Saskatchewan pike fishing is known for it’s monster fish, including trophy northern pike. Join Jeremy Smith and Jeff Simpson on a fall fishing adventure to Lawrence Bay Lodge on Reindeer Lake.
Journey to Northern Saskatchewan: Chasing Giant Pike on Reindeer Lake
A Dream Realized in the Canadian Wilderness
For countless anglers, venturing into the remote waters of Canada represents the pinnacle of freshwater fishing experiences. The stunning natural landscapes, the untapped wilderness, and the chance to land the biggest fish of your life — it’s a dream scenario. The Angling Edge team shares that dream, and year after year, the call of the North continues to draw us back in search of legendary trophy fish.
Jeremy Smith and Jeff Simpson found themselves heading to Lawrence Bay Lodge on Saskatchewan’s massive Reindeer Lake. Known for its unparalleled northern pike fishing and exciting lake trout opportunities, Reindeer Lake is a bucket-list destination — and it did not disappoint. 
First Light, First Casts, First Giants
The first stop of the day set the tone for what was to come. As the morning mist lifted, Jeremy and Jeff were met with fast action. The moment Jeremy hooked into a hefty pike that had followed his bait right to the boat, the magic of Reindeer Lake was in full swing.
“It’s fall,” Jeremy said, “and the fish are moving up. We came here with high hopes, driving our own boats to this fly-in location. And it’s already paying off.”
Reindeer Lake: A Pike Paradise
Located deep in northern Saskatchewan, Reindeer Lake spans over 100 miles in length and up to 60 miles wide. It boasts thousands of islands and countless miles of prime shoreline. The lake’s average depth hovers around 100 feet, which keeps its waters cool throughout the year — a critical factor in maintaining shallow, active pike populations.
This ecosystem allows anglers to consistently find monster fish close to shore, especially in fall, when predators like northern pike and lake trout become more aggressive.
Tackle Talk: What to Bring for Big Pike
When planning a fly-in adventure to Canada’s far north, choosing the right gear is essential. Jeff and Jeremy brought a strategic mix of baits and tackle that covered the entire water column and matched the mood of the fish.
Here are a few essentials from their gear list:
- Size 12 X-Rap: A suspending jerkbait that’s deadly when fish are feeding aggressively in shallow water.
- Size 7 Rippin’ Raps, Spinners, and Spoons: Ideal for covering water and locating scattered fish.
- Soft Plastics (5–7 inch swimbaits, minnow profiles, and tubes): These versatile baits shine in a range of presentations.
- Weighted Swimbait Hooks (6/0 to 11/0): For rigging plastics effectively in heavy cover.
- BMC Boxer and Flat Shad Jigs (3/8 oz to 1 oz): Jeremy’s top combo was a ½ oz Flat Shad Jig paired with a 6-inch Big Bite Tube — a simple but deadly rig in the cabbage beds.
Rods, Reels, and Boat Control
The rod setup was equally important. While St. Croix has recently released a Legend Tournament Series designed specifically for northern pike, bass tackle — specifically 7’4″ to 7’6″ medium-heavy to heavy fast-action rods — proved more than capable. Paired with reliable baitcasting reels and strong braided line, this gear handled even the most aggressive pike.
Boat control also played a pivotal role. Being able to see clearly into the water and maneuver silently into key ambush zones made a noticeable difference. And with double hookups becoming a regular occurrence, every detail mattered.
Tools of the Trade: Handling Trophy Pike Safely
When dealing with large, toothy predators, safety — for both the angler and the fish — is critical. Jeremy and Jeff stressed the importance of bringing the right tools:
- Fish Grippers: Essential for controlling the fish without risking injury.
- Jaw Spreaders and Long-Nose Pliers: Help safely remove treble hooks from inside a pike’s mouth.
- Hook Extractors: Provide added reach and leverage when unhooking deep or stubborn fish.
- Bolt Cutters: A must-have in case of emergencies — especially when fishing in remote locations.
Net Gains and Memorable Moments
With a big muskie net on board and heavy-duty tackle in hand, the duo continued to hook into fish after fish. At one point, both Jeremy and Jeff landed trophy-class pike at the same time — an unforgettable double that highlighted the kind of action that makes Reindeer Lake so special.
“These are the kinds of problems we love to have,” Jeff said, as they carefully released their catches.
Breaking Down the Water
Reindeer Lake’s immense size can be intimidating, even for experienced anglers. But as Jeff explained, the key is to break it down into manageable zones. Each bay and island offers unique structure and opportunities. Once on the water, the vastness of the lake becomes part of the allure.
Unlocking the Secrets of Reindeer Lake: Technology, Tactics, and Timeless Lessons
Breaking Down Big Water
Reindeer Lake’s enormity can be overwhelming. But as Jeremy and Jeff emphasized, the key is to simplify your approach. Don’t try to fish the whole lake — instead, treat each bay, island, or promising point as its own “mini lake.” This mindset not only makes the vast expanse more approachable but also incredibly productive. Many of these spots are home to schools of trophy pike.
One indispensable tool for navigating and fishing such expansive waters is a good GPS system. Whether it’s a portable Helix 5 or a more advanced Humminbird Solix unit, having navigation aids is crucial. On this trip, Jeremy and Jeff relied heavily on AutoChart Live, which allowed them to build their own custom maps, marking productive drop-offs, inside corners, and underwater fingers — critical zones for ambushing pike.
Rods, Reels, and Terminal Gear
From trolling motors with spot lock to custom rods and big low-profile reels, the team was well-equipped. The number 12 X-Rap stood out as the top-performing bait, catching fish after fish. Paired with heavy braid (mostly 40 lb), and a short section of titanium leader, the setup was ideal for the aggressive, toothy pike that dominate Reindeer Lake.
The Daiwa Tatula 300, with its powerful 110 mm paddle handles and high line capacity, was a standout choice. Its T-Wing System improved casting distance and accuracy, essential for working jerkbaits and swimbaits effectively. Whether casting to shallow weed edges or jigging deeper for trout, this reel provided the muscle and control needed for consistent success.
When Fishing Becomes More Than Fishing
As the trip drew to a close, Jeremy and Jeff reflected not just on the incredible fishing, but on something deeper. Jeff opened his heart with a personal story that added gravity and warmth to an already unforgettable journey.
Jeff’s wife had struggled with serious health issues for many years, enduring multiple heart surgeries and living with diabetes. Nearly a year ago, she passed away after a difficult stretch in the hospital during the height of the COVID crisis. In her final days, she told Jeff she was ready to go home — not just to their house, but to heaven. Jeff shared how he felt a spiritual prompting telling him it was time to let her go, and how, although her passing was deeply painful, he found peace knowing she was free from suffering and in a better place.
His powerful testimony closed the show with a reminder that some journeys are about far more than fish. His message to viewers dealing with loss or grief was simple and compassionate: “I hope this helps you.”
Final Reflections from Reindeer Lake
With countless fish landed, wild stories shared, and memories forged in the pristine wilds of northern Saskatchewan, this trip to Lawrence Bay Lodge was a dream come true. Big pike, aggressive trout, cutting-edge gear, and tight camaraderie came together to create an unforgettable Canadian fishing experience.
To Phil and everyone at Lawrence Bay Lodge — thank you for the opportunity to live out this adventure.
