After fishing Saskatchewan waters for nearly 40 years, we’ve learned a lot about this incredible river. Many new anglers ask us, what fish are in the North Saskatchewan River? The answer is simple: a fantastic mix of fighters and hidden gems. We’re here to share our hands-on knowledge, covering everything from Walleye to the giant Sturgeon.
With the right gear from shops like Pokey’s Tackle Shop, any angler can have a fantastic day on the water. Let’s help you turn your questions into a successful fishing trip.
The Big Three: The River’s Most Popular Sport Fish
While the river holds many different species, most anglers love to target the three main predators. These are the fish that get your heart pumping.
Walleye
The Walleye is a top prize for many anglers in the river. You can recognize them by their beautiful golden color. They are also one of the best-tasting freshwater fish you can catch.
Northern Pike
Northern Pike are the river’s aggressive, toothy predators. They are known for putting up an exciting and powerful fight. Pike can get quite large in this river system, making them a very thrilling catch.
Sauger
Sauger are often called the Walleye’s smaller cousin. They are very common and super fun to catch, especially since you can find them in the same spots as Walleye.
The River’s Hidden Gems: Other Common Catches
There is more to catch in this river than just the big three. You can find many other common fish that are just as fun to reel in.
Here are a few other species you might find on the end of your line:
To catch these, you’ll need the right bottom-fishing rigs from our selection of fishing products.
The Living Dinosaur: The North Saskatchewan River Sturgeon
One of the most impressive fish in the river is the ancient Sturgeon. Here’s what you need to know about this living dinosaur:
- An Ancient Look: It is a unique, dinosaur-like fish with distinctive bony plates along its back and long whiskers (barbels) near its mouth.
- Huge Size Potential: Sturgeon can grow to be very large, making them the giants of the river system.
- Protected Species: The number of large, adult sturgeon is low, so they are a protected species. However, younger sturgeon are becoming more common.
- Catch-and-Release Only: If you are lucky enough to catch one, it is mandatory to handle it with care and release it immediately to protect the population.
Pro Tips for Fishing the North Saskatchewan River
Knowing what to use and where to go can make a huge difference. Here are a few North Saskatchewan River fishing tips to help you succeed:
- Use High-Attraction Lures: The river water is often muddy, so choose lures with lots of flash, vibration, or scent. A classic jig tipped with bait is always a great choice. Check out our current deals on jigs and lures.
- Target Slower Water: Fish like to rest out of the strong current to save energy. Target spots such as current breaks behind rocks or points, and the areas directly under bridges.
- Have the Right Gear: The proper rod and reel setup is key for handling river fish and currents. Before you go, make sure you have all the essential fishing gear.
A River Full of Opportunity
The North Saskatchewan River offers so many diverse fishing opportunities for everyone. Now that you know what fish are in the North Saskatchewan River, it’s time to get out there and start exploring.
If you have any more questions or need help picking out the perfect gear, feel free to contact us for expert advice.
About the Authors: Greg and Gord Prokopetz are the founders of Pokey’s Tackle Shop and have nearly 40 years of fishing experience in Saskatchewan. They pioneered some of the province’s biggest walleye tournaments and have a deep, hands-on knowledge of the local fish species discussed in this article.
