Prime fishing opportunities in south-central Sask. at Lake Diefenbaker and Buffalo

Prime fishing opportunities in south-central Sask. at Lake Diefenbaker and Buffalo Pound

Anglers hitting the water, whether in the summer or the winter, can expect to have a great time on either Lake Diefenbaker or Buffalo Pound Lake, the two closest fishing hot spots to the Friendly City.

This year’s fishing season in the central zone runs from May 5, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Check the Angler’s Guide online for updated catch limits and license details. Free fishing weekend in Saskatchewan is on July 10-11, 2021. Lake Diefenbaker is a man-made reservoir lake formed by Gardiner Dam and the Qu’Appelle River Dam, with about 800 kilometres of shoreline and a max depth of over 200 feet in places. The body of water is located northwest of Moose Jaw and boasts some of the best sport fishing in the southern part of the province, with options for boat and shore fishing alike. Diefenbaker is best known for its trophy-sized rainbow trout, impressive walleye fishing and monster-sized northern pike — with the current world record rainbow trout actually caught in this lake. It’s also home to a number of other popular species, including yellow perch, goldeye, lake trout, suckers, brown trout, burbot, sauger and lake whitefish. Anglers with the required special permit can also try their hook at catching lake sturgeon in the depths of the lake. The largest fishing tournaments that take place each year are the Lake Diefenbaker Walleye Classic on the last weekend in May, the Riverhurst Walleye Classic on Father’s Day weekend in June and the Saskatchewan Landing International in July.

With three marinas located at Riverhurst, Elbow and Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park and numerous smaller boat launches located all along the shore, access to Lake Diefenbaker is plenty. The large lake is also great for other activities like watersports, camping and beach trips for the whole family. Visit lakediefenbakertourism.ca for more information on fishing and other recreational activities. Located a little closer to Moose Jaw, Buffalo Pound Lake is another fishing option that offers anglers a chance to get their hooks wet just twenty minutes north of Moose Jaw. Buffalo Pound is home to plenty of perch, as well as walleye, sauger, burbot, lake whitefish and northern pike. The lake also has a no-barrier trout pond, stocked annually with species like rainbow trout from the provincial fishery, which experts agree is a great place to practice fly fishing. Boat launch access is located inside of Buffalo Pound Provincial Park at Loney’s Point, and there are plenty of shore fishing locations all around the shoreline. Anglers are asked to remember there is a motor restriction for boats on the lake.

Annual tournaments at Buffalo Pound include the Walleye Challenge in June and the Youth and Family Ice Fishing Tournament in the winter, both hosted by the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation. With the fishing opportunities and the amenities of the provincial park, Buffalo Pound Lake is also a great spot for camping, canoeing or kayaking, and beach lounging in addition to fishing.

Lakeside Marina is a full-service marina on Lake Diefenbaker. (Tourism Sask.)

Lake Diefenbaker is well-known for its prime rainbow trout opportunities, and anglers have plenty of luck in both summer and winter. Buffalo Pound Lake has a fishing dock, located at Maple Vale Beach inside the provincial park.

Buffalo Pound Lake has several species of fish in its waters, including yellow perch, pictured here.