SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
When the
Saskatoon weir was constructed in the late 1930s on the South
Saskatchewan River, little did the engineers know they were
creating a veritable fishing hot spot. Indeed, fish pile up
below the weir, making for excellent angling year-round for
an astonishing variety of species—everything from sauger
to sturgeon to exotic trout can be landed right in the heart
of Saskatoon. In fact, a reader of my local weekly fishing column
once called me to help identify a strange fish he’d caught
at the weir; it turned out to be an Atlantic salmon that had
escaped from a fish farm on Lake Diefenbaker.
Part of what makes the weir Saskatoon’s hottest fishing
spot is the excessive water turbulence, which stuns smaller
fish and minnows. That not only attracts migrating pelicans
each spring, it also lures in larger fish of many different
species. Walleye more than 11 pounds are common, and large pike
cruise the river searching for hapless prey struggling with
the current. And come August, goldeye can be seen rising to
pale green mayflies. So why not join in the frenzy? And if not
at the weir, try one of Saskatoon’s other angling hot
spots.
 |
| Working
the weir: This Saskatoon hot spot attracts big fish. |
| FISHING
FACT |
| All
the exotic trout and salmon found below Saskatoon’s
weir made a hazardous trip through the Gardiner
Dam and its churning turbines without being completely
pulverized. A miraculous journey indeed. |
| ANGLER
ATTRACTION |
| Anglers
looking for an exotic treat should try the whole
steamed or deep-fried walleye at Tsui King Lau,
Saskatoon’s premier Oriental restaurant. Contact:
(306) 665-8866. |
|
16 Meewasin Park
The quieter, deeper water along this section of the South Saskatchewan
River holds monster-sized pike in late summer and fall. Use
large, shallow-running crankbaits or big, flashy wobbling spoons.
17 Big bend
In spring, heavy jigs tipped with frozen minnows bring out hungry
walleye near the 42nd Street bridge. In August, casting pale
green Comparaduns to rising goldeye brings results.
18 Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
In spring and early summer, a simple bobber above a hook tipped
with an earthworm is the ideal set-up for kids wanting to catch
their first rainbow trout in the park pond.
19 The weir
All year long, even during winter, jigs tipped with frozen minnows
or minnow-imitating lures drawn through the churning waters
below the weir bring in big fish, especially large walleye.
20 Queen Elizabeth Power Station
In spring, probe the deeper holes all along the South Saskatchewan
River’s west bank, from the power plant to the Grand Trunk
Railway Bridge, for walleye and pike. Use jigs tipped with frozen
minnows or leeches. |
