Straight Bay in Big River No. 555: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Straight Bay sits in Big River No. 555, out in Saskatchewan. The bank is 488 metres above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 2.28 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. Some 12 km of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. For a base, Shellbrook sits 82 km out. Meadow Lake lies 105 km off, Prince Albert another 107 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Straight Bay

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The mouth fishes hardest when the run is at its strongest. Salt and fresh mix here, and the mixing line is worth finding. Big River No. 555 records list cisco, northern pike, yellow perch and white sucker among the fish reported. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Take Straight Bay a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 17°C, the coldest about -19°C. This far north the hard season runs and runs. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. From about late April to around early November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Straight Bay fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Ness Lakes, 6.8 km out. Signs at Straight Bay carry more weight than any list.