Last Mountain Lake, located in the heart of Saskatchewan, stands as one of Canada’s premier freshwater fisheries. As a natural, glacier-cut lake, it boasts an unspoiled ecosystem that continues to thrive with minimal interference. The lake retains its full complement of natural spawning habitat, which supports self-sustaining populations of several game fish species. Although the lake has seen a noticeable increase in angling pressure in recent years, its fishery continues to deliver world-class results.
Anglers come from near and far to chase the lake’s massive predators and powerful fighters. With northern pike frequently exceeding 40 inches, walleyes topping 30 inches, and carp weighing in over 30 pounds, Last Mountain Lake truly earns its reputation as a destination for trophy hunters. For those who crave big fish and even bigger battles, this lake is a dream come true.
The GNS Marina Outfitters Experience
Founded in 1991, GNS Marina Outfitters has grown from a small general store to a full-service outfitting operation. Today, it offers everything from grocery supplies and cabin accommodations to fully guided fishing trips and boat rentals. The outfitter focuses on targeting northern pike, walleye, and carp—species for which the lake is especially well known. Perch are also present, providing additional angling variety. 
GNS has become the go-to one-stop shop for anglers looking to experience the best of Last Mountain Lake. Whether you’re casting from a rented boat or enjoying the comfort of a lakeside cabin after a long day on the water, the outfitter delivers a comprehensive and professional experience tailored to both novice and seasoned anglers alike.
Bucket List Fishing in Big Wind
Arriving at Last Mountain Lake under calm, beautiful conditions, the anglers in this adventure quickly got a taste of the lake’s potential. On their first evening outing, they landed a 31-inch walleye on a jigging rap, followed by a 25, several 23s, and a 22—all within just a few hours. Spirits were high as they looked forward to a week of trophy fishing.
However, the weather had other plans.
The next morning brought powerful winds out of the south, reaching sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph. This made fishing on the main lake impractical, pushing the team to seek sheltered areas where they could continue casting. Fortunately, Last Mountain offers soft-bottom, snag-free terrain, making it an ideal place to cast without fear of losing gear. It’s often as simple as casting, getting a bump, and setting the hook.
Despite the challenging weather, the fish kept coming.
From solid walleyes to impressive pike, the anglers were constantly engaged in action. Even mid-sized pike gave anglers a workout with their power and aggression. “These are considered babies here,” one remarked while landing a healthy walleye, “but I’ll take them all day long.”
Tactics That Deliver
When it comes to technique, Last Mountain anglers rely on a trio of productive methods: bottom bouncers with nightcrawlers, spinners with crawlers, and plug pulling. The lake’s structure and depth make it ideal for these presentations, and because there’s little concern about snagging, it’s a crawler’s dream.
Another go-to presentation on this trip was the boot tail swimbait, especially the Big Bite Suicide Shad. Whether targeting pike or walleye, boot tails delivered explosive strikes.
These soft plastics come in a variety of sizes—from tiny panfish baits to massive two-pounders used for giant predators—and have become a staple for anglers worldwide.
The team spent much of the day fan casting with boot tails, covering water in high wind and getting consistent action. With the wind at their backs, they were able to reach distant spots and locate active fish. One pike, in particular, gave the impression of being a musky—leaping and shaking violently as it was brought to the net.
Pike Paradise
Northern pike were a constant presence, often ambushing lures with ferocity. These fish are a favorite among both Canadian and European anglers, yet remain underrated in much of the United States. The team appreciated their aggressive nature and sheer power, with many of the fish reaching into the high 30-inch range and beyond.
Using single hooks allowed for clean, quick releases and reduced harm to the fish. It was common for these powerful predators to dive under the boat or thrash at the net, delivering heart-pounding moments with every battle. As one angler put it: “That never gets old.”
Even in extreme conditions—gusts pushing 40 mph—the Minn Kota Quest trolling motor allowed for precise positioning and maneuvering. With strong spot-lock capabilities and impressive battery efficiency, it made holding and working spots feasible despite the wind, adding to the effectiveness of the day.
Rods, Reels, and Power Gear
The anglers were equipped with top-tier baitcasting gear designed for heavy-duty applications. The rod of choice was a 7’4″ heavy-power, fast-action model from St. Croix’s Physix series, matched with Daiwa’s Tatula Elite PF reel featuring an 8.1:1 gear ratio. Sufix 832 braid in 30-pound test, VMC leaders, and matching VMC jig heads completed the setup.
This gear allowed them to fish aggressively and efficiently in shallow water where large fish often lurked. The combination of power, sensitivity, and speed made it easier to control big pike and fast-moving baits, even in just three feet of water. “You put this combo in anyone’s hands,” Al says.
Just as the wind reached its peak, one angler hooked into a true giant—exactly the kind of fish they came to Last Mountain Lake to catch. Battling wind and waves, he hauled in a fish that resembled a musky in size and strength.
“This is what gets the adrenaline going,” he said, hoisting the beast with effort. “They do get bigger than this, but this is about as big of a pike as you can hope for.”
An Unforgettable Pike Battle to End the Day
The day ended the way every angler dreams—locked into a heart-pounding fight with a Last Mountain Lake monster pike. Rods doubled, lines tested, and hearts racing. “I’m gonna do a two-hands on this thing,” came the call as the pike thrashed in the water, delivering the kind of headshakes only a truly big fish can produce.
Fishing out of G&S Marina Outfitters, the crew had been targeting trophy walleyes and pike all trip, and it was paying off. “Just an incredible place for big fish,” someone said, echoing the sentiment felt by everyone aboard. As the fish neared the boat and the net came out, there was a mix of tension and celebration—classic pandemonium in the best way.
This was no ordinary pike. “Nineteen and just under twenty,” was the verdict. A slab of a fish, thick and golden. “Just a chunk. Wow.” The smiles said it all.
A Final Twist: Bonus Carp Action
While most northern anglers wouldn’t list carp at the top of their target species, this group was all in. “You come here, you fish walleyes and pike during the daytime. You come in, a little novelty in the afternoon—you go out here and catch some carp,” one of them explained.
It wasn’t just catching fish—it was the full experience. From carefully packing bait, to understanding how the gear worked, this wasn’t a side note to the trip—it was a highlight. And it came at just the right time.
As the sun began to dip, everyone got in on the action. “Everybody gets a carp before they go home for dinner,” someone joked, but it felt meaningful. It was a shared moment of success and contentment. “How sweet that is,” another voice chimed in. “We’re on the board.”
