Ice-Off / Early Season Fishing
Is late Spring ice messing up your fishing plans? No problem here at Cree River Lodge. Our early season fishing is all queued up and ready to wet some lines. We have miles and miles of Ice-Off fishing conditions. Our lodge is located on the Cree River and this system is one of the first in Northern Saskatchewan to clear, year after year.
Fantastic fishing opportunities for all our target species including early season Walleye, trophy Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling.
Many anglers across Western Canada are dealing with postponed or uncertain trips due to lingering ice conditions, while Cree River’s river-based system opens earlier year after year.
Take advantage of our current openings and enjoy some of the best Saskatchewan fly-in fishing.
Ready to fish while other northern lodges are still waiting for ice-out?
Limited Openings are Available:
• June 8–13
• June 13–17
• June 21–28
These dates became available due to cancellations and are expected to fill quickly.
Call or email to reserve your dates
Contact Cree River Lodge for World Class Fishing
Open River Systems
Our Open River Systems provide us with ice-free fishing from the season start date of May 25th here in Northern Saskatchewan. The warmer open water draws bait fish which draws the predatory fish, the Pike and Walleye. Many trophy fish are caught within sight of our docks in these early season conditions.
The warmer river water pushes into nearby Wapata Lake, opening more and more fishing water and hot spots.
Getting Here is Easy
• Fly into Edmonton
• Board the charter flight
• Fish the same day
Early Season Walleye and Trophy Pike
Water conditions plus the spring post spawning create a Walleye anglers dream . During this time, these fish are hungry and often quite aggressive. In both small and large bodies of water there is an epic window of time to target these fish. This early season Walleye fishing will spoil you for fishing anywhere else.
Looking to target Pike? Spring is hands-down one of the most exciting times of the year to target Northern Pike! This isn't just another fishing window—it's big fish season. Fresh off the spawn, pike are still holding in shallow water, often in places you can reach quickly from the Cree River Lodge dock, or right off the dock as we have witnessed 40" Pike pulled in by casting off the dock.
So whether it's the subtle jig bite of the chunky green-backed Walleye, or the aggressive lure smashing and line ripping Northern Pike, the trophies will be piling up and testing your gear. This is remote fly-in fishing that makes Canada famous.
Limited June Availability
If you are looking to book a Saskatchewan Spring Fishing Trip in 2026 or 2027, don't hesitate. A couple of cancellations have provided us with some open dates and those who act fast will get to claim some of the best fishing of the season, some of the best fly-in fishing in all of Canada.
This early season Ice-off fishing in Northern Saskatchewan belongs on every anglers bucket list, more than once. Add the comforts of our Northern Saskatchewan fishing lodge, on-site camp cook, and your own private cabins, and it's a trip you don't want to miss.
What's Included
• Charter flights from Edmonton
• Cabin accommodations
• Guided fishing
• Boats and fuel
• Meals
• Fish processing
• Trophy Pike, Walleye & Arctic Grayling opportunities
Ready to fish while other northern lodges are still waiting for ice-out?
Limited Openings are Available:
• June 8–13
• June 13–17
• June 21–28
These dates became available due to cancellations and are expected to fill quickly.
Call or email to reserve your dates
Contact Cree River Lodge for World Class Fishing
Early Season Fishing FAQs
When does fishing season open?
Officially the season opens May 25th. We are one of the first lodges accepting clients, beginning ???
What species can I catch in June?
All of our target species are abundant and hungry in June including Walleye, Pike and Arctic Grayling.
• What should I pack?
Expect the weather to be highly variable, from chance of rain, wind and cold to brilliant warm sunshine days.
• Are guides included?
Cree River Lodge provides a fully guided fishing experience.
• How do I get to the lodge?
Depending on your fishing date, get yourself to Edmonton Alberta for the lodge departure date and we will get you the rest of the way..
