What to Expect When Fly-in Fishing in Saskatchewan
There’s something special about fly-in fishing in Saskatchewan, Canada, at a remote lake. From the instant the float plane touches the water until your trip ends, you are in a wilderness that will keep calling you back. Whether you are casting a spoon to a giant northern pike, back trolling a ‘harness rig’ for walleye that have never seen a hook or dropping big jigs down to trophy lake trout — you are in fishermen’s heaven.
What Fly-in Fishing in Saskatchewan Has To Offer
With over 100,000 lakes to choose from, finding the best fly-in spot is a matter of deciding what amenities and fish you want. Some lakes are known for giant northern pike and lake trout; others for walleye, arctic grayling, whitefish, burbot, and even yellow perch. Some locations feature guides, meal plans and lodgings, while others like Iskwatikan Lake Lodge are perfect for a DIY angler.
Travelling To Your Fly-in Fishing Destination
The logistics involved in traveling to one of these fly-in fishing camps can seem tricky, but with some basic information, getting there is easy. Start by booking a flight to one of the northern Canadian hub cities like Saskatoon: Most flights connect through Calgary, Alberta or Minneapolis–St. Paul airport. Getting from these hubs to camp requires directions from the fishing outfitter. Some destinations, such as Iskwatikan, necessitate driving a rental car to the float plane destination, though most outfitters incorporate the cost of the float plane trip into their package.
The Cost for a Fly-in Fishing Trip
Costs vary with amenities available at the camps. Full-service camps with meals and guides average between $4,000-5,000. The cost is reduced for DIY anglers; for example, Iskwatikan Lake Lodge currently charges about $1,250. The first time I visited Iskwatikan I was hesitant about fishing on my own, but with a few tips about where to fish and what lures to throw, I was catching fish like I knew what I was doing!
