Best Fishing Near Nova Hotels: An Angler’s Guide to Western Canada

Western Canada is an angler’s paradise. The vast lakes and wild rivers of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories teem with trophy-class fish — from hard-fighting northern pike and walleye to prized lake trout and the iconic Arctic grayling. Whether you’re a dedicated sport fisherman making the journey specifically to cast a line, or a traveller who just loves fishing and wants to know where to go, Nova Hotels has you covered. Our properties are positioned within easy reach of some of the finest fishing destinations in Canada. This guide covers the top spots, species, seasons, and everything you need to plan a successful fishing trip near Nova Hotels.

Quick Reference: Top Fishing Near Each Nova Hotels Location

Alberta: Rivers, Lakes & Boreal Wilderness

Peace River — Nova Inn Peace River

The Peace River flowing through the town of Peace River is one of Alberta’s most storied fishing rivers. The river consistently produces excellent walleye and goldeye, and northern pike are plentiful in the shallower backwater areas. Early morning float fishing is especially productive — local outfitters offer guided half-day and full-day trips that depart right from the riverbank. Nova Inn Peace River offers easy access to the river and the team can point you to the best current launch sites.

Best season: Late May through September for open-water fishing; ice fishing is excellent December through March.

Athabasca River — Nova Hotel Fort McMurray

The Athabasca River near Fort McMurray offers superb walleye fishing and is known locally for producing consistently large fish. Gregoire Lake, just 45 minutes from Nova Hotel Fort McMurray, is another excellent option — it delivers reliable walleye and pike fishing in a beautiful provincial park setting. Ice fishing on Gregoire Lake is equally popular and productive during the winter months.

North Saskatchewan River — Nova Inn Edmonton

You don’t have to travel far from the city to find great fishing in Alberta. The North Saskatchewan River running through Edmonton produces walleye, pike, and mountain whitefish throughout the open-water season. For something a little more remote, Cooking Lake east of the city is popular for yellow perch and pike. Guests at Nova Inn Edmonton can be on the water within 30 minutes of checkout.

Saskatchewan: World-Class Trophy Fishing

Lac La Ronge — Nova Inn La Ronge

Saskatchewan’s Lac La Ronge is one of Canada’s premier trophy fishing destinations. At over 1,400 km², it is the largest lake located entirely within Saskatchewan, and its cold, clear waters are home to exceptional populations of lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. Trophy-size fish are caught regularly — lake trout over 20 lbs and pike exceeding 40 inches are genuine possibilities.

Nova Inn La Ronge is the most convenient base for accessing the lake and its surrounding provincial park. Numerous licensed outfitters operate out of La Ronge offering guided boat fishing, float plane access to remote lakes, and fully outfitted shore-lunch experiences.

Pro tip: Book a float plane excursion to one of the hundreds of remote lakes within Lac La Ronge Provincial Park for a truly wilderness fishing experience. Fish that see almost no angling pressure are in a class of their own.

South Saskatchewan River — Nova Inn Saskatoon

The South Saskatchewan River winding through Saskatoon is an underrated urban fishery producing solid walleye and pike throughout the season. Casting from shore in Diefenbaker Park or launching a boat from one of several city access points, guests at Nova Inn Saskatoon can be fishing within minutes of leaving the hotel. Blackstrap Reservoir, about an hour south of the city, is a go-to spot for perch and pike.

Northwest Territories: The Last Great Fishing Frontier

Great Slave Lake — Nova Inn Yellowknife

Great Slave Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the world, and its cold, nutrient-rich waters produce some of the largest lake trout on the planet. Trophy-class lake trout exceeding 30 lbs are caught each season, alongside excellent walleye and Arctic grayling in the shallower arms and river mouths. Yellowknife Bay, directly accessible from the city, is a productive walleye fishery right on the doorstep of Nova Inn Yellowknife.

Ice fishing on Great Slave Lake is a bucket-list experience. From January through March, guided ice fishing trips operate on the lake — some operators even set up heated ice huts complete with meals, making it an incredibly comfortable adventure even at −30°C. Our winter activities guide has more on cold-season adventures near Nova Hotels.

Mackenzie River — Nova Inn Inuvik

The Mackenzie River — one of North America’s longest rivers — flows past Inuvik on its way to the Arctic Ocean. It supports healthy populations of Arctic grayling, inconnu (sheefish), and broad whitefish, all of which are prized by anglers for their fight and flavour. Local Gwich’in and Inuvialuit guides offer cultural fishing experiences that blend traditional knowledge with modern angling — a truly unique way to connect with both the fish and the land.

Fishing Licence Requirements

All anglers fishing in Canada require a valid fishing licence for the province or territory where they are fishing. Here’s where to get yours:

• Alberta: Purchase online at mywildalberta.ca or at any local sporting goods retailer
• Saskatchewan: Purchase online at huntandfishsask.com
• Northwest Territories: Purchase online at nwtfishing.com

Non-resident licences are required for visitors from outside the respective province or territory. Regulations, slot limits, and possession rules vary by water body — always check the current regulations guide before heading out.

What to Pack for a Western Canada Fishing Trip

• Versatile rod and reel: A medium-action spinning setup handles the widest range of species
• Lures: Jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits cover walleye and pike; for lake trout, deep-water spoons and large jigs
• Polarized sunglasses: Essential for spotting fish in shallow water and reducing glare
• Sunscreen and insect repellent: Northern summers mean intense sun and mosquitoes in equal measure
• Cooler with ice: Keep your catch fresh for the short-term if you plan to keep fish
• Rain gear: Weather changes fast in northern Canada — always be prepared

Book Your Fishing Getaway with Nova Hotels

Whether you’re chasing trophy lake trout on Great Slave, working a walleye bite on the Peace River, or venturing to La Ronge for some of Canada’s finest freshwater fishing, Nova Hotels is your perfect angling base camp. Our properties offer comfortable rooms, great dining after a long day on the water, and staff who understand the local fishing scene and can help point you in the right direction.

Combine your fishing trip with other outdoor adventures — check out our summer road trip guide and our winter activities guide for even more ways to experience Western Canada from a Nova Hotels base.

Ready to wet a line? Book your stay at Nova Hotels today and get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime.