Fishing at Charlebois Lake, Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan

• Overview

  The Stony Rapids end of Saskatchewan holds Charlebois Lake. Land around it is boreal forest. Around 26.32 sq km of open water: conditions change from one end to the other. The perimeter is close to 152 km, and wind can be flat in one arm and rough in the next. On our Stony Rapids list it sits near the top for size. Nearest town is Fort Smith, 402 km off. Buffalo Narrows is 453 km away, with La Ronge at 483 km. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Charlebois Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name cisco, northern pike and round whitefish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Charlebois Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -26°C to 15°C. Water stays cold even at the height of the year. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late May. From about late May to around late October, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Anyone fishing Charlebois Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Machete Lake at 5.9 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Charlebois Lake for certain.