Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go on self guided fishing trips in Canada? For this week’s blog we caught up with expert pike fisherman, Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing in Calgary, Alberta. Josh guides groups pike fishing trips throughout Alberta and teaches people everything they need to know to be able to self guide themselves on any lake.
Josh brought a group of guests on a self guided trip to Cree Lake Lodge. He did not guide his group, they all stayed in our accomodations and guided themselves. This blog post is to help you understand what is included in a self guided trip at Cree Lake Lodge.
Self Guided Fishing Trips in Canada: What’s the Cree Lake Fishery Like?
“In the fishing world, people sometimes…over embellish” said Josh, putting it politely. “We were very particular about measuring fish. When we caught fish over 46” we got out of the boat and measured in the water. I don’t believe in bringing them in the boat because if you ever drop on of those fish in the boat they’re likely to die. We always got into the water. Two people in the water. With one person measuring and one person holding the fish.
We measured them twice. We made sure we knew what we were seeing because everybody says they got a giant but I mean...can you actually prove it? We got it on video.
“I’m reluctant to tell the size because they’re so abnormally large compared to everywhere else and most fisheries.
I can't tell you how many fish we got between 40inches and 45inches because after the first hour we didn't even attempt to try and a count. But there was a total of three 48inch pike.
The advantage for self-guided guests is that Cree Lake has incredible fish. So as long as the self guided guests understand where to go based on their topographical maps, then they will have access to the same great fishing that is available to our guided guests.
“Cree Lake has an unbelievable fishery. It’s far enough south compared to a lot of other lodges which gives it a larger growing season. It gives the fish the opportunity to not just grow long with their great genetics. They are also heavier fish.”
Self Guided Boats & Fishing
“Cree Lake Lodge provides the boats, the rest is a self-guided fishing experience. That means there’s no guide putting you on the fish [when you’re self-guided].
Cree Lake Lodge ensures that all boats return each night. We provide our self-guided guests with radios so that they are able to connect with our lodge at any time throughout the day. All self guided guests are provided with training from our experienced crew on how to operate the boats as well as where all safety resources are.
Accommodations for Self Guided Guests
“I thought that our tents would be super remote and not near anything. So I was surprised to find that Cree Lake had a great setup for self-guided fishing tours. They put you up in old military style, hunting tents. It’s private accommodations without being completely alone.
You can't see the lodge or hear the lodge from the self-guided tents, but you're only about a five-minute walk from the lodge.
If anything went sideways you’re not stuck on your own. In the event that one of my guests are sick or need something from the lodge a five minute walk is perfect.”
Ready to fish Cree Lake on a self-guided package? Contact us today to line up a spot for you and anyone else who’s ready for a Northern Canadian fly-in fishing experience. Whether it’s with your own guests, with a group of friends, we’ll get you set up for a self-guided adventure like you’ve never experienced before.