fishing & hunting guide - Tourism Saskatchewan

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
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The town of Nipawin’s tagline, “Exceptional by Nature,” is
certainly true.
Perched on the edge of the prairies and on the doorstep
of Saskatchewan'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 fishing, 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 fishing 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 fishing 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 fishing
industry. Thousands of
anglers visit this area
every year.”
The town, population 5,100, is located in northeastern
Saskatchewan 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 fishing lake in Saskatchewan,
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 fishing 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 fishing 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.