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

#8 On the flight out, you’ll already be planning your return

The angler in my group who I’ve known the longest is Chris Clacker, of Montana (by way of New Jersey). The first day of the trip he landed his largest-ever pike—and then broke that record five times. By the end of his second day  he was all smiles after landing a 40-inch-plus fish. He’d accomplished his main goal for the trip, he said, and the remaining two days “were gravy.”

Chris and I shared a boat the next day, and by lunchtime he’d landed another trophy fish (above). Not long after, he told me “I thought this would be a one-and-done trip—I’d tick big pike off my bucket list and that’d be enough. But now… I think I might have to do this again.”

A few weeks later, we spoke on the phone and Chris was firmly in the “again” camp, asking me to let him know as soon as I began organizing another group.

This extraordinary water has that effect on anglers. If big pike on the fly are your dream, the Cree River is where that dream becomes reality. Once you’ve been, you’ll measure every other trip against it.

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Finally, many thanks to the anglers in my group: Chris, Ron Mayfield and John Elred, who were super fun to fish (and travel) with. Thanks for taking a chance on pike, and helping make such great memories.

And even more thanks to lodge owner Pat Babcock for working with our group to make this extraordinary adventure a reality. Huge thanks also to our guides, the legendary veteran Chip Cromarty and the up-and-comer Colby Knight, who could not have been more accommodating, enjoyable and fun to fish with, as well as the entire lodge staff who never once failed to make us feel welcome.

Cree River Lodge offers four-day fishing trips, from early June until early September, with the hottest fishing for trophy pike taking place from… early June until early September. Yep, you read that right. Hot spots and tactics change a bit during the season, but the bite is always on. Trips include travel from Edmonton to the lodge, plus food, accommodations and guiding. There are a few spots left for this season, and the lodge is currently booking for 2026 and beyond.

Learn more at www.creeriverlodge.ca, by e-mailing creeriverlodge@gmail.com or calling (306) 276-7841.

If you’re new to pike on the fly or fishing in northern Canada, and would appreciate some first-hand mentoring and expert advice on tackle, skills and more, consider joining a hosted trip. To find out more about joining the author, Scott Gardner, at Cree River Lodge in 2026, e-mail Scott at gardner@outdoorcanada.ca. We’ll chase big fish, swap stories and you’ll fly home with unforgettable memories—and the photos to prove it.