Where do Outdoor Canada’s writers and photographers go fishing? At these 27 awesome hot spots, from coast to coast to coast

#5  NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER, ALBERTA

THE FISH: Goldeye, lake sturgeon, mooneye, northern pike and walleye

Arguably Alberta’s best-kept secret, this river offers some of Canada’s finest lake sturgeon fishing. Owing to strict catch-and-release regulations, anglers also routinely catch a roster of other fish species. From May through October, the highest catch rates are recorded just east and west of Edmonton, as well as within the city limits. Catch one of these prehistoric giants from a boat or shore and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. —Kevin Wilson

LEARN MORE: www.edmonton.ca/fishing

#6  OLDMAN RIVER, ALBERTA

THE FISH: Bull, cutthroat and rainbow trout

Goldilocks would love the Oldman because it’s just right—large enough to hold big trout, yet small enough to wade. Plus, there’s plenty of room for your backcast virtually anywhere above the reservoir, and enough eager trout to ensure multiple-fish days. And while there’s lots of public water, a little friend-building could earn you access to less busy privately held stretches. Below the reservoir, meanwhile, brown trout and pike join the menu. —Ken Bailey

LEARN MORE: www.crowsnestcafeandflyshop.ca

#7  SOUTH LELAND LAKE, ALBERTA

THE FISH: Lake trout, northern pike, walleye and whitefish

Part of an isolated Canadian Shield lake system cradled in granite, pristine South Leland ensures virtually limitless populations of voracious, unpressured fish. If constantly hauling in walleye and pike from kilometres of deserted shoreline, numerous weed-filled bays and endless island structure becomes tiresome, you can chillax while downrigging for lakers lurking in 120 feet of water in the broad bay not far from camp. —Jeff Tribe

LEARN MORE: www.andrewlakelodge.com/leland-lake

#8  LAKE ATHABASCA, SASKATCHEWAN

THE FISH: Lake trout

On northern Saskatchewan’s portion of massive Lake Athabasca, there are so many lakers you can expect to shake off 20- to 30-pounders as annoyances, then have a 40-pound fish try to take the bait from an equally huge trout you’re attempting to net. The big-fish trolling bonanza is best when the trout drop deep during mid-summer, but if casting is your game, go in the spring or fall when the giants cruise the shallows. —Gord Pyzer

LEARN MORE: www.tourismsaskatchewan.com