Fisheries: Sask Fisheries

An Introduction to Saskatchewan Fisheries

Saskatchewan's fisheries resource makes a major contribution to the province's economy. More than 230,000 anglers fish in Saskatchewan annually. Fish hatcheries, stocking programs and a processing plant are present in the province. Over 3400 jobs are directly related to the commercial and sport fishing industry. Each year, approximately 11 million fish are caught be anglers and 5 million are kept. This renewable resource continues to support revenue and recreation in the province with careful management practices.

Saskatchewan a great place to fish. Take a look at the topography of the province. Water accounts for about one-eighth of the area in Saskatchewan. There are thousands of lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, ponds, swamps and reservoirs throughout the entire province, all habitats to various fish populations.
For the purposes of management of the fishing resource, the Province is divided into three zones. The most obvious effect of this arrangement is on the opening date of the fishing season. In the southern zone, fishing season usually begins in the first week of May but is delayed two to three weeks in the northern zone. For the 1999-2000 season, season dates are: May 8 to March 31 (southern), May 15-March 31 (Central), May 25-March 31 (northern). Look to your Saskatchewan Angler's guide for specific dates for certain waters.

Lac Laronge

The majority of great fish habitat lies in the thinly populated northern half of the province, where most lakes are deep, clear, cold and numerous.
The only way to access some of these great fishing lakes is by float plane. Charter operators will fly you into one of the many specialized fishing camps for the experience of a lifetime. Check with your travel agent for details!

Types of Fish in Saskatchewan

Types of fish present in the lakes of the Shield are arctic grayling, brook trout, brown trout, burbot, lake sturgeon, lake trout, lake whitefish, northern pike, rainbow trout, sauger, splake, walleye, suckers and yellow perch. The five major lakes in northern Saskatchewan include Reindeer, Wollaston, Cree, La Ronge and Athabasca where commercial and sport fishing is present. Sport fishermen can enjoy any one of the province's camps/lodges which boast excellent fishing in Saskatchewan's north.

Lakes in Saskatchewan

Lakes in the forested regions of Saskatchewan are typically shallower, warmer and more fertile than those in the Shield region. Of the fish common is Saskatchewan, all exist in these lakes, except arctic grayling. Lake trout are found in the deeper, cooler lakes. Commercial and sport fisherman find success in this area. Lakes in the parkland and prairie regions are fewer in number and many lack drainage. The exception to this is a string of lakes in the Qu'Appelle Valley ranging in depth from 150 to 400 feet. They are the most heavily sport fished because of their location. Certain trout species can be found in some of the streams in the Cypress Hills area. In addition, some smaller areas support fish for a few weeks in the spring after floods provide the necessary food, shelter and water that fish need. Aquaculture (fish farming) is a popular method of supporting fish in waters not capable of such in winter months.
Let's take a closer look at fisheries in Saskatchewan. As you look at each area, try the activities and test your knowledge of FISH.

Aquaculture on the Farm
The pond on your land could support an aquaculture operation...or could it? What type of fish would be the best choice in your pond? Where do you obtain stock? How do you harvest the fish?