Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker is one of the premiere fishing and recreational destinations in the province. This is a truly massive lake, the largest one in southern Saskatchewan. There are a huge number of parks, communities, and resorts on the lake, and many beaches, boat launches, trails, marinas, etc, to explore.
A number of different highways provide access to the lake and it's amenities. These include Highways 19, 628, and 44 which crosses the Gardiner Dam. Highway 42 crosses the lake at the Riverhurst Ferry. Highway 4 crosses the lake via a causeway and bridge at the western end of the lake.
There are three provincial parks (Danielson Provincial Park, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, Douglas Provincial Park), four regional parks (Cabri Regional Park, Palliser Regional Park, Herbert Ferry Regional Park, Prairie Lake Regional Park) and a couple recreation sites on the lake (Riverhurst Ferry Recreation Site, Elbow Harbour Recreation Site).
Lake Diefenbaker is home to not only an incredible number of different species (14 species of game fish) but also some truly massive ones! It holds the record for world record for rainbow trout and burbot. It is also one of only a few locations in the province that support a reproducing population of rainbow trout. There are a number of outfitters/fishing guides operating on the lake including Lake Diefenbaker Fishing Charters, South Sask Fishing Adventures, Galloway Bay Outfitters, High Plains Outfitting, and of course the Fishing Geeks!
You can find Walleye, Lake Sturgeon, Lake Trout, Sauger, Rainbow Trout, Mooneye, Goldeye, Northern Pike, Cisco, Longnose Sucker, Lake Whitefish, Burbot, White Sucker and Yellow Perch in Lake Diefenbaker.
Lake Diefenbaker is home to the only keelboat sailing school with Living Sky Sailing School operating out of the Elbow Harbour which is also home to the Lake Diefenbaker Yacht Club.
There are two Important Bird Areas (IBA) on Lake Diefenbaker. The Galloway and Miry Bay IBA is located on the west side of the lake 20km N of Cabri. The East Lake Diefenbaker IBA is on the east end and is designated as critical piping plover habitat.
Current Conditions
Nearby Water Stations
Details
| Fishing Zone: | Southern Zone |
| User Rating: | 5.0 / 5.0 |
| Favourited: | 3 times |
| Photos: | 160 photos of Lake Diefenbaker |
| RM: | Excelsior No. 166, Saskatchewan Landing No. 167, Victory No. 226 |
| Communities: | Resort Village of Beaver Flat, Riverhurst, Hitchcock Bay, Elbow, Resort Village of Mistusinne |
| Parks: | Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, Riverhurst Ferry Recreation Site, Palliser Regional Park, Herbert Ferry Regional Park, Prairie Lake Regional Park, Douglas Provincial Park, Danielson Provincial Park, Elbow Harbour Recreation Site, Cabri Regional Park |
| Location: | 50.922837570377, -107.49800295574 |
| Shore Length: | 1,002km |
| Surface Area: | 107,132 acres |
| Max Width: | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Max Length: | 225 km (140 mi) |
| Max Depth: | 66 m (217 ft) |
| Inflows: | South Saskatchewan River |
| Outflows: | South Saskatchewan RiverQu'Appelle River |
Recent Activity
Comments, experiences, questions, and answers
Add CommentRating from
Comment from
Question from
Reply from
Directions to Lake Diefenbaker
Get directions to the lake: here
Note: this just takes you to the closest road to the centre of the lake, and may not be the best route to get to the lake.
For directions directly to a service/amenity at the lake click on one of the listings in Services & Amenities
John G. Diefenbaker
Diefenbaker Lake is named after former Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker.
Events
I don't know of any events at this time.
Map
Explore Lake Diefenbaker with our interactive map.
Cabins for Sale at Lake Diefenbaker
Interested in buying a cabin at Lake Diefenbaker? Explore current listings on JustLakes.ca.
View Listings →
Parks
Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park
Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park is located at Lake Diefenbaker.
Website:
https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/provincialpark/312/saskatchewan-landing-provincial-park
Riverhurst Ferry Recreation Site
Riverhurst Ferry Recreation Site is located at Lake Diefenbaker.
Palliser Regional Park
Contact
Phone: (306) 353-4604 Campground: (306) 353-4604 Golf Course: (306) 353-2065 Fax: (306) 353-4644
Website: https://saskregionalparks.ca/park/palliser/
Mailing Address: Box 89 Riverhurst, SK S0H 3P0
Social: Facebook
Amenities
- Aquatic Program / Swimming Lessons
- Beach Area
- Camp Kitchen / Picnic Shelter
- Camping (Electricity
- Water
- Sewer)
- Cell Phone Service
- Fire Wood
- Gasoline and/or Propane Services
- Golf Course Club House (Licensed)
- Group Camping
- Group Camping with Hall and/or Kitchen
- Laundry Facilities
- Pet Friendly
- Potable Water
- Racquet Sports - Pickleball
- Sewer Dump Station
- Swimming Pool
- Washrooms (Outhouse)
- Barrier Free Areas (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Boat Launch
- Camping (Electrical Sites)
- Camping (Non-Electrical)
- Concession
- Fish Filleting
- Golf Course 9 Hole Grass Greens
- Golf Course Pro Shop
- Group Camping (Electric
- Water
- Sewer)
- Hall and/or Shelter Rental
- Licensed Establishment
- Picnic Tables
- Public Telephone
- Restaurant
- Showers
- Volleyball Court
- Wildlife Viewing
- Basketball Court
- Cabin Rental
- Camping (Electricity and Water)
- Camping Seasonal
- Driving Range
- Fishing
- Golf Course Club House (Food Service)
- Groceries and Supplies
- Group Camping (Electrical Sites)
- Hiking Trails
- Marina
- Playground
- Quiet Time Enforced
- Security
- Swimming Area - Lake
- Washrooms (Modern / Running Water)
Herbert Ferry Regional Park
Prairie Lake Regional Park
Contact
Phone: (306) 859-2099
Website: https://saskregionalparks.ca/park/prairie-lake/
Mailing Address: Box 406 Beechy, SK S0L 0C0
Social: Facebook
Amenities
- Aquatic Program / Swimming Lessons
- Camp Kitchen / Picnic Shelter
- Camping (Electricity
- Water
- Sewer)
- Fire Wood
- Hall and/or Shelter Rental
- Pet Friendly
- Potable Water Available For Sale
- Sewer Dump Station
- Volleyball Court
- Beach Area
- Camping (Electrical Sites)
- Camping Seasonal
- Fish Filleting
- Horseshoe Pits
- Picnic Tables
- Public Telephone
- Showers
- Washrooms (Modern / Running Water)
- Boat Launch
- Camping (Electricity and Water)
- Cell Phone Service
- Fishing
- Marina
- Playground
- Quiet Time Enforced
- Swimming Area
Douglas Provincial Park
Douglas Provincial Park is located at Lake Diefenbaker.
Website:
https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/provincialpark/308/douglas-provincial-park
Danielson Provincial Park
Danielson Provincial Park is located at Lake Diefenbaker.
Elbow Harbour Recreation Site
Elbow Harbour Recreation Site is located at Lake Diefenbaker.
Cabri Regional Park
Contact
Phone: (306) 587-2755 (Seasonal)
Website: https://saskregionalparks.ca/park/cabri/
Mailing Address: Box 494 Cabri, SK S0N 0J0
Social: Facebook
Amenities
- Barrier Free Areas (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Camp Kitchen / Picnic Shelter
- Camping (Non-Electrical)
- Concession
- Fish Filleting
- Group Camping (Electrical Sites)
- Marina
- Playground
- Sewer Dump Station
- Volleyball Court
- Beach Area
- Camping (Electricity and Water)
- Camping Seasonal
- Disk Golf
- Fishing
- Group Camping with Hall and/or Kitchen
- Pet Friendly
- Potable Water
- Showers
- Washrooms (Modern / Running Water)
- Boat Launch
- Camping (Electricity
- Water
- Sewer)
- Cell Phone Service
- Fire Wood
- Group Camping
- Horseshoe Pits
- Picnic Tables
- Quiet Time Enforced
- Swimming Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Fishing at Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker is in the southern fishing zone.
What fish are in Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Sturgeon, Walleye, Sauger, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Goldeye, Mooneye, Northern Pike, Cisco, Burbot, White Sucker, Longnose Sucker, Lake Whitefish and Yellow Perch can be found in Lake Diefenbaker.Learn all about fishing in Saskatchewan here.
Additional Restrictions:
Fishing Season
Fishing season on Lake Diefenbaker is from May 5, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Additional Restrictions:
-
Irrigation Bay Of Coteau Bay Closed To Angling March 1 To May 14
Fishing Limits for Lake Diefenbaker
| Species | Limit |
| Goldeye | Limit 8 (combined limit for goldeye and mooneye) |
| Mooneye | Limit 8 (combined limit for goldeye and mooneye) |
| Lake Trout | Limit 3 (only one may exceed 65 cm) |
| Northern Pike | Limit 5 (only one may exceed 75 cm) |
| Yellow Perch | Limit 25 |
| Stocked Trout | Limit 5 (combined limit for all stocked trout) |
| Walleye | Limit 4 (only one may exceed 55 cm, combined limit for Walleye/Sauger/Saugeye) |
| Lake Whitefish | Limit 8 (combined limit for all whitefish) |
| Burbot | Limit 8 |
| Cisco | Limit 8 (combined limit for all whitefish) |
| Lake Sturgeon | Limit 0 |
| Sauger | Limit 4 (only one may exceed 55 cm, combined limit for Walleye/Sauger/Saugeye) |
Disclaimer
Although we try our best to provide correct and updated information for every lake in Saskatchewan, all information on this site is provided to use at your own risk. Please reference the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide for more information.
Fish Facts
|
|
Walleye: (48 - 4800 g) Sauger: (59 - 1035 g) Pike: (50 - 5920 g) Perch: (30 - 450 g) Whitefish: (84 - 2575 g) Goldeye: (55 - 1410 g) Burbot: (220 - 2650 g) | July 18 - 27. Gill nets. Increase in walleye, sauger, goldeye and lake sturgeon abundance relative to the previous 2011 survey, with walleye the second most common species caught. Whitefish, pike, burbot and cisco abundance is comparable to the previous survey, with whitefish the most common fish species caught. Perch continue to decline. No trout of any species were caught during the survey. |
|
|
*Trap nets were used in this survey. Recordings will be shown in length. Walleye (40.2 - 74.9 cm), Good Pike (51.3 - 100.5 cm), Fair Rainbow Trout (55.5 cm), Sparse Burbot (74.4 - 87.0 cm), Sparse Prussian Carp (1,220 - 1,710 g) | May 6-10, 2019 Survey conducted to assess walleye and pike spawning populations in Coteau Bay. All sport fish were released, with two adult Prussian carp captured during the survey. |
Fishing Attractions/Services at Lake Diefenbaker
Boating at Lake Diefenbaker
There are 11 boat launches/marinas at Lake Diefenbaker.
Camping at Lake Diefenbaker
There are 17 campgrounds at Lake Diefenbaker.
Beaches at Lake Diefenbaker
There are 13 beaches at Lake Diefenbaker.
Photos of Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker
1am just after catching a burbot
Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker
Sun, snow and big skies. Sask beauty.
Lake Diefenbaker
South Sask River sunset.
Lake Diefenbaker
South Sask River near Sask Landing.
Lake Diefenbaker
Winter skyline, near Beaver Flats.
Lake Diefenbaker
Bathymetric (Depth) Charts for Lake Diefenbaker
Nearby Services & Amenities
Communities near Lake Diefenbaker
There are 5 communities at Lake Diefenbaker.
Nearby Lakes
Products for Lake Diefenbaker
References
Other References
- Lake Diefenbaker (Wikipedia)
- Lake Diefenbaker (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
- Resort Village of Beaver Flat (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
- Riverhurst (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
- Hitchcock Bay (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
- https://www.tuftsbaycampground.com/
- https://www.hitchcocks.ca/
- https://fishinglakediefenbaker.com/
- https://fishinggeeks.net/
- https://www.gallowaybayoutfitters.com/
- https://marshlandfishing.com
- https://www.highplainsoutfitting.com/
- https://www.lakesidemarina.ca/
- https://lakeshorebays.ca/
- http://www.harborgolfclub.com/
- http://www.sandyshoresresort.ca/
- https://livingskysailingschool.ca/index.html
- https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/provincialpark/312/saskatchewan-landing-provincial-park
- https://southsaskfishingadventures.com/
- https://www.fisheroutfitters.ca/
- https://lakediefenbakertourism.com/
- https://www.remax-shorelinerealty.com/
- Elbow (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
- https://mistusinne.com/
- Resort Village of Mistusinne (Canadian Geographical Names Database)
Data Sources & References
- Weather data: OpenWeather - https://openweathermap.org/
- Satellite imagery: © European Union, Copernicus Programme (Sentinel data) - https://www.copernicus.eu/
View full details on your catch log.
Ice Safety Warning
Ice thickness and access reports in this panel come from users, site staff, and public social media posts. This information is unverified, may be inaccurate, and can change rapidly. Ice conditions vary greatly, and ice is never completely safe.
The information here is for general awareness only and must not be relied on to determine whether ice is safe to travel on.
By continuing, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety. The site assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use of this information.
Ice Safety Warning
Ice thickness and access reports in this panel come from users, site staff, and public social media posts. This information is unverified, may be inaccurate, and can change rapidly. Ice conditions vary greatly, and ice is never completely safe.
The information here is for general awareness only and must not be relied on to determine whether ice is safe to travel on.
By continuing, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety. The site assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use of this information.
Ice Safety Warning
Ice thickness and access reports in this panel come from users, site staff, and public social media posts. This information is unverified, may be inaccurate, and can change rapidly. Ice conditions vary greatly, and ice is never completely safe.
The information here is for general awareness only and must not be relied on to determine whether ice is safe to travel on.
By continuing, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety. The site assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use of this information.
Ice Safety Warning
Ice thickness and access reports in this panel come from users, site staff, and public social media posts. This information is unverified, may be inaccurate, and can change rapidly. Ice conditions vary greatly, and ice is never completely safe.
The information here is for general awareness only and must not be relied on to determine whether ice is safe to travel on.
By continuing, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety. The site assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use of this information.
Ice Safety Warning
Ice thickness and access reports in this panel come from users, site staff, and public social media posts. This information is unverified, may be inaccurate, and can change rapidly. Ice conditions vary greatly, and ice is never completely safe.
The information here is for general awareness only and must not be relied on to determine whether ice is safe to travel on.
By continuing, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety. The site assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use of this information.
View full details on your catch log.
View full details on your catch log.
View full details on your catch log.
View full details on your catch log.