Giants of the North: A Trolling Adventure on Tobin Lake
Exploring One of Saskatchewan’s Premier Trophy Fisheries
Tucked into the heart of central Saskatchewan, Tobin Lake stands out as one of North America’s most extraordinary fisheries. On this trip, we joined angler Alex Kessler at the Shorebird Inn for a fishing adventure targeting giant northern pike and walleyes in a lake renowned for producing fish of massive proportions. Whether you’re chasing walleyes into the teens or pike pushing 30+ pounds, Tobin delivers size and excitement in equal measure.
The Promise of Giants
Few lakes on the continent can consistently produce trophy-class walleyes like Tobin Lake. With fish routinely reaching double digits and even the teens, this body of water is a true outlier. Northern pike here are just as impressive. Locals proudly display three mounted pike over 35 pounds in a nearby convenience store—true evidence of the lake’s unparalleled potential.
Trolling Big Baits for Bigger Fish
The method of the day was trolling oversized swim baits—a tactic that proves deadly for both pike and walleyes in Tobin’s rich, food-filled waters. As Alex pointed out, when these baits resemble the natural prey of large predators, the results can be explosive. Swim baits like the Big Bite Baits Suicide Shad in 5- and 7-inch models offer just the right profile and action to tempt trophy fish. 
Despite their size, these lures are not too large for walleyes in this lake. The reality is that many of Tobin’s walleyes are so big, they prefer large meals. The combination of abundant forage and slow trolling along the lake’s productive edges makes for a highly effective pattern.
Mapping Edges and Matching the Depth
Fishing along the edges of Tobin Lake’s deep flats and river channels, we targeted the breaklines where 20 feet of water plunges rapidly into deeper basins. These transition zones held concentrations of both pike and walleye. A critical component to success was maintaining lure position—tracking just 2 to 3 feet off the bottom.
Using heavy jig heads (½ oz, ¾ oz, and even 1 oz VMC Boxer Jigs) paired with large swim baits allowed us to reach the right depths. Most traditional walleye anglers don’t even carry jigs this heavy, but on Tobin, they’re essential for controlling the vertical position of the bait at trolling speeds between 1.0 and 1.4 mph. Small adjustments in boat speed and an occasional rod twitch added subtle movement that often triggered the strike.
Equipment, Baits, and Rigging
Among our favorite swim baits were the Storm 360GT—a pre-rigged option available in 3½-, 4½-, and 5½-inch models—and the BB Kicker from Big Bite Baits, known for its more aggressive thump. These soft plastics were rigged on jig heads and enhanced with a touch of super glue at the collar to improve bait longevity.
This approach to trolling swim baits was originally developed by Alex for lake trout in Canada’s Northwest Territories, but we adapted it successfully for Tobin’s shallower waters. By keeping the bait in the strike zone through a long, controlled troll, we were able to maximize water coverage and fish efficiency—something casting alone could never replicate over such expansive terrain.
Action-Packed Results
It didn’t take long to connect. Walleye and pike both responded well to the technique, with thick, healthy specimens making appearances in quick succession. One especially memorable moment came when a heavy fish struck, leading to an intense battle and a triumphant net job of a monster pike. The fight, which initially felt like snagging a submerged log, turned out to be a true trophy—a thick-bodied northern that drew admiration from all on board.
Between catches, we couldn’t help but admire the sheer richness of the ecosystem. Birds swarmed the surface—loons, pelicans, cormorants, terns—all indicating the abundance of baitfish below. This fertile food chain explains why Tobin Lake grows such enormous predators.
Mastering the Bite: Precision, Gear, and Adaptation
As the action continued on Tobin Lake, the importance of precision and gear setup became increasingly evident. One memorable moment involved a pike that wasn’t even hooked in the mouth—proof of how important it is to maintain tension and control throughout the fight. This is where proper rod and reel combinations shine.
Rods, Reels, and Regulation
For pike fishing, the team relied on a 7’4″ St. Croix Legend Extreme Heavy Power rod, paired with 20-lb Sufix Performance braid. The fast action and length of this rod help absorb surges from big fish while maintaining control. Reels like the Daiwa Tatula in 7.3:1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios are key for picking up slack quickly—a necessity when fishing with barbless hooks, as required by Saskatchewan regulations.
In fact, the barbless requirement shapes your entire approach. If you don’t keep a tight line, big fish will throw your bait in seconds. High-speed reels and longer rods with forgiving tips increase your chances of keeping the bait pinned during battle.
Building the Map, Finding the Edge
Another unique challenge on Tobin is that the lake isn’t fully mapped. Thanks to AutoChart Live, anglers can build detailed one-foot contour maps on the go. This proved vital. As we mapped a specific drop-off, we discovered clouds of bait stacked off a prominent point. The biggest pike were holding between these baitfish schools and the structure—classic predator positioning.
This kind of real-time mapping paired with observation gave us insight into why certain spots were so productive. It was no coincidence—these fish were exactly where they were supposed to be.
The Trolling Technique Refined
The trolling bite continued to produce, especially as the walleyes began to push up onto a 12–15-foot ledge. Larger pike were still holding deeper, closer to 20 feet, and the difference in depth required fine-tuning lure selection and weight.
Scaling Bait for Species
For pike, large soft swimbaits on heavy jigs remained the go-to. But for walleyes, the team downsized slightly to 3½- to 4½-inch profiles on lighter jig heads. James fished with a 7’6″ spinning rod (St. Croix Icon), spooled with 15-lb braid and a 14-lb fluorocarbon leader, giving him the sensitivity and strength needed to manage both species effectively.
One key detail that kept producing? Adjusting jig weight to match depth and fish behavior. Heavier jigs fell faster and stayed in the strike zone longer. As a result, we began intercepting walleyes on the ledge while still catching pike on the deeper edge—a fine balance of location and presentation.
The Power of Staying Put
Sometimes the instinct is to move on, but Tobin proved why it’s wise to stay when the fish are biting. As James noted, “When you’re catching fish like this, never run away to look for more.” With dense bait pods present, we remained confident big predators would be nearby—and they were.
One spectacular pike confirmed it. Heavy, strong, and unwilling to come to the surface, this fish put on a show. When it finally emerged, it was a true Tobin tank—massive shoulders, incredible girth, and vivid coloration. It was a reminder that the reward for patience and persistence is often greatness.
The Shorebird Inn: A Home for Anglers
No trip would be complete without a solid basecamp, and The Shorebird Inn proved to be exactly that. Situated right on the lake, the facility offers everything from a full-service restaurant and bar to cabins, campsites, and entertainment like VLTs and pool tables.
The owner built the operation 11 years ago, and it’s been growing steadily to better serve the angling community. It’s clear this place was made with fishermen in mind—from the amenities to the hospitality.
A Trip for the Record Books
By the end of the three-day trip, the tally was incredible: an estimated 150 walleyes and 150 pike, all on artificial baits. Whether casting or trolling, downsizing or upsizing, the productivity was off the charts.
The Takeaway: Artificial Confidence
If you’re still hesitant about soft plastics, now’s the time to start using them. The efficiency, action, and adaptability of artificial lures make them unbeatable for both numbers and size. Once you build your confidence, your fishing will never be the same.
Reflections on Play, Purpose, and the Outdoors
As the sun set on Tobin Lake, thoughts turned deeper. Quoting In Touch Magazine, the team reflected on a passage emphasizing the importance of play and joy in our lives—a reminder that fishing, fun, and fulfillment often go hand in hand.
Play, according to scientists, activates the neocortex and enhances learning by altering hundreds of genes in the brain. As Psalm 139:14 says, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made,” and as 1 Timothy 6:17 affirms, “Our Heavenly Father richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”
