Monster Pike on the Fly at Cree River Lodge

The bow of the boat eased forward as we drifted into the mouth of a shallow, reed-fringed bay on northern Saskatchewan’s legendary Wapata Lake and Cree River. I’d come for one reason, and that was to fly fish for monster pike. The water was glassy, the air still, and my pulse quickened as I stripped line from my reel and sent a big, feathery pattern my wife Stefanie had tied sailing through the air. It landed softly along the edge of a submerged weed bed, a perfect spot where toothy predators wait in ambush. With a steady hand, I stripped the fly to make it dart and pause, like a wounded baitfish hanging onto life. It looked irresistible, and my eyes were locked on the fly as it pulsed through the water.  I was sure a gator-sized pike would hammer it right away, but when nothing struck, I kept working, casting along the shoreline, building the rhythm every fly angler knows.

It wasn’t difficult to stay focused, as I had seen some massive pike come from the northern waters. Fishing with my late friend, Jason Petersen, I had the honor of landing one of the most impressive freshwater fish I’ve ever laid eyes on. Petersen enticed a 51-inch pike to take his hook, and the battle that ensued had both of us holding our breath. When the behemoth was hoisted into the boat, we erupted with roars of disbelief and excitement. A couple of quick pictures, and the ancient girl was returned to the waters where she had grown old.

I was daydreaming of the big old girls like in a trance of repetition, when I was jerked back to reality. The line jolted tight in my fingers, and the rod tip dove toward the water. It felt like hooking a parked truck, until it started to move. The fish surged, stripping line into the backing, the fly rod bending deep. This is where fly fishing shines: every surge, every head shake telegraphed into my hands. I leaned on the rod, coaxing the fish up from the depths until, finally, I saw it, a massive northern sliding beneath the boat. My partner slid the net under it, and we erupted in shouts. My humble home-tied Flashtail Whistler had produced a trophy-class fish, and it wouldn’t be the last time.

Over the next three days, the scenario repeated. Weed beds, rocky points, submerged structure and anywhere a big fish might be hiding were worked thoroughly. The fly consistently drew the largest fish, with dozens over 40 inches coming to the boat. I was fishing with Stefanie and the lodge owner, Pat Babcock, when it happened.

We pulled into an oxbow off the main channel and worked the fly along the undercut bank on the outside edge. The activity stirred the waters, and a huge pike lurked from the edge and into deeper water. A good back cast allowed me to drop the fly right over the fish, and as I stripped it forward, the pike turned into a submarine locked onto a target. The fish moved towards the colorful fly with authority, and I tried to maintain the same rhythm of retrieve. As if in slow motion, the fish opened its mouth, breaking the surface of the water and engulfing my fly before turning to return to the depths. A sharp hook set was felt clear into my elbow, and the weight of the fish grew as the rod bent.

The massive pike tried to swim past the boat and back into the main channel, but pressure on the fly made it turn in a splashy defiance that peeled line off my reel like it was hooked onto a freight train. The tug-of-war lasted several minutes before the fish rolled onto its side along the boat. Pat had it firmly in hand and lifted it from the clear waters. A quick measurement stretched to the tape to 49 ½ inches, just shy of the 50-inch Holy Grail mark for this pike aficionado.

Before the trip, I’d geared up specifically for this challenge. My weapon was a nine-foot, nine-weight, fast-action fly rod built from high-modulus graphite. The power and quick loading action made casting big streamers accurate and almost effortless, even in a stiff breeze. I matched it with a heavy line and wire leaders designed for toothy fish, going from tapered nylon to braided wire, finished with a clasp for quick fly changes. Two flies stood out: a chartreuse-and-white Big Fish Deceiver and the orange-and-yellow Flashtail Whistler, both in 3/0. They moved in the water with an undeniable pulse that drove pike crazy.

By trip’s end, I’d lost count of the fish. Many topped the magical 40 inches, with countless others over 46 inches. I caught them casting, sight fishing in the shallows and even trolling, which purists might scoff at, but I’ll tell you, the pike didn’t care. They hit with the same violence no matter how the fly came to them.

Where the Fish Are Big

At Cree River Lodge, the fish are big, the waters wild and the action nonstop. Fly fishing for pike here isn’t just productive, it’s an adrenaline rush that keeps you grinning long after you’ve released the last fish of the day. I have visited the unique fishery many times, and I always dream of returning. I have fished it in June, July, August and September, and caught big fish every visit. The flowing waters of the Cree River through Wapata Lake create a unique fishery, where water temperatures remain cold throughout the summer, allowing big pike to stay in shallow water. Big fish would commonly transition to deeper, oxygen-rich waters; however, the unique fishery and productive river system create the perfect conditions for growing large fish and keeping them accessible to anglers.

I did catch another 49 ½-inch pike on the same fly pattern and am determined to reach the 50-inch mark. There is never disappointment, and if my quest is ever completed, I will start looking for a 51-inch fish. We have witnessed some incredible sights while fishing at Cree River Lodge. Several times, I have had nice walleye grabbed by big pike, with both brought to the net. On another excursion with Pat, we motored over a shallow pool at the bottom of some rapids, and a big and aggressive pike flew out of the water and bit the bottom edge of the boat beside the motor. We watched in disbelief, and I quickly launched a Len Thompson spoon in its direction and enjoyed the arm-retching battle that ensued.

Incredible fishing for walleye, huge pike and Arctic grayling makes a trip to northern Saskatchewan truly special. The shore lunches leave you dreaming of an angler’s favorite meal until you can return, and the wildlife encounters are worth the trip alone. Great people, comfortable accommodations and plenty of aggressive fish throughout the season make Cree River Lodge a standout for a fully guided trip.

Gear and Fly Selection for Cree River Monster Pike

Rod & Reel

Bring a 9-foot, 9-weight fast-action fly rod built from high-modulus graphite. The extra backbone helps launch oversized streamers accurately, even in wind. Pair it with a large-arbor reel that has a smooth, powerful drag—these fish will test your gear from hookset to net. A spinning rod with braided line, quality leaders and an assortment of spinners, spoons and jigs will provide constant walleye action, but it is hard not to keep fishing for the big pike.

Line & Leader

A weight-forward floating line works well for shallow bays and weed beds, while a sinking tip is a must for deeper structure or trolling. Use custom wire pike leaders with a tapered nylon butt to attach to your fly line and a braided wire bite tippet up front. Include a sturdy clasp for quick fly changes without needing to retie.

Flies That Produce

Two proven patterns for Cree River giants are the Big Fish Deceiver in chartreuse/white (3/0) and the Flashtail Whistler in orange/yellow (3/0). Both offer high visibility and lifelike motion. Pack a mix of bright and natural colors to adapt to changing light and water conditions.

Other Essentials

Polarized sunglasses are critical for spotting fish and structure. A high-quality stripping glove can protect your fingers from line burn during blistering runs. The guides know how to land the fish, ensuring they return to the depths for future adventures.

Tourism Saskatchewan

Tourism Saskatchewan has created an excellent online resource for anyone planning a hunting or fishing trip in the province. The site, huntfishsask.com, makes trip planning simple and stress-free with interactive maps, detailed guides, and a complete directory of lodges and outfitters. Whether you are looking for a remote wilderness getaway or a full-service guided experience, the website connects you with the right options. It also provides up-to-date regulations and clear instructions for purchasing licenses online so that you can arrive fully prepared. For hunters and anglers alike, it serves as the perfect starting point for planning your Saskatchewan adventure.