text by Brad Fenson map by Robert Biron Have It All (part 4) LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE, Saskatchewan Prairie oasis: Haul in some hefty walleye Lying at the head of the Qu’Appelle Valley—just north of the provincial capital, Regina—Last Mountain Lake is southern Saskatchewan’s largest natural lake. This temperate body of water is a favourite destination for families in search of a little R and R. With the average July temperature a balmy 27°C, the lake’s numerous beaches are in high demand, while constant west winds keep sailboat enthusiasts and windsurfers happy. But it’s the outstanding fishing that keeps bringing most visitors back to this prairie oasis. Walleye routinely top the scales at 12 pounds or more, and northern pike have been known to grow larger than 30 pounds. There’s also a little known carp fishery here that has captured the attention of European anglers; plans are afoot to hold a world-class competition this year. Off the water, meanwhile, nearby Regina offers plenty of nightlife and things to do for the whole family, from museum-going to movies. THE HOT SPOTS ANGLING ADVICE 26 Last Mountain Lake: Burbot, carp, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish 27 Regina Beach (Last Mountain Lake), during June: Walleye 28 Rowan’s Ravine (Last Mountain Lake), from July to January: Northern pike, walleye 29 Grandview Beach (Last Mountain Lake), from June to freeze-up: Northern pike, walleye 30 Qu’Appelle River: Carp, northern pike, perch, walleye 31 Buffalo Pound Lake: Carp, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish GETTING THERE For Rowan’s Ravine, follow Ring Road to Highway 11 north from Regina, then pick up Highway 20 at Lumsden. Follow Highway 20 north to Secondary Road 220, which takes you west to Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park. For those heading to Regina Beach, follow Highway 11 past Lumsden and take the Highway 54 turnoff. • G&S Marina Outfitters, (306) 725-4466 • Last Mountain Outfitting, (306) 484-2282, • RLR Outfitters, (306) 699-2388 • Regina Beach Vacations and Outfitters, (306) 729-2964 BEYOND FISHING • Birding: Last Mountain Bird Observatory, Last Mountain Regional Park, (306) 780-9273 • Gambling: Casino Regina, 1-800-555-3189 • Golfing: Kinookimaw Golf and Country Club, (306) 729-4433 • Hiking: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (hiking trails, bird sanctuary) (306) 836-2022/4461 • Horse racing: Queensbury Downs (Regina), (306) 781-9310 • Swimming: Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park, (306) 725-5200; Regina Beach Recreation Site, (306) 787-1475 GOINGS ON • Regina Beach Yacht Club Canada Day Regatta: July 5 to 7, (306) 729-2461 • Kinsmen Rock’n the Valley Music Festival (Craven): July 10 to 13, 1-877-644-2300 • Last Mountain Fall Walleye Classic Tournament (Rowan’s Ravine): September 6 and 7, (306) 725-4466 LEARN MORE • Tourism Saskatchewan, 1-877-237-2273; 1 - HAINES JUNCTION, Yukon Territory 2 - BAMFIELD, B.C. 3 - KANANASKIS COUNTRY, Alberta 4 - LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE, Saskatchewan 5 - WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK, Manitoba 6 - THUNDER BAY, Ontario 7 - LAKE NIPISSING, Ontario 8 - PAPINEAU REGION, Quebec 9 - ANNE'S LAND, P.E.I. 10 - WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND