Big Water, Small Water, Lake Trout Everywhere
Saskatchewan has over 100,000 lakes (hard to believe someone counted, but they did). In the northern half of the province, many lakes feature the depths (minimum 60 feet or deeper) required for Lake Trout. But not all lakes are created equal. Some have the topography and food sources to be true lake trout factories, producing plenty of rod-bending lunkers. You need to pick the right lakes. That’s why fishing lodges are built where they are, because that’s where you’ll find the fish. If you want to improve your chances of having that epic lake trout fishing trip, start by making a plan with a Saskatchewan fishing lodge.
Lake Trout are known as one of the hardest fighting fresh water fish species. Their massive tails and strong bodies propel them on long deep runs and top water splashing exhibitions. In the heat of summer, when Lake Trout are deep, expect an epic battle not unlike a deep sea fishing expedition as you lift and reel only to have the fish dive deeper and spool out line. In late spring and fall when the lakers are in shallow waters, expect them to take off like a torpedo, making your reel “zing” as they pull out line.
Fly-In or Drive-In Fishing
Saskatchewan has a huge number of fishing lodges to choose from, including over 80 SCPO members. About half of these fishing lodges are located in the province’s far north and are fly-in only. That puts you in exclusive company, where the fish are plentiful, the population and boat traffic is scarce and the environment is pristine. You also have a choice of drive-in fishing lodges. You won’t sacrifice quality, just expect to see more anglers on the water.
You won’t find lake trout in the southern waters of the province. The presence of lake trout begins about halfway up our huge province. If lake trout are the species you are after, the travels are well worth it.
Species Variety
On Saskatchewan lakes where there are lake trout, you have the opportunity to catch other species of game fish, often in the same location. While it all varies by time of year, water depth, water temperature, lure choice, time of day, and every other factor you care to read about in fishing magazines and fishing blogs, on lakes with lake trout, you’ll most likely find northern pike. In lakes further south, there will also be walleye. In lakes and streams further north, there are likely to be arctic grayling. Think about some of your tackle choices for lake trout—spoons, jigs, crank baits, with or without bait. If a big lake trout will bite, so will a big northern pike.
On the right lake, in the right location in Saskatchewan, you may be within a few hundred yards of a prime walleye fishing hole, northern pike area and lake trout spot. The grayling stream may be nearby as well. It’s not unheard of to catch three species within a few minutes, using the same rod and lure.
Other species also commonly caught in lake trout waters include perch, goldeye, whitefish, and sauger (a close relative of walleye).
Professional Outfitters
The key to a legendary Saskatchewan lake trout fishing adventure is knowing where, when and how to locate the fish. Many waterbodies have lake trout, thousands in fact, but it takes experience and local knowledge to get the best out of the depths. Knowing the water, knowing the seasonal habits of the lake trout, is often the difference between a good day on the water and a phenomenal lake trout fishing trip. Local guides know the waters. Most of them grew up fishing these same waters and have been working as guides for years. You can’t ask for a better person to be guiding your boat.
The Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters (SCPO) is an industry-driven, not-for-profit association made up of licensed professional outfitters. Our members know the lay of the land, the whims of weather, the habits of local fish & game. As licensed professional outfitters they operate within a code of ethics and to a standard that ensures your hunting experience will be everything you expect. Outstanding hospitality. Unmatched, experienced guides. Ethical hunting and fishing practices.
That Trophy Picture
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, it seems like the sun is always up during a Saskatchewan summer, especially in the north. We give you more daylight to pursue that lake trout trophy. The landscape is a ruggedly spectacular backdrop for your brochure-quality fishing picture. The rewards come in the form of memories. The memories come in the form of rod-bending that will tire out your arms but also make you eager for a tug on the line that might come on the very next cast. Add in your best fishing buddies, truly outstanding hospitality and you have a northern Canadian fishing adventure with a full load of stories to tell. Until next year, when the pull of that big lake trout lures you back. Don’t forget your camera.
Find Your Lake Trout Fishing Adventure Today
Click below to find your SCPO member fishing lodge.
