The
Lakes
Many of our fishing trips are conducted on Lake Diefenbaker which is
a large reservoir and is part of the South Saskatchewan River system.
The lake is 140 miles long and has over 500 miles of shoreline which
creates an abundance of fish holding structure. Lake Diefenbaker is
an incredible trophy fishery due mainly to two reasons. First, is the
lack of fishing pressure. Secondly and most important is the water temperature.
Due to a warmer average water temperature than the Northern Saskatchewan
lakes, fish grow much bigger much quicker. For comparison a ten-year-old
walleye in a northern lake will average 3 pounds while the same fish
in Lake Diefenbaker would be an amazing 7.5 pounds. The lake reaches
depths of nearly 200 feet and is surrounded by prehistoric looking hills
and landscape. With your guide possessing the proper know how and experience,
Lake Diefenbaker can truly provide you with that fishing trip of a lifetime.
Our Lake DIefenbaker fishing trips are conducted out of Hitchcock Bay
which is 8 miles SE of Birsay, SK.
We also do some of our fishing on a smaller reservoir. Northern Pike
fishing here is almost always steady all day long right throughout the
season. While there are numerous 20lb+ fish caught here every year,
you will catch a lot of average sized great eating fish. If you’re
looking for an assured great time with lots of action this is a great
place to spend some time.
Our
Equipment
Our clients are treated to a safe comfortable fishing experience. This
is due in large part to our new 21 foot off-shore centre console fishing
boat. It has a very open floor plan which is great for fighting fish
and moving around the boat. It also has a T-top which is nice to keep
out of the sun on a hot day or out of the rain from a passing shower.
The boat is of course fully equipped for fishing with sonar, electric
trolling motors, live well, and rod holders. With it’s very deep-v
design this boat can handle a lot of waves which is especially important
if you are going to consistently have success fishing Lake Diefenbaker.
We can also supply quality rods, reels, and tackle for your guided fishing
charter, if you choose not to bring your own.
Species
and Techniques
While Lake Diefenbaker is home to over 20 types of fish we target 2
main species being Walleye and Northern Pike. The toughest decision
you will have to make while fishing with us is what species of fish
you want to pursue first.
Due to their great taste Walleye are the most sought after fish with
an incredible population in this lake including many in the 8-pound
plus range. While on your trip you will have a very real opportunity
to land one of this magnitude. The key to successful walleye fishing
on Lake Diefenbaker is adaptability. You must be able to adapt to the
ever-changing patterns of old 'Marble Eyes' and not be preoccupied with
what worked yesterday. We most commonly use bottom bouncers with spinner
rigs tipped with leaches until we locate a large concentration of Walleye
which may call for some still fishing or drift fishing using small jigs.
Rock points, sunken islands, and areas of sudden depth change are the
most common places we find walleye.
The walleye
fishing in Lake Diefenbaker has gotten better and better over the last
number of years. This is due in large part to the fact that the Ministery
of Environment has stocked 32.8 million walleye in this lake in the
past five years. WIth this ongoing stocking program we anticipate the
walleye fishing will continue to improve over the next few years.
Northern
Pike are probably the most electrifying game fish we pursue. With lots
of big northerns patrolling the weed beds we usually catch them on big
spoons or plugs or my personal favorite, a top-water buzz-bait. Just
imagine the excitement when a 20-pound pike breaks through the surface,
grabs your lure, and heads the other way making your drag sing. The
average pike in Diefenbaker is a very good size and as such you have
a good chance at landing the fish of a lifetime.
While fishing
for walleye and pike we often encounter many other types of fish. These
can include rainbow trout, sauger, perch, whitefish, goldeye, and burbot
among others.
Spear
Fishing
Not for the tame of heart, you can also try spearfishing during your
trip. If you think you've done everything, you owe it to yourself to
give this a try. Using a high powered spear gun you swim on the surface
above the weed beds looking for a large Northern Pike lurking in the
shadows. Fish usually look twice as big underwater so you can imagine
the excitement when you see a pike beneath you that is bigger than your
leg. After a well placed shot you pull the fish back with the 10 foot
rope attached to the spear. We have all necessary equipment for you
to try this, which doesn't require a special license or permit.
Ice
Fishing
When the lakes freeze over we turn our focus to ice fishing which can
also involve some very hot action. While fishing from a heated ice shack
through holes drilled in the ice you can enjoy much of the same action
as our summer trips offer. The most common fish we catch through the
ice are Rainbow Trout, Whitefish, and Perch with the occasional Pike
or Burbot to keep things interesting. Chumming and jigging is the preferred
method in the winter. Fresh fish cooked by barbecue on the ice is a
favorite midday ritual. While fishing from a cozy ice shack you are
sure to gain an appreciation for this local winter pastime.
Our
Service
As with our hunting operation, service is our first priority. When fishing
with us you can be assured that we take care of all the details that
make many trips a hassle. For your convenience we can provide fishing
tackle, if requested, as well as supplying all live and frozen bait.
We use a 21 foot offshore fishing boat fully equipped with fish finder,
live well, and trolling motor. We also use the latest GPS technology
when necesary to help us locate known fish holding structure.
