Crabtree Lake Fishing Guide, Torch River No. 488, Saskatchewan

• Overview

  Crabtree Lake is a Torch River No. 488 water, in Saskatchewan. The water sits 457 metres up. At 3.41 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. Around 7.7 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. Nearest town is Nipawin, 74 km off. Beyond it, Prince Albert at 119 km and Melfort at 123 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Crabtree Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Torch River No. 488 include brook trout, northern pike, lake trout, johnny darter and longnose dace. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. At Crabtree Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -20°C and July at about 17°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Open water is the exception rather than the rule here. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near early November: that is the shape of an average year. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. At Crabtree Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Lower Fishing Lake, 11 km out. The position on Crabtree Lake is worth confirming on the day.