Common Questions

 
How big is the water system? Black Bear Island Lake is approximately 52 miles long and sits in the middle of the Churchill River System. What type of fish will I catch? BBIL offers trophy Northern Pike, and Walleye. We also offer our exclusive ‘fly-in’ lakes that offer Northern Pike, Walleye & Trout. What type of fishing line should I use? 6 - 8 lb. for Walleye; 10 - 15 for Pike Will I need a fishing net? Yes, and we provide fishing nets for each boat. When is your ‘down’ season for fishing? Because we are located on the Churchill River System, the water temperature changes very little. The ‘down’ season is equivalent to approximately 20 fish with 2 or 3 of them being trophy size. Typically, August is our warmest month. Do your boats have cushions? All our boats have swivel cushioned seats. How will I know my way around the lake? Every boat includes a guide who is native to the area. How many people fish per boat? Each boat seats 2 adult guests (& 1 child) with a guide. What type of lures do you recommend? We have a fully stocked store at BBIL , however, if you insist upon bringing your own lures, we recommend Spoons, 5 of Diamonds, Silver Minnow, Mr Twister jigs with tails, Mepps, Musky Killers, Red Eye Wigglers & Hell Benders Live bait is illegal. If I want to troll, will the guide oblige? Yes, just let your guide know. Typically, fishing is casting for trophy Pike & jigging for walleye. Will my guide be fishing as well? This is entirely up to you, however, we recommend that they do. You can learn from your guide as to what the Churchill River has to offer. Your guide takes pride in ‘bragging rights’ among the other guides. How well do the guides know the lake? Our guides were born (some literally at the lodge many years ago) and today, live in our area.Most of our guides are trappers throughout the winter months as well. You will be amazed with their navigation skills as you travel through the rapids, near cliffs, rock paintings & wild life. All of this and still make it back in time for dinner! Which animals may I hunt? Saskatchewan’s finest color phase black bear. What are the requirements for flying with a weapon? It’s best to check with your travel agent, as this may change often. I’m wanting a hunting package, will I still be able to fish as well? Yes, all our hunting packages include fishing. What time of day will I be hunting? Typically, you’ll be in the stand after shore lunch. If your bear site is active earlier in day, we’ll have you in the site in the morning. Supper will be ready for you when you return to camp in the evening. Will my guide skin my Saskatchewan bear? Yes, after skinning, we will freeze your bear hide. If I’m hunting, how do I travel to BBIL with my hunting gear, as well as my fishing gear? BBIL supplies all fishing gear to all of our hunters at now extra charge. This includes tackle. What’s the minimum age for a Saskatchewan hunter? The minimum age is 12 years old. What’s the average size bear in your area? 30% of our harvested bears have been record size bears. How many hunters do you allow at the lodge at one time. We allow 6 - 10 hunters at a time, however, including our fishing guests, we will allow up to 24 guests. How many baited sites does BBIL have? We have over 50 sites. However, you will only be put on a site that’s active. We have trail cams, this gives us an idea as to what & when the site is being hit. Do I have to wear hunter orange while I’m hunting? Rifle season requires you to wear a suit of scarlet, bright yellow, blaze orange, white, or any combination of these from the waist up only. Hunters are still required to wear hats of any of the colors listed except white. I’m an archery hunter, but I’d like to take a riffle to the stand with me in the even that I have a better shot with it. Is this a possibility? Yes, as long as you’ve brought both weapons from home. When purchasing your hunting license, there is no place to specify which weapon you will use. Honestly, what are the chances in me seeing a shootable bear? We’ve had sites that have been hit by up to four bears at a time. The opportunity is there. DO NOT USE COVER SCENT. Which season is easier to hunt? Spring hunts are easier to hunt. Which season carries larger bears? Fall hunts will offer larger bears, but is also a more challenging hunt.
Hunting Questions