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

#9  LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

THE FISH: Northern pike, walleye and yellow perch

Imagine a lake where there’s the potential to hook into trophy-class walleye on any given day. Look no further than this narrow, 93-kilometre-long glacial prairie lake in south-central Saskatchewan. Walleye thrive here, inhabiting sand points, sunken rock islands, steep ledges, rip-rap and sand flats at various times throughout the entire open-water season, as well as during winter. And as a bonus, the pike and perch fishing is also excellent. —Mike Hungle

LEARN MORE: www.facebook.com/laynemaier

#10  MEKEWAP LAKE, SASKATCHEWAN

THE FISH: Rainbow and tiger trout

Three portages off Highway 102 north of La Ronge, jade-coloured Mekewap gives up plentiful insect hatches nearly every summer night. The result is Saskatchewan’s finest dry-fly fishing for rainbows (and tigers). And because you must work to reach Mekewap, it’s rarely crowded. Just canoe in with all your gear, then fish from inflatables. Bring plenty of Adams, Griffith Gnat and Elk Hair Caddis flies, as well as small floating nymphs. —Wayne Phillips

LEARN MORE: chance.prestie@gov.sk.ca

#11  CLEAR LAKE, MANITOBA

THE FISH: Whitefish

Nestled in Riding Mountain National Park, this pristine lake is surrounded by rolling hills, windswept grasslands and diverse wildlife. The clear, deep waters are home to an abundance of trophy whitefish from the mid-20-inch range and up. They’ll hit silver and gold spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with small plastics, jigged aggressively over mid-lake humps. Note: you need a Parks Canada fishing permit, barbless hooks and lead-free tackle. —Cameron Tait

LEARN MORE: www.parkscanada.ca/riding

#12  LAKE ATHAPAPUSKOW, MANITOBA

THE FISH: Lake trout and northern pike

Easy to access by road, this large Canadian Shield lake serves as a one-stop-shop for world-class multispecies fishing during both the open-water and ice-fishing seasons. While the lake holds huge walleye and plenty of big burbot, it’s the opportunity to tackle trophy lake trout and northern pike that truly stands out. Athapapuskow’s lodges that can assist travelling anglers with accommodations, boat rentals and guiding services. —Kelly Reihl

LEARN MORE: www.paradise-lodge.ca