Lac des Îles has a lot going for it. In recent years, the fishing pressure has declined, which is good news for fish stocks. Jeff and Jeannine Jesske, from Northern Cross Resort, offer some tips for fishing Lac des Îles. “Ice Out: Fishing northerns right after ice out is incredible. The big girls are spawning and very protective of their roe. They spawn in the shallow waters of Rangers Bay and beware any fish (or hook) that comes near. Toss a floating lure anywhere near them and you might just watch the water explode!”

"Fishing Walleye: Fishing walleye in Lac des Îles requires 'knowledge.' Walleye have eyes on the side of their head. Northerns' eyes face upward too, so the safest place to be if you're a walleye is below them. You need to find the holes and drop-offs. And the best way to find them in a hole is to job or baitfish with a leech or a worm.

"Trolling a lure will likely land you a northern. After the big northerns spawn in the bays, and the water starts to warm up, they head out into the main lake on mass. The walleye then move into the bays and try to eat as much northern roe as possible before they hatch and grow up trying to eat them. In the summer, you will have to fish walleye in the main lake, where they hang out in much deeper water... It takes a bit of knowledge and patience, but a 9 pound walleye is worth the wait.”

LAKE ACCESS

Lac des Îles is located in popular Meadow Lake Provincial Park. From North Battleford, drive directly north along Highway 4 for approximately 217 km to Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

The Jesskes also offer some great tips for fishing perch in Lac des Îles on their website. Contact them at [email protected], or visit their website at ncresort.com.