Saskatchewan Species

Sixty-eight different species of fish inhabit the lakes, rivers and streams of Saskatchewan.  The seven listed here are the most popular among anglers.

Northern Pike:  The northern pike, the most widely distributed sport fish in Saskatchewan, is considered one of the fiercest and most thrilling of all freshwater game fish.  The "great northern" generally prefers shallow weed areas in lakes and can often be caught in spring and fall in bays, off points and on sandbars dropping off into deeper waters.  To catch pike, use in-line spinners, crank baits or spoons - a variety of shallow running lures.  Average weight: 1 - 2.5 kg (2-5 lb).  Record size: 19.41 kg (42.8 lb), Lake Athabasca, 1954.  Live release: 135 cm (53"), Wollaston Lake, 1999.

Walleye:  Walleye traditionally prefer deeper waters, but are widely distributed throughout Saskatchewan in all but the shallowest lakes.  They vary in colour from brassy gold to olive buff, mottled with black.  The walleye gets its name from the milky colour of it's eyes.  These are some of the finest eating fish you'll find in the province and can be easily hooked on light tackle - jigs, live-bait rigs or jigging spoons.  They take the bait slowly, so you may lose your fish if you're too eager to set the hook.  Average weight:  usually 0.5 - 1.5 kg (1-3 lb).  Record size: 8.21 kg (18.06 lbs), Tobin Lake, near the town of Nipawin, September 1997

Lake Trout:  Saskatchewan's only native trout is common to the northern half of the province.  Its colour pattern is mostly grey-green above and white below, with creamy white mottlings on the back and a distinctly forked tail.  The laker is the largest member of the trout family with 30-pounders being recorded here.  In summer lake trout prefer cold, deep hole in all but the far northern lake, therefore steel line or jigging is usually advised.  In early spring and fall, they are closer to the surface and casting or trolling crankbaits, spoons or even flies work best.  Average weight: 1 - 1.5 kg (2-5 lb).  Record size and live release:  128.3 cm (50.5") in length, 80.0 cm (31.5") in girth, Lake Athabasca, 1995

Arctic Grayling:  This beautiful, elusive sport fish is easily identified by it's long, high, sail-like dorsal fin.  For that reason you'll often hear it called the "sailfish of the north".  Preferring the cold, clear lakes and fast moving streams of northern Saskatchewan, the Arctic grayling is a spectacular fighter, known to leap clear out of the water once  hooked.  Try dry fly-fishing with dark flies such as black gnats, dark cahill or brown hackle.  Casting very small spinners or jigs also works well.  Average weight: usually under 1kg (2 lb).  Record size: 1.96 kg (4.3 lb), Fond du Lac River, 1966, Live release: 53 cm (21"); 3 lb 5 oz, Highrock Lake, 1990

Rainbow Trout:  Now successfully stocked in fishing water around Saskatchewan, the beautiful rainbow trout has distinctive black spots and pink lateral stripe from gill cover to tail.  It exhibits a flashy and exciting fighting style when hooked, often including spectacular  jumps and long runs.  To catch one, use light spinning or fly tackle, lures with worms or miniature marshmallows, or a variety of small spoons or spinners.  Average weight: 0.5 - 1.8 kg (1 - 4 lb).  Record size: 9.69 kg (21 lb 5 oz) caught in the tailrace below the Gardiner Dam on the South Saskatchewan River, September 1997.  Live release:  70 cm or 27.5"; 9 lb, Steistol Lake, 1994.

Brook Trout:  Brook trout are highly prized by anglers.