Fishing Binns Lakes in Hudson Bay No. 394, Saskatchewan

• Overview

  Out in Hudson Bay No. 394, Saskatchewan, sits Binns Lakes. The surface lies 264 metres up. This is sizeable water at about 6.38 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The bank runs about 35 km in total, split between open shore and sheltered corners. You are 82 km from Hudson Bay. It is 320 km to Saskatoon, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Binns Lakes

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Public occurrence data for Hudson Bay No. 394 names goldeye, northern pike, white sucker and johnny darter. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Binns Lakes gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -20°C. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. On average, late April opens the water and mid November closes it again. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan any trip to Binns Lakes around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Goose Lake, 5 km out. Check the current arrangement for Binns Lakes.