Ice Fishing in Saskatchewan
Ice fishing is one of the most popular ways to enjoy Saskatchewan's lakes in winter. Every year, thousands of anglers head out onto the ice to fish for walleye, northern pike, perch, burbot, trout, and more. It's a great way to experience the province's natural beauty while enjoying a favorite pastime.
One of the unique advantages of ice fishing is access. You don't need a boat, and many lakes are accessible by foot, snowmobile, or truck. Some remote lakes are actually only really accessible in winter after the surrounding muskeg and swamp has frozen. Across the province, entire winter communities form on the ice, with shacks and tents dotting lakes all season long.
Ice Fishing Map
Broderick Reservoir
Green Lake
Lake Diefenbaker
Tobin Lake
Doré Lake
Wakaw Lake
Echo Lake
Candle Lake
Big Sandy Lake
Musker Trout Pond
Emma Lake
Anglin Lake
Emerald Pond
Thomson Lake
Sturgeon Lake
Crooked Lake
Blackstrap Lake
Waterhen Lake
Cowan Lake
Lovering Lakes
Rusty Lake
Last Mountain Lake
Beatty Lake
Second Mustus Lake
First Mustus Lake
Sealey Lake
Nipekamew Lake
Little Raspberry Lake
Matheson Lake
Torch Lake
Kipabiskau Lake
Keeley Lake
Greenwater Lake
Little Bear Lake
Turtle Lake
Ministikwan Lake
Deschambault Lake
Jackfish Lake
Christopher Lake
Waskesiu Lake
Lady Lake
Theodore Reservoir
Nickle Lake
Zeden Lake
Bradwell Reservoir
Nesland Lake
Zelma Reservoir
Martins Lake
Memorial Lake
Iroquois Lake
Shell Lake
Mistohay Lake
Lac Pelletier
Whiteswan Lakes
Pasqua Lake
Katepwa Lake
Mission Lake
Saskatoon Trout Pond
Barrier Lake
Lenore Lake
Piprell Lake
Junction Lake
Montreal Lake
Lake Of The Prairies
Exner Lake
Nipawin Lake
Ispuchaw Lake
Lower Fishing Lake
Shannon Lake
Heritage Lake
Jade Lake
Burtlein Lake
Angler's Trail Resort Ltd.
Candle Lake Golf Resort
Dore Lake Lodge
Fisher Outfitters on Lake Diefenbaker
Fishing Geeks
Little Pine Lodge
North Country Lodge
Prairie Pro Outfitters
South Sask Fishing Adventures
Tobin Lake Resort
Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation Walleye Challenge
36th Annual Riverhurst Walleye Classic
2026 Jan Lake Walleye & Northern Pike Fundraising Fishing Tournament hosted by the Jan Lake Playground Committee
Nipawin Hawks Tobin Lake Walleye Championship
Ice Fishing Photos
Exner Lake
Some early ice fishing at Exner Lake!
Potato Lake
Ice camping and fishing
Little Bear Lake
Ice fishing on Little Bear. January/2026
Crooked Lake
Sunset at Crooked Lake and the ice fishing shacks in the Qu'appelle Valley south of Grayson and Melville, Saskatchewan.
Green Lake
Green Lake March 21, 2026 No fish but beauty of a day
Doré Lake
Additional condition resources
If we don't have an update for the lake you're interested in, check out these other resources to see if they do.
Ice Fishing Season & Regulations
Ice fishing season
Ice fishing can begin as soon as ice is safe. This is often sometime in December but varies by lake.
The season closes on March 31, 2026 in the Southern and Central Zones, and on April 15, 2026 in the Northern Zone.
Most stocked trout lakes/ponds are open year-round and only close when ice conditions become unsafe. Note: some stocked trout lakes have restricted seasons to protect other species in the lake.
Additional ice fishing rules
There are some additional rules and regulations that apply during the ice fishing season in Saskatchewan.
- Two lines may be used if within sight and 25 m.
- Only J-hook gaffs permitted (max 1.5 m).
- Use or possession of a spear on ice-covered waters is prohibited.
- Ice shelters must be removed by March 15 (south of Hwy 16) or March 31 (north of Hwy 16).
- Storing or leaving ice fishing shacks on public land, or private land without landowner's permission, is prohibited.
- Unattended shelters must display owner full name, address and phone number in legible letters at least 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) high on the outside.
- Use of an ice fishing shelter for the purpose of outfitting without a licence, is prohibited. For more info refer to: Ice shack rentals and outfitting - what you need to know
Ice Safety
Ice conditions vary widely and can change quickly. No ice is ever completely safe.
Before you go
- Check ice thickness yourself.
- Let someone know your plans.
- Carry safety gear.
- Watch local conditions.
Ice hazards
- Moving water and springs
- Pressure ridges and cracks
- Layered or slushy ice
- Freeze-thaw cycles
Rivers & reservoirs
Rivers and reservoirs are especially dangerous due to current, fluctuating water levels, and thin ice zones.
Reminder that many of our lakes are actually rivers playing at being lakes!
Ice thickness guidelines
- 10 cm (4 in) - walking
- 20 cm (8 in) - snowmobile
- 30 cm (12 in) - light vehicle
- More than 30 cm - heavy truck
Ice Fishing Shacks, Rentals & Outfitters
Rent an ice fishing shack
Where to Go Ice Fishing
Ice fishing opportunities exist across the entire province - from southern prairie reservoirs to deep northern shield lakes.
Southern Saskatchewan
Popular southern ice fishing destinations include Lake Diefenbaker, Last Mountain Lake, Pasqua Lake, and Crooked Lake.
Learn more about the Southern Fishing ZoneCentral Saskatchewan
Learn more about the Central Fishing ZoneNorthern Saskatchewan
Learn more about the Northern Fishing ZoneStocked trout lakes
Many stocked trout lakes remain open year-round and are popular winter destinations for the five different species of stocked trout in the province.
Learn more about Stocked Trout in SaskatchewanIce Fishing in Prince Albert National Park
Waskesiu Lake is the only lake in Prince Albert National Park open for ice fishing. No vehicles are allowed on the ice, shacks must be removed every night, and a Parks Canada fishing permit is required.
There are also custom limits, season dates, and gear restrictions in place while fishing in the park.
Learn more about fishing in the National ParkIce Fishing Derbies & Events
Every winter there are many different fishing tournaments and derbies across the province. They are a great way to get out on the lake and often help to support local causes. The Montreal Lake Walleye Derby is the most well-known, with the biggest prize payout but there is an increasing number of events happening every winter in the province. Visit the SaskLakes Fishing Calendar to see upcoming fishing events.
Ice Fishing FAQ
When can I start ice fishing in Saskatchewan?
As soon as the ice is safe to travel and fish on you can start ice-fishing. This is generally around the middle of December.
When does ice fishing season end in Saskatchewan?
The ice fishing season ends when the ice gets soft or when the season is closed by the government whichever comes first. The fishing season closes on March 31, 2026, in the Southern and Central Zones and on April 15, 2026 in the Northern Zone. Many lakes with stocked trout are open for fishing all year long. On these lakes the ice fishing season only ends when the ice is no longer safe.
What kinds of fish can I catch ice fishing in Saskatchewan?
There are lots of different species that can be caught through the ice in Saskatchewan. Some of the most popular include Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Rainbow Trout.
Ice Fishing Shacks in Saskatchewan
Ice fishing shacks are a common sight on Saskatchewan's lakes during the winter months. They provide shelter from the cold and wind, making it more comfortable to spend long hours on the ice. Many anglers use pop-up shacks that can be easily transported and set up, but more permanent shacks are also common, especially on lakes that are easier to access for ice fishing. Many lakes have large communities of shacks that form every winter.
Rules and Requirements
There are a few rules and requirements to be aware of if you're setting up a shack on the ice.
- Storing or leaving ice fishing shelters on public land, or on private land without the landowner's consent, is prohibited.
- Unattended shacks must display the owner's full name, address, and phone number in legible letters at least 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) high on the outside of the shacks.
- Within the Prince Albert National park shacks must be removed every night. Additional rules and regulations apply in the park.
Important dates
Ice fishing shacks must be removed no later than March 15 in the southern part of the province (south of Hwy 16) and no later than March 31 in the northern part of the province (north of Hwy 16). Reminder that ice conditions and access can change rapidly in the spring, so it's important to keep an eye on conditions and remove your shack earlier if needed.
Data Sources & References
- Weather data: OpenWeather - https://openweathermap.org/
- Satellite imagery: © European Union, Copernicus Programme (Sentinel data) - https://www.copernicus.eu/
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