FISHING SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan is internationally renowned for offering some of the best freshwater angling in the world. The province of Saskatchewan spans over 1000 kilometres (625 miles) from north to south with a maximum width of about 600 kilometres (375 miles). The challenge is choosing from among nearly 100,000 freshwater lakes and thousands of rivers and streams that teem with varieties of fish totaling 68 species.

The following seven species are the most popular among anglers:

Northern Pike: The northern pike is the most widely distributed sport fish in Saskatchewan preferring shallow weedy areas in lakes. The average weigh is 1-2.5 kb (2-5lbs.). The record size and live release record is 137cm (54in.) with an approximate weight of 45.6 lbs, caught in Lake Athabasca in 2000.

WALLEYE: Walleye traditionally prefer deeper waters, but are widely distributed throughout Saskatchewan in all but the shallowest lakes. They are one of the finest eating fish in the province. The average weight is usually .5-1.5kg (1-3 lbs.) The record size is 8.21 kg (18.06lbs.) It was caught and released in Tobin Lake in September, 1997.

LAKE TROUT: Saskatchewan's only native trout is common to the northern half of the province. The laker is the largest member of the trout family with 30 pounders being recorded here. In summer, lake trout prefer cold, deep holes in all but the far northern lakes. Average weight is 1-1.5kg (2-5lbs.) The recorded size and live release record is 132cm (51 inches) with an approximate weight of 26.55 kg (59lbs.), taken in Lake Athabasca.

ARTIC GRAYLING: This is a beautiful fish often called the "sailfish of the north" It prefers the cold, clear lakes and fast-moving streams of northern Saskatchewan. The average weight is usually under 1kg (2lbs.). The record size is 1.96kg (4.3 lbs.) taken in Fond du Lac River in 1966. Live release record is 55cm or 22in; 3.8lbs from Lake Athabasca in 2002.

RAINBOW TROUT: Now successfully stocked in fishing waters around Saskatchewan, the beautiful rainbow trout has distinctive black spots and pink lateral stripes from gill to tail. Average weight is .5-1.8 kg (1-4lbs.). Record size is 12.44kg (27lbs-8oz.) taken from Lake Diefenbaker in 2001. Live release record 5.85kg from Lake Diefenbaker in 1999.

BROOK TROUT: Brook trout are highly prized by anglers. Average size is .5-1kg (1-2lbs). Record size is 2.78kg (6.1lbs) taken from Little Amyott Lake in 1973.

YELLO PERCH: The yellow perch is found throughout Saskatchewan. Anglers appreciate perch for their fine flavour and the possibility of large catches. Average weight is around 250grams. Record size is 1.11kg (2lb-7.4oz.) from Pagan Lake in 1991.

Other fish commonly caught in Saskatchewan include: Brown trout, stocked in several waters of southern Saskatchewan; whitefish, found in lakes and rivers; sauger, found in the Saskatchewan and Churchill Rivers; and goldeye, found in the Saskatchewan River and Cumberland Lake area. Splake, a brook and lake trout cross, have been stocked in some Saskatchewan waters.

FLY-FISHING IN SASKATCHEWAN

In addition to its central location in tech North American continent, Saskatchewan offers fly-fishers a unique angling experience. For those who have already learned the secrets of tech northern species found here, this fly-fishing destination offers angling vacations that can be the answer to a dream. But if you overlook the fly-fishing opportunities in Saskatchewan, you will be mission some of the finest fishing the province has to offer.

From the southern reaches of Saskatoon, where it's possible to take large mouth bass on popper flies and streamers, to the farther st northern outpost, where grayling sip surface flies and quick moving nymphs, fly fishing gear will serve you well in Saskatchewan.

Commonly thought of as a deep-water fish, the lake trout is merely temperature intolerant. If you find cooler waters within the lakes' tolerance, you'll find them. Look in the northern shallows in the spring and fall; you'll find lakers ranging from to 50 pounds.

Other species present themselves as northern waters begin to warm. Long enshrined as the epitome of northern angling with a fly, the northern pike is known for its heart-stopping strike and, just as quickly, its disappearance. Before the pike became known to fly-fishers, the arctic grayling was the sole target of the presented fly in the north. Rocketing up from the bottom of shallow, rock-strewn streams, it is the most acrobatic of the northern pike.

You may want to reserve mornings for walleye, as they move into the shallows at light. While their strikes are not as spellbinding as the northern or laker, walleye are tenacious scrappers, seeking the depths of the lake or river when hooked. Fly-fishing for northern whitefish may be one of the best-kept secrets in the north. Ranging from 3 to 5 pounds, they're tremendous fighters.

Other options for the fly-fishers are the numerous trout species, brookies, browns, tiger and cutthroat trout, rainbows are splake. Coupled with that, be sure to challenge the carp and goldeye.

Saskatchewan, like the fly-fishing, is vast and diverse. Make your fly-fishing vacation here.

SASKATCHEWAN MAPS AVAILABLE

All Areas

Selective harvest, with a strong foundation of "Catch and Release", is the policy we advocate at FISHING MAPS "PLUS". Many anglers wish to eat some fish, and why not? They are nutritious and "umm", good tasting. If selective harvest is practiced, then the resource is renewable. The modern-day approach is to keep more numerous panfish before less abundant larger predators, and keep smaller, more abundant fish of a species before larger, less abundant ones.