Words by Sharon Botterill and Dennis Begin
It was a perfect day for fishing in Saskatchewan. The sun was warm, summer had finally arrived and even my boat seemed happy to be back in the water. The tackle box is filled with new spinners and spoons, with leeches and nightcrawlers in the bait containers. Fishing gets into your blood and it was time for a woman to catch the Big One.
Sharon Botterill
Map of Nipawin and District.
Each year the fishing industry in Saskatchewan draws thousands of tourists from across Canada and the United States. Their destination is Nipawin, a small prairie town of 5,000 in Northeastern, Saskatchewan. Nipawin’s history dates back to the early fur trade, with men such as Francois Le Blanc and James Finlay establishing a fur trading post west of Codette around 1748. The Cree First Nation called the area ‘nipawewin,’ meaning ‘waiting or resting place,’ where the women waited for their men. The next major development came with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) in 1924, a new townsite, and the famous Crooked Bridge, which is a tourist landmark.
Nipawin lies between Codette Lake in the south, created by the Francois-Finlay Hydroelectric Dam (1986) and Tobin Lake in the north, created by the E.B. Campbell Dam (1983). Because the Saskatchewan River joins the two lakes, Nipawin is often called the ‘Town of Twin Lakes,’ but locals call this area "a fishing paradise."
Sharon Botterill
Fishing boats on the North Saskatchewan River.
It is 283 km (176 mi) from Saskatoon to Nipawin, but the drive does not deter dedicated fishermen. Thousands of RVs, with boats in tow, pass through Nipawin on their way to the Nipawin Regional Park, Tobin Lake Resort or Codette Lake. Between these three RV facilities and the town supply of hotels, motels, and cabins, Nipawin has over 600 available sites for accommodations.
The concept of fishing for money started around 30 years ago with a competition against American fishermen in the Governor’s Cup. Local businessmen and fishing enthusiasts felt a tournament was a good way to promote the Nipawin area. The Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council came on board knowing that tourism would boost the entire economy. Fishing for money caught on. Over the years, the prize money has increased, along with other prizes such as Lund boats, trolling motors, trailers and fish finders.
Nipawin Journal Newspaper
Vanity Cup Winners, 2018, with $100,000 cheque. Curtis Fehr and Logan Bishop of Nipawin. Caught 60.91 Ibs. of Walleye fish.
Fishing Tournaments
There are a series of annual fishing events and tournaments running from June through September. One of the tournaments is sponsored by the Tobin Lake Resort and the Hawks Junior ‘A’ hockey team. Some tournaments have an age restriction (AYA Young Wranglers) or are combined with a golf tournament (Fins and Skins) or used for women’s charity purposes (Ladies Fish for Freedom). Regardless of the tournament, ‘catch and release’ applies to all fish caught. The fish must be alive when weighed before released. Tournaments usually run over two days with entry fees ranging from $225.00 to $2,000, with a waiting list to enter. Remember, you must have a Saskatchewan Fishing License.
Michelle Hrychuk
Northern Pike, 30 Ibs. Caught by Matt Hrychuk
The largest fishing events and tournaments include. 1. Northern Pike Festival – Outdoor Canadian Magazine rates this event as the #1 Pike Festival in Canada. Fifty fish are tagged, and if caught, the prize money is $1,000 to $9,000, a good return for the $5.00 entry fee. 2. Saskatchewan Premiers Walleye Cup - Based on the total weight of all fish caught on Tobin Lake. Prize money is up to $35,000 and a total tournament payout of $96,000. 3. Nipawin Vanity Cup – Despite the $2,000 entry fee, the Annual Vanity Cup is the most popular tournament, held along the river section of Tobin Lake. The event occurs just before Thanksgiving and 160 teams compete for the "…….big fish, the big money and the big prizes." The winner, by total weight of fish caught, receives $100,000, with a total payout of $300.000 for the entire tournament.
For each tournament, check the dates, entry fees and the rules. Google Fishing Tournament – The Town of Nipawin.
Dawn Schmidt
Walleye, 10 Ibs. Caught by Sidney Schmidt of Lumsden, Saskatchewan.
Before heading onto the water, do some research on how to catch these northern fish. Find out what type of rod/reel is needed, the strength of the test line, the length of leaders and what bait is legal. Some fish are caught by jigging while others are caught by trolling. A little bit of local knowledge on equipment and where to fish, such as White Rock and Eagles Nest, may prove beneficial.
Fishing has been a huge economic boost for Nipawin, with spinoffs aiding stores, restaurants, garages, hotels and the local fishing/boating industry. The various tournaments also foster community spirit and pride. Even the local radio station provides information on fishing hot spots and tournament results, much like a regular sportscast. Nipawin has been listed as one of ‘The Top Ten Places in Canada to Live and Fish,’ as well as the ‘Best Walleye in North America.’ Locals would enthusiastically agree.
1 of 2
Tourism Saskatchewan
Nipawin Crooked Bridge.
Nipawin
2 of 2
Sharon Botterill
Nipawin Pike Festival Flag.