Saskatchewan’s Cree River belongs on every pike angler’s bucket list—especially if you fly fish. Here’s why

#7 Conservation is at the core of everything

Fishing this water isn’t just about catching big fish—it’s about protecting them for the next angler, and the next generation. Large fish are handled with great care, and released back into the water to fight another day. This is exactly what you hope to see on blue-ribbon waters (though unfortunately, I’ve been places where conservation is talked about with more dedication than it’s actually practiced).

But here, guides are meticulous about fish care, cradling giants in the net until you’re ready for a quick photo and ensuring they swim off strong. That ethic of stewardship runs through the entire operation, from the requirement  to use barbless hooks, to an emphasis on respecting the ecosystem. It’s a commitment that ensures the Cree River will continue to offer extraordinary angling for years to come.