Cree River Lodge – Your Northern Big Fish Destination

I launched the ¾-ounce chartreuse Krocodile spoon tight to the shoreline and cranked my reel fast, the lure slicing just beneath the glassy surface. Instantly, the water erupted, with a growing wake that surged behind the spoon with a predator zeroing in with terrifying speed. My heart pounded as the ripples closed in. I’d seen this before, that unmistakable sign that something big—something mean—was on the hunt. I fought the urge to react too soon. The spoon flashed in the shallows, and then, boom, a torpedo of muscle and teeth exploded on it. The water detonated as the fish turned, lure clenched in its jaws. My line tightened, and I slammed the hook home. Game on.

The big pike thrashed with raw fury, ripping through the bay violently and erratically. Every surge tested the tackle, and every turn threatened to throw the barbless hook. I held my nerve and the rod steady, the cold northern water fueling the fight. This wasn’t just a fish, it was a warhorse measuring 47 inches in length, and it wanted nothing more than to shake free and vanish back into its watery world.

After a grueling tug-of-war, I guided the massive fish alongside the boat, giant head and toothy glare breaking the surface. A quick photo to honor the moment, and then I let it go. With a powerful whip of its tail, the pike launched off like a torpedo, drenching the boat in a defiant farewell. It disappeared into the depths, leaving nothing behind but adrenaline and awe.

What to Expect

Nestled in the untouched wilderness of northern Saskatchewan, Cree River Lodge offers one of North America’s most thrilling fishing adventures. Renowned for world-class northern pike and walleye fishing, the lodge consistently delivers what many others can only promise. Anglers from all over the world come here for a legitimate shot at multiple northern pike over 40 inches, with many guests hooking into giants exceeding 45 inches, and the elusive 50-inch trophy is not out of reach. Walleye fishing is equally impressive, with waters teeming with fish in the 2- to 5-pound range, easily caught with basic gear and tactics. Some trophy walleye are taken annually, tipping the scale at over 12 pounds. For a truly northern experience, guests can pursue Arctic grayling, the acrobatic and feisty bug eaters, just a short boat ride from the main lodge.

Cree River Lodge offers exclusive day trips upriver to some of North America’s most productive pike waters. The untouched trophy waters provide extraordinary opportunities to catch northern pike and walleye in near-pristine solitude. Whether you’re fly fishing, casting traditional tackle, or doing both, the experience here is unmatched in excitement and productivity. Skilled, experienced guides lead every trip in a fleet of dependable boats, ensuring that guests are not only put on fish but can enjoy the adventure at their own pace in a truly relaxing environment.

Trophy Pike

I have taken my largest pike with the fantastic guides at Cree River Lodge, measuring 49 ½ inches and weighing an estimated 35 pounds. The moments are unforgettable. We pulled into a still oxbow off the main river, and I dropped my fly on the water and stripped line off the reel. The boat was still slowly coasting into the slack water when we spotted a giant pike hugging the bank. My heart rate immediately started to race, and I carefully cast my fly in front of the big pike where it would be impossible for the fish to miss it. I stripped some line, and the pike launched at high speed when the fly started to pulse in the water. I continued to strip small amounts of line in a rhythmic pattern until the pike was directly behind it.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion, with the giant mouth of the pike opening and breaking through the surface of the water, and my fly disappearing into its toothy abyss. I set the hook, and the fish went crazy, pulling out 50 feet of line without stopping or slowing down. Keeping tension on the reel, the fish slowed and turned, making a mad dash towards me. Keeping up with the line was challenging to ensure it did not slacken.

The battle was intense, and several times I worried the leader material would break, or the fish would swim into debris, but somehow, we managed to stay connected. Eventually, the big hen was brought alongside the boat, and I carefully lifted it for a quick photo before returning it to the pristine waters.

My hands were shaking with excitement and exhaustion. It was a special moment and a highlight in my fishing career. I have traveled to hundreds of lodges across northern Canada, but nothing compares to the Cree River Lodge experience. Twice, I have been in the boat when a pike of over 50 inches was caught. They are massive and unique trophies rarely heard of anywhere. The best day on the water saw 16 pike over 40 inches come to the boat. They were awe-inspiring moments that continue to have me dreaming of a return trip.

Exclusive Fishing

The lodge is remote but easily accessible by plane and sits on a sheltered stretch of the Cree River flowing out of Wapata Lake. Guests enjoy exclusive access to 225 miles of flowing water from the Pipestone and Cree Rivers, feeding into 16,000 acres of premier fishing territory. The main lodge has been thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality, featuring a welcoming dining area and private, well-equipped cabins with electric heat and hot and cold running water. Linens and bedding are provided, allowing you to travel light and enjoy a stress-free stay.

Each day is capped off with delicious meals prepared by a professional chef, served in the relaxed dining space of the lodge. The lodge’s tackle shop is fully stocked with proven gear, perfect for any angler who left something behind or wants to try the local favorites. One of the most memorable experiences for many guests is the traditional shore lunch with freshly caught fish cooked over an open fire, accompanied by all the fixings and stories of the morning’s best catches.

A Place for Any Angler

Cree River Lodge welcomes individuals, families, and groups for personal getaways and corporate retreats. Whether seeking an escape or planning a special gathering, the lodge offers a spectacular setting filled with remarkable wildlife, untouched landscapes, and unforgettable fishing. Open from June 1 through September 15, the lodge gives guests access to the height of the fishing season.

Respect for the resource is a core value at Cree River Lodge. Catch-and-release practices are mandatory for all trophy-class fish to ensure future generations can enjoy the same extraordinary angling opportunities. Fishing is conducted barbless to make it easier to release fish unharmed, preserving the ecosystem’s health and the sport’s excitement. There are boats set up specifically for fly anglers, and others for those who prefer conventional tackle.

Getting There

Getting to the lodge is part of the adventure. Most guests arrive via Edmonton, Alberta, on a private plane, traveling north to Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan. You are then taken directly to the lodge by floatplane. You leave Edmonton early in the morning and enjoy an excellent breakfast before having your first fish in the boat before 10:00 am.

The spirit of Cree River Lodge is best captured in the words of those who have experienced it. Luke Clayton, an outdoors writer from Texas with over 25 years of travel and fishing experience, says, “Never have I spent time with better, more experienced anglers than the folks at Cree River Lodge. I felt comfortable from the moment our boat touched the dock. The fishing, food, and hospitality were top notch.”

The pike fishing is so insane that I had to make time to fish for walleye and Arctic grayling, which most would consider a first-world problem. If you dream of catching a trophy pike of a lifetime, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option than Cree River Lodge. The walleye fishing should not be overlooked, especially when planning a shore lunch. Another bonus is catching a monster pike on a walleye you are trying to reel in to the boat.

Spectacular fishing. Pristine wilderness. Expert guidance. Comfortable accommodations. Unmatched adventure. Cree River Lodge is remote fly-in fishing at its best— a trip you’ll never forget. For more information, visit https://creeriverlodge.ca/.

 

Tourism Saskatchewan

Planning a fishing adventure in Saskatchewan has never been easier, thanks to the comprehensive resources provided by Tourism Saskatchewan. Their dedicated website, HuntFishSask.com, is a one-stop hub for anglers looking to explore the province’s world-class waters. Whether you’re seeking a remote lodge experience, a guided outfitter, or need help navigating the region’s vast fishing opportunities, the site offers detailed maps, lodge listings, and planning guides to help you customize the perfect trip. You’ll also find current fishing regulations and step-by-step instructions for purchasing licenses online, ensuring you’re fully prepared and compliant before you hit the water. For everything you need to plan your Saskatchewan fishing getaway, visit huntfishsask.com and start your adventure.

 

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