances of encountering trout in the 30 to 50-pound class. Out here, surrounded by water and northern wilderness, it is easy to forget that roads, cities and everyday life exist somewhere beyond the horizon.
Try these outfitters: Athabasca Fishing Lodge or Lakers Unlimited
Wollaston Lake – Go for the Grand Slam
Can’t decide which fish should be on your wish list? Wollaston Lake makes the choice easy: try them all! The lake is known for Saskatchewan’s fishing “Grand Slam” of northern pike, lake trout, walleye and Arctic grayling. Lake trout are particularly plentiful, combining good numbers with genuine trophy potential. That makes Wollaston an exciting destination not only for anglers dreaming about one enormous catch, but also for those who simply love spending long days on the water with plenty of action.
Try this outfitter: Wollaston Lake Lodge
Cree Lake – Crystal Water and Big Fish
There is something wonderfully northern about Cree Lake. Crystal-clear water meets sandy eskers and seemingly endless wilderness, creating a landscape almost as impressive as the fishing itself. Almost! Because beneath that clear surface live some seriously large lake trout. Double-headers with fish weighing more than 20 pounds are not uncommon, while the true giants can top 50 pounds. Imagine two rods bending at once and suddenly realizing that both anglers have hooked trophy-sized fish. Who said fishing was relaxing?
Try these outfitters: Cree Lake Lodge, Crystal Lodge or Garrett’s Broken Arrow Lodge
Credit: Cree Lake Lodge Credit: Milton Lake Lodge Credit: Wollaston Lake Lodge
Milton Lake – Big Fish, Short Boat Rides
Remote wilderness doesn’t necessarily mean giving up comfort. Close to the Northwest Territories border, Milton Lake combines trophy fishing with luxurious fly-in lodge life.
Compared with giants such as Lake Athabasca or Reindeer Lake, Milton is relatively compact, meaning anglers can spend less time travelling across rough water and more time fishing. Deep holes reach around 150 feet, the water is beautifully clear and large lake trout share the lake with aggressive northern pike. Some guests have even landed 20-pound trout directly from the lodge dock. Not a bad way to start the morning!
Try this outfitter: Milton Lake Lodge
Fishing in northern Saskatchewan is about much more than numbers on a scale. It is the floatplane touching down on a lake surrounded by wilderness. The early morning mist drifting across perfectly still water. The first cast of the day. A quiet lunch on shore. And that split second when the rod suddenly bends and you realize there is something powerful on the other end of the line.
Perhaps it will be ten pounds. Perhaps 40. Perhaps the lake trout of a lifetime. Or perhaps the memory you take home will have nothing to do with the size of the fish at all. It might be the silence of a northern morning, a walleye sizzling over the fire at shore lunch or the sight of thousands of islands disappearing towards the horizon.
That uncertainty is part of the magic. Because in northern Saskatchewan, you never really know what the next lake – or the next cast – will bring. Ready to find out?
For further information on fishing adventures, outfitters and travel in Saskatchewan, visit Tourism Saskatchewan.
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