Reindeer Lake Lodge Fishing Adventure

Set on a secluded private island in the pristine wilderness of northern Saskatchewan, Reindeer Lake Lodge offers world-class freshwater fishing in one of Canada’s most spectacular and unspoilt landscapes.

Reindeer Lake covers almost two million acres and contains approximately 5,500 islands, creating a seemingly endless network of sheltered bays, rocky shorelines and secluded fishing grounds. Its cold, crystal-clear waters support exceptional populations of northern pike, lake trout, walleye and Arctic grayling — the four species that make up Canada’s coveted freshwater “Grand Slam”.

Established in 1956, Reindeer Lake Lodge is the original fishing lodge on the lake. Generations of local guides have developed an intimate knowledge of these vast waters, helping guests find productive fishing areas and providing expert guidance throughout their stay.

Days are spent aboard a private guided boat in search of trophy fish, with freshly prepared shore lunches served beside the water. In the evening, guests return to the island for home-cooked dinners, drinks beside the original stone fireplace and a comfortable night in a private log cabin.

With no roads, no crowds and access to some of the northernmost and least-pressured waters on Reindeer Lake, this is a genuine Canadian wilderness adventure complemented by warm hospitality and first-class facilities.

The Fishing Experience

Fishing trips at Reindeer Lake Lodge are fully guided, with one professional guide provided for every two anglers.

Each pair fishes from a specially designed 18-foot Lund or Alumarine boat equipped with:

• A 50hp four-stroke Yamaha outboard motor
• Comfortable padded suspension seats
• A raised casting deck
• Rod holders and ample storage
• Long-range fuel tanks
• VHF two-way radio
• Essential safety equipment

The lake’s thousands of islands create numerous sheltered fishing areas, meaning guides can usually find protected water even when conditions are windy.

Guests can fish using a variety of techniques, including fly-fishing, casting, trolling and jigging. The lodge provides a detailed tackle recommendation guide before departure, and additional equipment and supplies are available from the on-site tackle shop.

Reindeer Lake Lodge primarily follows a catch-and-release policy. Other than fish retained for the traditional shore lunch, catches are returned to the water using barbless hooks and careful release techniques. 

What Can You Fish For?

Northern Pike
Reindeer Lake is internationally recognised for its trophy northern pike. These powerful predators are known for their aggressive strikes, explosive runs and impressive size.

Fish measuring more than 40 inches are regularly caught, with some specimens approaching or exceeding 50 inches. The lodge reports that its guests collectively catch and release more than 2,000 pike over 40 inches each year.

Early in the season, pike can often be found in shallow, warmer bays, making June particularly exciting for sight-fishing and fly-fishing. As summer progresses, they move towards established weed beds, deeper edges and cooler water.

Lake Trout
The cold, deep waters of Reindeer Lake provide ideal habitat for lake trout, including specimens weighing more than 30 lb. The lodge has previously recorded exceptionally large lake trout exceeding 60 lb.

After the ice has cleared in June, lake trout can often be found in comparatively shallow water, where they can be targeted by fly-fishing, casting or trolling.

As the water becomes warmer during July and August, the fish move into deeper, cooler areas. This introduces a different style of fishing, with guides using trolling and vertical jigging techniques to reach the trout.

Arctic Grayling
Recognisable by their large, sail-like dorsal fins, Arctic grayling are one of the most beautiful fish found in northern Canada.

They are generally targeted in the lake’s tributaries and clear river systems, where fly-fishing can be especially rewarding. Although smaller than the lake’s pike and trout, grayling are spirited fighters and offer a technical and enjoyable challenge.

Landing all four principal species — northern pike, lake trout, walleye and Arctic grayling — completes the Canadian freshwater Grand Slam.

Walleye
Known locally as pickerel, walleye are found throughout Reindeer Lake and offer both consistent fishing and the possibility of trophy specimens weighing more than 10 lb.

Jigging and trolling are commonly used to target walleye, particularly around underwater structure, rocky points and islands. Early mornings and evenings can be especially productive during warmer summer conditions.

Walleye may also feature in the traditional shore lunch prepared by the guide beside the lake.

Accommodation

Guests stay in a selection of private modern and traditional-style log cabins located around the island.

Each cabin offers: Comfortable hotel-style beds, private bathroom with hot shower and flush toilet, individually controlled propane heating, towels and bedding, mini fridge, Keurig coffee and hot-drink maker, daily housekeeping. 

The interiors have a warm, rustic Canadian character, with timber walls and simple, comfortable furnishings. Propane heating ensures that the cabins remain cosy during cooler mornings and evenings.

The combination of a private cabin, proper bathroom facilities and daily housekeeping makes Reindeer Lake Lodge suitable for guests seeking an authentic wilderness experience without giving up essential comforts.

The Main Lodge

The main lodge forms the social heart of the island. Originally established in the 1950s, it retains its traditional northern character while offering modern facilities.

Amenities include: Large original stone fireplace, comfortable lounge, dining room, full bar, billiard table, poker table, large-screen television, wireless internet access, full-service tackle shop, clothing and souvenir shop. 

After a day on the water, guests can relax by the fire, enjoy a drink at the bar or exchange fishing stories with fellow anglers.

Food and Dining

Breakfast and dinner are served in the lodge’s dining room, while lunch is normally prepared beside the lake by the fishing guide.

A typical day begins with a hearty breakfast before heading out onto the water. At lunchtime, the guide selects a suitable shoreline location and prepares the morning’s permitted catch as part of a traditional Canadian shore lunch.

Guests then return to the lodge in the evening for appetisers and a home-cooked dinner. Snacks are also provided, and the standard fishing package currently includes two complimentary cocktails each evening.

Getting There

Reindeer Lake Lodge is accessible only by air. The fishing package includes return charter flights from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to the lodge’s private island airstrip.

Other activities: Although fishing is the main focus, the lodge’s remote surroundings offer plenty of interest away from the water. Depending on the season and a little good fortune, guests may see: Black bears, moose, bald eagles, loons, otters, caribou, wolves and martens. Guests can also swim from white-sand beaches during warmer weather, hike to neighbouring lakes, pick wild blueberries from mid-August, relax on their private deck or simply enjoy the remarkable stillness of the surrounding wilderness. September visits may also bring opportunities to see the northern lights.

A Typical Four-Day Fishing Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to Reindeer Lake

Depart Saskatoon early in the morning and fly via La Ronge to Reindeer Lake Lodge. On arrival, the team will transfer your luggage to your private cabin while breakfast is served in the main lodge.

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your first full day of fishing. A packed lunch is normally supplied on the arrival day to maximise the time available on the water.

Return to the lodge for drinks and dinner.

Days 2–4 – Guided Fishing

After breakfast, set out with your professional guide for a full day exploring Reindeer Lake.

Each day can be tailored around your preferred species and fishing style. You might cast for trophy northern pike in sheltered bays, jig for walleye around rocky islands, troll for deep-water lake trout or visit a river system in search of Arctic grayling.

Stop beside the water for a traditional shore lunch prepared by your guide before continuing to fish during the afternoon.

Return to the lodge for appetisers, dinner and time around the fireplace.

Day 5 – Return to Saskatoon

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the lodge’s private airstrip. Fly back to Saskatoon, normally arriving at approximately 11am, ready to continue your journey or spend an additional night in the city.

Suggested Packages: 

5 Night Package from £4,425 per person - 1 night hotel accommodation at Saskatoon Airport, 4 night fishing package at the lodge. 

9 Night Package from £6,275 per person - 1 night hotel accommodation at Saskatoon Airport, 8 night fishing package at the lodge. 

What Is Included: Hotel-to-airport shuttle in Saskatoon, one night hotel accommodation at Saskatoon Airport, return charter flights from Saskatoon to Reindeer Lake Lodge, private log cabin accommodation, private bathroom and propane heating, daily housekeeping, professional fishing guide for every two anglers, deluxe 18-foot fishing boat, 50hp Yamaha outboard motor, breakfast, freshly prepared shore lunch, home-cooked dinner, snacks and appetisers, two complimentary cocktails each evening, wireless internet, use of lodge facilities and equipment, full fishing access to Reindeer Lake. 

Not included: International and domestic flights to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan fishing licence, fishing tackle and tackle-shop purchases, guide overtime, additional drinks and lounge purchases, gratuities, applicable taxes, items of a personal nature. 

Current package prices are based on two people sharing. Single guests and odd-numbered parties attract an additional charge because fishing is arranged with two anglers per boat.

Best time to visit
June to September, with late June and July offering the best combination of varied fishing, long days and more comfortable conditions.