nipawinTobin Lake 14 S A S K AT C H E W A N F I S H I N G & H U N T I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2 record-breaking <strong>fishing</strong> and family fun abound in
S A S K AT C H E W A N F I S H I N G & H U N T I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 2 15 The town of Nipawin’s tagline, “Exceptional by Nature,” is certainly true. Perched on the edge of the prairies and on the doorstep of <strong>Saskatchewan</strong>'s northern wilderness, Nipawin combines the best of the outdoors with the services of home to create a sportsman’s paradise and a great destination for family adventure. Nationally recognized as one of the “Top Ten Places in Canada to Live and Fish” by Outdoor Canada Magazine and a Top 20 finalist in the Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town contest sponsored by the World Fishing Network, Nipawin boasts a friendly population, extensive amenities, excellent recreation options, and affordable, accessible family <strong>fishing</strong>, and vacationing. “The Tobin/Codette Lake areas have approximately 100,000 angler days per season. This is a significant impact to the local economy,” said Doug Hidlebaugh, who is on the committees for several <strong>fishing</strong> tournaments in the area. Nipawin Mayor Lawrence Rospad echoes that. “There is a tremendous impact on the local community, economy, and area through tourism involving the <strong>fishing</strong> industry. Thousands of anglers visit this area every year.” North America’s top anglers come to Nipawin every year to take part in some of the most competitive and highpaying tournaments in Canada. For more than 40 years, the Nipawin Great Northern Pike Festival has been attracting anglers from across Canada Tobin Lake “There is a tremendous impact on the local community, economy, and area through tourism involving the <strong>fishing</strong> industry. Thousands of anglers visit this area every year.” The town, population 5,100, is located in northeastern <strong>Saskatchewan</strong> on Highway 55, which runs from Manitoba to Alberta and on Highway 35, which runs north from the U.S. border. It is 144 kms from Prince Albert (86 miles), 268 kms from Saskatoon (160 miles), and 361 kms from Regina (217 miles). What makes Nipawin exceptional is that it is nestled between two world-class fisheries – Tobin and Codette Lakes. The two man-made lakes were created with the construction of the E.B. Campbell Dam in 1963 and the Francois Finlay Dam in 1986. Tobin Lake has gained notoriety as one of the premier walleye and northern pike <strong>fishing</strong> lake in <strong>Saskatchewan</strong>, and is one of the top walleye lakes in North America. Codette Lake is gaining a reputation as one of the province’s best up and coming <strong>fishing</strong> areas. Other fish species that can be caught in the area include sauger, burbot, goldeye, yellow perch, and sturgeon. and the United States to Tobin and Codette Lakes in hopes of catching one of the 40 tagged northern pike. The festival, which runs from mid-June until September 30, has a total prize pool of over $110,000. Four of the 40 tags are major prizes, ranging from a pontoon boat package, a four-wheeler, $5,000, or a <strong>fishing</strong> accessory package. This international event draws 2,000 fishermen annually. In the past, there have been participants from 10 provinces and over 25 states, including North and South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Colorado. Outdoor Canada Magazine ranks the Nipawin Great Northern Pike Festival as “Canada’s Top Pike Event.” For more information, visit www.nipawinpikefestival.com.