The author with an Ena lake trout

The Ena Experience: Renewing old friendships at a 5-star Saskatchewan fishing lodge

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Brad Fenson with a lake trout

Ena Lake Lodge takes a slightly different approach than most lodges in its operating framework. While the lodge will always take retail customers, its membership model allows it to provide a high level of service and amenities not often found in remote camps (also see “The Ena enterprise”)below.

With executive chef Tyler Rea being classically trained, for example, it comes as no surprise that the meals (and wines) are all five-star. As for accommodations, the guest cabins are clean and warm with private showers, and the main lodge is nothing short of magnificent. And along with the top-flight tackle and boats (G3s with 40-horse Yamahas), guests are provided with boots and Simms rain gear, as well as personal lockers in the communal tackle room.

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Such offerings aside, fishing lodges are all about catching fish. While it’s safe to say the guides were a little disappointed the lake trout weren’t yet concentrated, we all managed to catch more than enough fish to keep us occupied and happy. Yes, our best lakers were chunky, good looking and hard fighting, to be sure, but not the 40-inch-plus trout that Ena Lake can—and does—relinquish. After my visit, I followed the lodge’s Facebook page and saw repeated photographic evidence throughout the summer that huge lakers, as well as pike, can indeed be caught. Timing is everything, I guess.

I would have to rate my Ena Lake Lodge experience as one of the best fishing trips I’ve had in a long time. My greatest memories, however, won’t be of the opulent lodge, the amazing meals or the dozens and dozens of fish we landed. Instead, they will be of the opportunity to spend time with old friends, doing something we all love. Everything else was simply a bonus.

THE ENA ENTERPRISE

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During my first evening at Ena Lake Lodge, I had the chance to sit down with general manager Ed Houck (above) to learn more about the camp and its unique operating model. “Think of it as being somewhat similar to a private, membership-driven golf club,” he told me. “Members purchase a lifetime membership that they can use every year. That membership allows them to book their trip dates earlier than non-members can, ensuring they get the weeks they want. They also receive preferred pricing.”

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Enrolment is limited to 30 members, ensuring everyone can select a date that aligns with their personal desires and schedule. As Ed went on to explain, the membership model has generated income the lodge can invest in infrastructure and new programs, ensuring it can continually offer the highest levels of luxury and service possible at a remote, fly-in facility. Next year, for example, the lodge plans to expand the number of fly-out lakes it offers for trophy lakers and northerns, providing even more variety.

While the lodge is owned by a shareholder group, it is operated by the renowned Luxus Group, an Alberta-based company that specializes in luxury recreational properties offering unique lifestyle experiences. While Luxus has long owned and operated luxury real estate worldwide, the global pandemic era’s reduced travel opportunities, in part, led the company to seek new opportunities here in Canada—hence Ena Lake Lodge.

To learn more about the lodge and its membership program, go to www.enalake.com.