Fishing in Central Saskatchewan

Central Saskatchewan, anchored by Saskatoon, offers a mix of prairie river fishing, parkland lakes, and the transition into the boreal forest. The South Saskatchewan River through Saskatoon provides excellent urban fishing, while a short drive in any direction leads to quality walleye, pike, and perch lakes.

1. South Saskatchewan River (Walleye, Northern Pike, Goldeye, Lake Sturgeon)

Through Saskatoon

The South Saskatchewan River through Saskatoon offers excellent urban fishing for walleye, northern pike, goldeye, and lake sturgeon. The walleye population has rebounded strongly in recent years. The river's current, deep pools, and structure hold fish throughout the summer. Key access points include the Meewasin Valley Trail, riverbank parks, and the weir area near the University of Saskatchewan. Bottom bouncing and jigging are productive techniques.

2. Pike Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

30 min south of Saskatoon

Pike Lake, located in Pike Lake Provincial Park, offers good fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake's shallow, productive waters hold healthy fish populations. The park has a beach, campground, and golf course, making it a popular family destination.

3. Blackstrap Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

30 min south of Saskatoon

Blackstrap Lake, a man-made reservoir in Blackstrap Provincial Park, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is known for its consistent walleye population. Blackstrap Provincial Park offers camping, hiking, and a beach. The lake's proximity to Saskatoon makes it a popular after-work destination.

4. Jackfish Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

45 min north of Saskatoon

Jackfish Lake, near the town of Blaine Lake, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake's stained water and weed beds provide good habitat. Jackfish Lake has a popular beach and several cottage developments. The lake is a favourite among Saskatoon anglers.

5. Murray Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

45 min north of Saskatoon

Murray Lake, located near Hepburn, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is smaller than Jackfish Lake but offers good fishing with fewer crowds. Murray Lake has a boat launch and is a good option for anglers looking for a quieter experience.

6. Redberry Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

1 hour north of Saskatoon

Redberry Lake, located in Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is a unique saline lake that supports healthy fish populations. The biosphere reserve designation recognizes the area's ecological significance. Redberry Lake has a campground and boat launch.

7. Wakaw Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

1 hour northeast of Saskatoon

Wakaw Lake, located near the town of Wakaw, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake's shallow, productive waters hold healthy fish populations. Wakaw Lake has a popular recreation area with camping and a beach.

8. Lenore Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

1.5 hours northeast of Saskatoon

Lenore Lake, part of the Lenore Lake Basin, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is shallower and more saline than the region's freshwater lakes. Lenore Lake offers a unique fishing experience in Saskatchewan's parkland region.

9. Fishing Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

1.5 hours east of Saskatoon

Fishing Lake, located near the town of Wadena, offers walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing. The lake lives up to its name, providing consistent fishing in a parkland setting. Fishing Lake has a campground and boat launch.

10. Quill Lakes (Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch)

2 hours east of Saskatoon

The Quill Lakes — Big Quill, Little Quill, and Quill — are a unique chain of saline lakes that offer northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch fishing. Big Quill Lake is the largest saline lake in Canada. The lakes are an important bird area, hosting significant waterfowl populations. Fishing is best in spring and fall.

11. Manitou Lake (Northern Pike, Perch)

1.5 hours southeast of Saskatoon

Manitou Lake, near the town of Manitou Beach, offers northern pike and yellow perch fishing. The lake is a saline lake known for its mineral-rich waters and the Manitou Springs resort. Fishing is a secondary activity to the area's spa and wellness tourism.

12. Brightwater Creek & Gardiner Dam Area (Walleye, Northern Pike)

1 hour south of Saskatoon

The Brightwater Creek and Gardiner Dam area on the South Saskatchewan River offers walleye and northern pike fishing. The dam creates a popular fishing hole that holds fish year-round. The area is accessible from Saskatoon and offers good shore and boat fishing.

13. North Saskatchewan River (Walleye, Northern Pike, Goldeye, Sturgeon)

Flows through North Battleford, 2 hours northwest of Saskatoon

The North Saskatchewan River flows through North Battleford and offers walleye, northern pike, goldeye, and lake sturgeon fishing. The river's current and deep pools provide diverse habitat. The river is accessible from several parks in North Battleford and the surrounding area.

14. Jackpine Lake (Northern Pike, Perch)

1 hour north of Saskatoon

Jackpine Lake, located north of Saskatoon near the boreal forest transition, offers northern pike and yellow perch fishing. The lake is smaller and more remote than the region's more popular waters, offering a quieter experience.

15. Emma Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch)

1.5 hours north of Saskatoon

Emma Lake, located in the Prince Albert area, offers northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch fishing. The lake is part of a chain of lakes in the boreal forest transition zone. Emma Lake has a popular resort and campground area.

16. Saskatoon River Landing (Walleye)

Saskatoon

The South Saskatchewan River at River Landing in Saskatoon offers excellent urban walleye fishing.

17. Chief Whitecap Park (Goldeye, Walleye)

Saskatoon

Chief Whitecap Park offers South Saskatchewan River fishing access with walleye and goldeye.

18. Fred Mitchell Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Saskatoon

Fred Mitchell Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing near Saskatoon.

19. Zealandia Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Zealandia

Zealandia Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing in west-central Saskatchewan.

20. Milden Lake (Northern Pike)

Near Milden

Milden Lake offers northern pike and perch fishing in central Saskatchewan.

21. Dinsmore Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Dinsmore

Dinsmore Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing in west-central Saskatchewan.

22. Lucky Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Lucky Lake

Lucky Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing in the Lake Diefenbaker region.

23. Birsay Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Birsay

Birsay Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing near Lake Diefenbaker.

24. Mistusinne Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Mistusinne

Mistusinne Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing in the Diefenbaker region.

25. Coteau Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Coteau

Coteau Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing in central Saskatchewan.

26. Macrorie Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Macrorie

Macrorie Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing west of Saskatoon.

27. Conquest Lake (Northern Pike)

Near Conquest

Conquest Lake offers northern pike and perch fishing in central Saskatchewan.

28. Strongfield Lake (Northern Pike, Walleye)

Near Strongfield

Strongfield Lake offers northern pike and walleye fishing south of Saskatoon.

29. Watrous Lake (Northern Pike)

Near Watrous

Watrous Lake offers northern pike and perch fishing near Manitou Beach.

30. Manitou Beach (Little Manitou)

Near Watrous

Little Manitou Lake at Manitou Beach offers northern pike and perch fishing in a unique saline lake.