Fishing at Appleby Bay, Surprise Valley No. 9, Saskatchewan

• Overview

  Surprise Valley No. 9, Saskatchewan, is where Appleby Bay sits. This is pine and birch country. Nearest town is Plentywood, 49 km off. The nearest city of size is Regina, 141 km away. In the same area: Big Muddy Lake at about 5.2 km, West Coteau Lake after 26 km, Lonetree Lake at about 28 km, Salt Lake after 42 km and Willow Bunch Lake at about 56 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Appleby Bay

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Salt and fresh mix here, and the mixing line is worth finding. Oyster and old piling give the only hard structure in sight. Appleby Bay gives up its fish to patience rather than distance. Slack water beside moving water is always worth a look.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 21°C; by January the average is down near -13°C. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near late November in autumn. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. That shapes the year on Appleby Bay.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Big Muddy Lake at 5.2 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Appleby Bay before loading the car.