Which lodge will you choose?

Published on Dec 04 2017

Choosing a lodge is the hardest part of planning a fishing vacation to Saskatchewan. Tourism Saskatchewan’s website lists approximately 160 outfitters offering varying levels of service, from light housekeeping cabins to wilderness luxury lodges. Nearly half of Saskatchewan’s fishing lodges are road accessible. A few are boat-in operations. Most of the rest shuttle in customers on single or twin engine float planes. A few lodges have built their own airstrips and can charter in customers direct from the Saskatoon International Airport or other departure points.

Exclusive Fly-in Locations

Fly-in lodges offer the advantage of accessing waters that only the lodge’s guests ever get to fish. While not always the case, fly-in lodges tend to cater to anglers who can afford a more remote experience and have higher expectations in terms of luxury and service, as well as the quality of the fishing.

Anglers heading to a fly-in lodge have the option of driving up to a departure point in the province or flying all the way. Those who fly all the way typically arrive the day before and board a lodge charter very early the next morning so they can arrive at the lodge in time to get in a full day of fishing. On the way home, it is possible to arrive back at an international airport in time to make scheduled air connections the same day.

Drive In to Enjoy the Journey

Drive-in lodges are a more affordable option for those travelling on a budget or with families or large groups. While some road-accessible resorts are found in the south, most are located along the few roads that reach high up into the north. Highway 155 in the northwest takes you to Lac la Plonge and beyond. Highway 2 up the centre of Saskatchewan takes you to Lac la Ronge, where you can hook up with Highway 102 to the Churchill River and beyond. The Hanson Lake Road angles into the northeast past Deschambault Lake, Jan Lake and Mirond Lake. Mirond holds the live release record for northern pike, proving you don’t have to do a fly-in to catch a huge trophy-sized fish.

Anglers heading to road-accessible fishing camps can drive all the way up to Saskatchewan or fly in to Saskatoon (northern trips) or Regina (southern trips) and rent a vehicle from there.

Choosing a Lodge

When choosing a lodge, what you like to fish for will be a consideration. Tourism Saskatchewan’s online fishing outfitter database can be filtered by the four main sports fish that draw anglers into the province: northern pike, walleye, lake trout and Arctic grayling.

What level of service you expect is also an important factor. At some lodges, seasoned anglers can rent a boat and head out on the lake on their own. More often, though, visiting anglers stay at resorts that take care of everything. Experienced guides take you out on the water to the best fishing spots and cook up amazing shore lunches, while chefs back at the lodge prepare the morning and evening meals. The emphasis is on providing a relaxing, stress-free experience. All you have to worry about is what lure you are going to use. Even then, you can get helpful advice from the lodge tackle shop and your guides.

Arrangements and travel routes are different for lodges located in different areas of Saskatchewan. Once you have selected your end destination, your host outfitter can help with travel plans.

To help make sure you get the best possible experience, check to see if the lodge you choose is a member of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters (SCPO). This not-for-profit, industry driven commission is made up of licensed professional outfitters who help ensure a high quality guest experience.