3 Day Fishing Trip - Shell Lake & Higgins Cabin
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Threeday cabin rental at Shell Lake or Higgins Cabin for four guests.Target Northern Pike, Perch, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout species.Multiple fishing lakes accessible within twenty minutes of base lodge.
Picture this: three solid days with nothing but you, your gear, and some of the best multi-species fishing in the region. Our Shell Lake or Higgins Cabin rental package puts you right in the heart of prime angling territory, where Northern Pike patrol the shallows and Brook Trout rise to dry flies in crystal-clear water. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you're rushed from spot to spot—it's your show, your pace, your way of working the water. With space for up to four anglers, you can bring your fishing buddies or make it a family adventure where everyone gets to wet a line.
Shell Lake serves as your home base, but don't think you're stuck in one spot. This top-rated fishing destination gives you access to multiple productive waters, all within a 20-minute boat ride from your cabin. The main lake holds solid populations of Northern Pike and Perch—perfect for anglers who like variety in their tackle box. Pike here average 24-30 inches, with plenty of toothy critters pushing into trophy territory. The Perch fishing can be absolutely hot when you find the schools, especially during their evening feeding windows. Your cabin sits right on the shoreline, so you can literally roll out of bed and start casting before your coffee gets cold. The surrounding lakes open up even more possibilities, with Walleye haunts that produce consistent limits and trout water that'll have you questioning whether you really need to head home on day three.
The beauty of this setup is how you can switch up your approach based on what's working and what you're in the mood to target. For Pike, bring your heavy action rods and wire leaders—these fish hit hard and don't give up easy. Spinnerbaits, large spoons, and topwater baits work magic here, especially along the weed lines and drop-offs. The Perch respond well to smaller jigs tipped with minnows or worms, and once you locate a school, you can fill the cooler pretty quick. Walleye fishing calls for a more finesse approach—think jig and minnow combos, crawler harnesses, or slow-trolled crankbaits along structure. The trout fishing opens up fly fishing opportunities if that's your thing, though spinning gear with small spoons and spinners produces just fine. Since you're self-guided, pack a good fish finder if you have one—it'll help you locate structure and schools much faster. Don't forget a landing net; these fish have some fight in them, and there's nothing worse than losing a good one at the boat.
Northern Pike are the aggressive bullies of Shell Lake, and they're exactly why so many anglers keep coming back year after year. These apex predators lurk in shallow bays and along weed edges, ready to ambush anything that moves. Peak action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with morning and evening bites producing the most explosive strikes. What makes Pike fishing so addictive is their attitude—they hit like freight trains and put up aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Most fish here run 20-32 inches, but don't be shocked if you hook into something pushing 40 inches and 15+ pounds.
Walleye represent the bread-and-butter fishing for serious anglers who want to put quality fillets in the cooler. These golden beauties prefer deeper water with rocky or sandy bottoms, typically holding 15-25 feet down during summer months. They're most active during low-light periods—dawn, dusk, and overcast days often produce the best results. Walleye here average 14-18 inches, with plenty of "eaters" in the 2-3 pound range. What guests love about targeting Walleye is the consistency; when you dial in the pattern, you can usually count on steady action.
Rainbow Trout bring a completely different dimension to your fishing adventure, especially for anglers who appreciate the fight-to-size ratio these fish deliver. They're most active during cooler months and early morning periods, often feeding near the surface on emerging insects. Rainbows here typically run 12-16 inches, but they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system. The clear water and scenic surroundings make trout fishing here feel like a true wilderness experience, even when you're just minutes from your cabin.
Brook Trout are the crown jewel for many visiting anglers, representing some of the most beautiful fish you'll find in these waters. These native char prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water and respond well to both flies and small lures. Spring and fall offer prime Brook Trout conditions, though early morning summer fishing can be productive if you know where to look. They're typically smaller than the other species—10-14 inches is standard—but their stunning colors and willingness to hit surface presentations make them a customer favorite. Plus, Brook Trout often inhabit the most scenic parts of these lakes, so you're getting world-class fishing with postcard views.
This 3-day fishing package delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for: independence, variety, and access to proven fishing waters without the pressure of guided schedules. You get a comfortable base camp, multiple species to target, and the freedom to fish your way. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family fishing adventure, or just need some solo time on the water, Shell Lake and Higgins Cabin provide the perfect setup. The fact that you can target four different species in one trip means everyone in your group can find their preferred style of fishing. Don't wait too long to lock in your dates—prime fishing seasons book up fast, and there's nothing worse than missing out on hot bite windows because you didn't reserve your spot early enough.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are beautiful, colorful fish with distinctive wavy markings and red spots circled in blue. Most run 8-14 inches here, though we've seen some push 18 inches in deeper waters. They love cold, clean water and hang out near fallen logs, boulders, and undercut banks in the smaller lakes within 20 minutes of our cabins. Spring and fall are prime times when water temps drop below 65°F. What makes brookies special is their scrappy fight - they'll jump and dart like crazy for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip: use small spinners or flies and work them slow near structure. These fish spook easily, so keep noise down and stay back from the water's edge. They're indicator species for clean water, so finding them means you're fishing pristine habitat.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in Shell Lake - aggressive, toothy, and built for ambush attacks. They average 24-30 inches but we see plenty over 36 inches pushing 8-10 pounds. Look for them in shallow, weedy bays and along weed edges where they wait to ambush prey. Summer finds them deeper in 15-20 feet, but spring and fall they're back in the shallows hunting. What draws anglers is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - plus they're active year-round when other species slow down. Use steel leaders or heavy fluorocarbon because those razor teeth will cut regular line instantly. My favorite technique is throwing spoons or large spinners along weed lines and retrieving just fast enough to keep the lure moving. Here's the key: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab prey sideways first, so give them a second to turn it before setting.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are some of the prettiest fish we target, with that signature pink stripe and spotted tail. They typically run 12-16 inches in our waters, with occasional fish hitting 20 inches and 3-4 pounds. Look for them in cooler, deeper sections during summer, but they'll move shallow during spring and fall when temps drop. They love current breaks, inlet areas, and anywhere there's structure holding baitfish. Early morning and evening are peak times, especially when insects are hatching. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. They're also excellent eating with firm, pink meat. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. Here's my tip: when they're jumping and won't stay hooked, try backing off your drag slightly. Many folks lose them by setting the hook too hard on their bony mouths.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter fish around here, running 14-20 inches on average with some pushing 6-8 pounds. They've got those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. During the day, look for them in 15-25 feet of water around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges. Come evening, they move shallow to feed - that's prime time. Summer and fall produce the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the fight and the eating - walleye are hands-down the best table fare we have. They pull steady and strong without the crazy jumps. Here's a local trick: use a jig and minnow combo, but don't set the hook on the first tap. Walleye often grab prey sideways first, then turn it to swallow. Wait for that second solid pull before setting the hook, and you'll land more fish.
Regina, Saskatchewan