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Max Guests
24
Access
fly-in
Season
June – August
Pricing
$$$$$
About This Lodge
Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy
Hatchet Lake Lodge is a fly-in fishing lodge in northern Saskatchewan with a private 6,000-foot gravel runway just minutes from the lodge, so guests fly directly in with no floatplane legs or bus shuttles. Guests get exclusive fishing across 19 lakes holding northern pike, walleye, lake trout and Arctic grayling. Guests stay in private log cabins and gather in the main lodge for meals prepared by in-house chefs. The lodge shares ownership with Arctic Lodges on Reindeer Lake.
Accommodations
Lodging Type
Private log cabins and main lodge
Max Guests
24
Amenities
Electricity: Yes
Running Water: Yes
Hot Water: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shower: Yes
Sink: Yes
Toilet: flush
Heat: Electric, wood stove
Cell: No
Starlink internet
Lounge Area
Dock
Other: Private 6,000-foot gravel runway (CJL2, no fuel available); in-house chefs; meeting space available with the Corporate package
Fish Species
pike
walleye
lake trout
grayling
Boats & Equipment
Boats Included
1
Gas Included
Yes
Lake Information
Boreal forest and Canadian Shield setting. Guests have exclusive fishing across 19 pristine lakes, home to trophy northern pike, walleye, lake trout and Arctic grayling.
Lake Name
Hatchet Lake
Province
Saskatchewan, Northern Saskatchewan
Fishing Pressure
Low - exclusive outfitting rights to 19 of 20 remote lakes, uncrowded fishing, smaller group sizes
Meals & Services
Meal Plan
American Plan
Meals Included
All meals and shore lunches
Guide Service
included
Reviews & Reputation
5.0
Based on 29 reviews
from across the web
Review Highlights
Guest sentiment toward Hatchet Lake Lodge is overwhelmingly positive. Every review is 5 stars, and many come from repeat guests. Some have visited 4, 8, or 10 times, and one has been going for about 20 years. Several reviewers say they have fished other lodges across Canada and the US and rank this one above them. Some reviews date from the early 2000s and name the original owner, George Fleming. More recent ones credit Harvey, Layne, Clay, and their staff. One recent reviewer talks about new owners.
The fishing is the most consistent praise. Guests describe days of 50 to 100 fish, multiple northern pike over 40 inches, and good catches of walleye, lake trout, and grayling. Guests say fly-outs to nearby lakes are the best option for trophy fish. They call the guides experienced and good at finding fish, and one has guided there for 41 years. Shore lunches of fresh fish cooked over a fire by the guides come up again and again. Guests also like the cabins, which are rustic but comfortable and have wood stoves, daily housekeeping, and coffee delivered in the morning. The food and the friendly, attentive staff are praised often. Other things guests mention are the scenery, wildlife, northern lights, the bagpiper wake-up, and the lodge bar and evening conversation. The lodge has cut its capacity to about 19 guests, which reviewers credit for more personal service and less fishing pressure. The lodge has a catch-and-release policy for the main species, with fish kept only for shore lunch. Internet is available, but there is no cell signal.
Complaints are almost absent. The few cautions are practical. The trip is not cheap, though one guest says you get what you pay for. Weather can swing sharply, especially in early June, from sunny and 60°F to cold, windy, and heavy rain, so good rain gear is advised. One repeat guest says he has had better weather and fishing on other trips but still rates the trip highest. The lodge suits trophy northern pike and walleye anglers, groups of friends, and anglers who want a comfortable lodge with a full-service, guided experience. It also works well for first-time fly-in guests, since reviewers say the lodge helps with preparation. Parents and grandparents describe good trips with teenage and adult children and grandchildren, and one guest with little fishing experience caught plenty of fish.
Read all 29 reviews
Toney H
Aug 8, 2025
Google
This was an absolutely wonderful experience. This was my fifth trip and I have never been disappointed. Beautiful location and scenery. Professionally managed. The fishing is outstanding with 4 very distinct species. Very polite and respectful staff Layne and his family, Clay and his team work day and night to make the overall experience a time to remember. Elton was one of the best guides that we have ever had. Highly recommend. Toney from Tennessee
This lodge
Ron B
Jul 29, 2025
Google
Hatchet Lake Lodge is simply amazing. The cabins, the staff, new owners, and the food are all excellent. Everyone that works at HLL is on a mission to make sure you have an incredible time. Oh by the way, the fishing is fantastic. The guides of Hatchet Lake are second to none. They know where to go to find the species of fish you are wanting to catch. Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout, and Grayling are all on the catch and release list. You can however, catch and keep enough fish for an incredible shore lunch. The hospitality and customer service is just outstanding. You have the capability to flyout to other private lakes if you so desire. I have been going to HLL for ~12 years, and my fishing partner over 20 years. We always look forward to going back each year. We caught 241 fish over the 4 days of our trip in early July this year.
This lodge
Larry P
Jul 10, 2025
Google
Everything from guides to fishing, staff, comfortable cabins, chefs and the food, and the fishing. Did I mention the fishing? It was my dream trip and it was everything I dreamed of. Thank you to the incredible owner, Layne and his right hand man Clay. I was able to meet their families and they were charming. The staff was amazing. The servers were awesome and cheerful and the dock hands bend over backwards to take care of everyone. Thanks HLL!!
This lodge
Ryan Y
Jul 2, 2024
Google
Hatchet Lake Lodge was absolutely incredible and wow, what an unforgettable experience! The service was exceptional, the food was delicious, the guide was knowledgable, the cabins/lodge were perfect and we caught some monster fish (see photo)! This was the best fishing trip I've ever experienced. A HUGE thanks to Harvey, Clay, Elton (our guide) and all the Hatchet lake staff. I highly recommend all my friends and family go to experience it at least once!
This lodge
Buddy O
Aug 26, 2022
Google
My Wife and I had an amazing experience at Hatchet Lake Lodge. From the moment we arrived, we knew it was going to be an amazing experience. From the hospitality of all of the staff to the amazing views from our breakfast table, we would highly recommend Hatchet Lodge. Our guide Billy was excellent and cooked us lunch by fireside every day! All fishing activities were well planned and executed perfectly. Harvey has put a lot of thought into planning a great Canadian adventure.
This lodge
jtt37
Aug 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
One of my favorite places in the world!
I have been to Hatchet Lake Lodge several times, and it seems to be better than ever. They have reduced the number of guests there at a time, so the service is more personal, the guides are the most experienced and helpful, the fishing pressure is lower (and so you catch more fish, and big fish), and the food is very good. The shore lunches of fresh caught walleye cooked over an open fire are the thing that legends are made of. It is not inexpensive, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for and this is a wonderful fishing trip.
This lodge
Me and Her After Kids
Jul 1, 2017
TripAdvisor
This Is What Dreams Are Made Of
I never would have thought I would ever experience anything like this in my life. I also thought I would never get tired of fishing either. I can't say enough about how great the Staff treats you, the views, the guides, the food and I could go on and on. Nothing I could say would even come close to doing this place justice. All I can say is, go. You cannot have a bad day. The only thing different I would do is go the first week in August when the Northern Lights are out.
This lodge
Daniel K
Dec 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
The Ultimate Canadian Fishing Trip
Actually did this several years ago, but trip advisor doesn't let you go back more than a year. My experience here was like staying in a clean, rustic cabin environment with flush toilets, great showers, really comfortable beds, and a main cabin/dining area/bar area that served meals like you'd find in a Michelin 3 star restaurant, and service that is attentive, friendly, and absolutely fantasy. So.... The lodging part gets 5 stars, absolutely. The fishing part? I have a picture of me holding up a 46" northern pike, which I released for someone else to catch. That was one of about 50 fish I caught in 5 days of fishing. There were 8 in our party, or 10, I don,t remember, but everyone in our party caught and released lots of fish. The shore lunches prepared by our guides were terrific, and these guides all knew how to put you on the fish.
This lodge
Paul C
Dec 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
A Lifetime of Memories
I can remember my dad first taking me to fish when I was perhaps 6 or 7 years old. From that first time, I was hooked, no pun intended. My dad and I have fished many destinations in North America - the Florida Keys for Tarpon, the Great Lakes for Salmon, Steelhead and Smallmouth Bass, even the Big Island for Hawaii for Pacific Blue Marlin - but none come even close to the times and memories we have shared at Hatchet Lake Lodge. We have been making the trip to Hatchet almost every year for the last 20 years - and I plan to keep going as many years as I can. Alas, dad's health no longer allows him to make the trip - although I know he wants to. The fishing at Hatchet is of course fantastic - but it is the entire experience, from overnighting in Saskatoon (a few years back Winnipeg), the day 1 early morning charter flight to the Lodge, starting off 4 days of great fishing. We do the fly-outs at least 3 of the 4 days - with the best fishing consistently on the fly-outs. Then getting back to the lodge after a long day fishing in the great outdoors - to enjoy cocktails and snacks at the lodge bar before dinner - topping off a perfect day. All the elements of a Hatchet Lake experience are tops - the fishing, the staff, the guides, the scenery, the wildlife, the lodge, the cabins, and the food including shore lunches. The only element of Hatchet which you cannot take for granted that it will be wonderful - the weather - but then that's part of the experience too. In the first half of June, when we make the trip, one day can be 60 and sunny, the very next day 35, windy and raining hard enough to drown a duck. Bring the best weather gear you can afford. I have a lifetime of memories with my dad a Hatchet Lake - my very best memories of alone time with him. Don't miss the chance. I started taking my son to Hatchet just a few years ago - and despite not growing up fishing but growing up with video games - he now asks every year to go back. Many more memories to come. Thank You Harvey, James, George (RIP) and all the great staff at HLL.
This lodge
RayfromAustin
Jun 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
An awesome experience in every way
I went to Hatchet Lake Lodge June 11-15. Everything about the trip was fantastic, especially the fishing. I caught well over 100 fish in 4 days, 4 more than 40 inches, and I am not a very good fisherman. My guide, Leonard, was very helpful, and he has guided here for 41 years. The other guides seem equally experienced. The cabin (#2) was great, with plenty of room and a nice wood stove. The Lodge was a comfortable place to sit and chat and the end of the day. The food was excellent in the Lodge, and it was nice to share a table with some of the guests. Shore lunch was lots of fun: hint, it is more interesting if you help prepare some things. Harvey, Wendy and Taylor were warm and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and efficient. I love this place, and have already booked for next year.
This lodge
HLP333
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Great fishing experience- monster fish
We can't say enough about the awesome experience of being a guest at the Hatchet Lake Lodge. The trip actually starts in Saskatoon and from there it only gets better. A smooth flight up to the landing strip where we were met by the guides for a short boat ride to the Lodge. From then on the fun begins. A good breakfast and then a day on the lake. The fishing is great. Lots of large fish and our counts for each day were 50 to 100 fish. Our cabin was nice with a comfortable bed and wood burning stove for the cooler nights and mornings. The lodge is rustic and a pleasant place to relax after an awesome dinner prepared by the chefs. We have returned to a Hatchet Lake Lodge for many years and recommend the awesome experience in the Canadian wilderness.
This lodge
Tony W
Jul 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Best fishing experience ever
The fishing experience is the best you could ever find. The staff and service are all stellar. Our guide put us on so many fish that we were exhausted by the end of the day. And the country is beautiful. There is a timeless sense of nature that makes for quite a getaway.
This lodge
MrBull2013
Jul 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Fishing Will Never Be the Same
We landed mid morning to sad faces of those leaving the lodge. We endured jeers to "Hey we left a few out there". And that they did. My boat partner and I never caught less than 40 fish in any of the 4 days we were there, with out best day being over 80. Our guide Ray had a knack for taking up to the fish. At one time we had caught over ten nice fish in a little over ten minutes. We met another pair of fishermen along with their guide every day for a shore lunch of fish, fried potatoes and onions cooked by the guides. It was terrific. The Lodge experience was overseen by Harvey and Wendy and their staff was number 1. From almost the time we arrived they knew us (16 in number)by name. I never saw less than smiles and sincere greeting from them. The lodge experience mirrored the rest of the trip. Coffee brought to cabin every day a 6:00 AM. A fire was started in the wood stove if it was warranted and there was a refrigerator stocked with soda and water. There was a fully stocked bar if one chose to have a cocktail. The evenings were spent excellent dining and conversations in the family room. It just doesn't get any better. If you want to live a dream head to Hatchet Lake Lodge. Warning...be prepared to catch big fish.
This lodge
DocAndyHouston
Jan 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Wonderful father/son time
My 15 year old and I went to Hatchet Lake Lodge. I took him away from screens-the screen on his phone, on his laptop, and all his games. He wasn't enthusiastic until the morning of the second day, when it dawned on him (no pun intended) that he had such fun on his first day catching a couple of HUGE pike and several lake trouts. He was tired at the end of the day, and woke up to the sound of bagpipes and a cup of hot chocolate. The second day was again spent fishing: walleye, northern pike and lake trout so big that we had only seen pictures of before. Wonderful food, great guides, spectacular scenery, pristine lakes, and a splendid companionship during breakfast and dinner.
This lodge
Christopher C
Aug 1, 2013
TripAdvisor
There is a Reason this place is Legendary
My first trip to Hatchet Lake Lodge came, of all things, as a gift from my father, whose clients had been frequenting here some 20 years in the past. I'm the fisherman in the family, and even as a solo guest and visitor, I was simply blown away by the quality of the lodge/resort experience. More interesting than anything was that the other 16 guests attending at the same time as myself were ALL repeat customers of this fine fishing camp - from as little as 7 repeat years to one father /son team who had been coming for 14 years! These were all people who had experienced other top notch fishing lodges across north America/Canada, and yet still chose to come back to Hatchet Lake for one reason only - because it was the best. Harvey and Wendy were our proprietors and hosts, and they made you feel welcome from the minute you arrived, and the staff made sure the remainder of your trip was attended to in every way, no matter your needs. Every guest had their own guide for all four days of fishing, so that you could concentrate on any/all species that you might be trying to catch in your quest for the Grand Slam of Fishing. From new fires in your cabin's stove that were stoked before you even woke up, to the fresh coffee awaiting you on your table, to the custom or featured breakfasts every morning, you awoke in paradise, and then FISHED in paradise throughout the day. When you completed your day, which included a shore lunch crafted by your guide, your dinner awaited you every evening in plenty of time to have gotten relaxed and cleaned up after a day of top flight fishing on either Hatchet Lake, or one of the many adjoining lakes available to fish on daily fly-outs. Drinks and cocktails, as well as good company and conversation, were yours to pursue every evening after dinner until you were ready to turn in and do it all over again the next day. While this is the place to happily know you won't even get a cell phone signal for 4 days, internet access is still available for those that want to stay connected, should you so desire. This place is the Cadillac of fish camps, and I can't wait to come back!
This lodge
Eric H
Jul 1, 2013
TripAdvisor
Double Header Baby!!!
This was my tenth visit to Hatchet and it is still one of the top fishing lodges in North America. The camp now accommodates a maximum 19 guests vs. 50 in the past. The smaller size allows the staff to focus on the details. The cabins get daily housekeeping and a warm fire on those cool mornings and evenings. Fly outs are a must if you want to catch a trophy. Bring your Pink #5 Mepps spinner and some good rain gear and your set. Hatchet has top gear, new outboard motors each year and Satalite phones for the fly outs. First Class all the way. If you want to start a tradition for your family this is the place to do it. Fish On!!!
This lodge
Dale F
Sep 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
It doesn't get any better than this..
How to compress such a wonderful experience into a few words? I had known about Hatchet Lake by virtue of being included on their mailing lists for many years. Finally, an opportunity presented in 2003 to come to the Lodge, and it was such fun that I returned in 2004 with my son, son-in-law, and grandson. The weather was excellent and one could not have asked for better fishing. The thing that sticks with me though, is that there is no way that such a fine property could have been created in such a remote location. And yet, there it is. I am in awe of what George Fleming has accomplished. Friendly seamless service by every employee anticipates the visitors' every need. I'm sure there must be other places offering such a great experience, but why go to the trouble to find them when you already have Hatchet Lake?
This lodge
Yankeedaug
Aug 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
A great Family adventure
I had the pleasure of bringing my 3 grown children ,Amy 38,Steven 41, and Lisa 42 to experience what real fishing is all about.They were in awe at what they caught.Amy's first day was a 43 1/2 inch Pike..along with a huge lake Trout while with Emily. My 3rd day on the fly-out ,I caught 24 fish on the same mepps5 lure. I caught a 39" pike on my last day.My daughter Lisa finished the day with a 40" pike.Steven didn't fair as well but caught tons of good sized pike.All in all a super trip.The staff very helpful from beginning to end.A 10++..My only complaint.I wish I could do this 2 or 3 times a year..
This lodge
Ambassador13450
Aug 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
Another great trip to Hatchet
My fourth great trip in the past five years. I've had better weather & better fishing, but the total Hatchet experience can't be beat & I'll be back next year. Your staff is just the best, but that starts at the top with a management team that truly cares about their guests. Great food, fishing, scenery & accomodations coupled with your staff puts Hatchet Lake way above other lodges I've been to in the past. See you next year!!
This lodge
Fearless35975
Aug 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
4th trip to Hatchet
I've fished many other places. In Canada & the US. There is nothing that compares to the Hatchet Lake experience. Great people, George, Harvey, Wendy and staff. The fishing is second to none other and the guides are the best. I hope to get back for my 5th time.
This lodge
Explorer26097
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
Hatchet Lake Lodge delivers and then some....
this year will be my fourth trip to hatchet.....every year the fishing gets better and better.......I have caught dozens of pike over 40" and several approaching 50" !!....this is truly an amazing place with outstanding fishing.....superb accomodations...and above all a fantastic hatchet crew to assure your stay is one that you will remember......this is not an ordinary northern lodge that promises you "the big one".......this place delivers like no other......catching 100 pike in one day by yourself is no easy chore but someone has to do it !!!.......fisherman can live a dream here ...go to heaven and come back again........what more can you ask for !!
This lodge
Fearless26278
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
The Legend Continues
I've been waiting to catch a trophy northern and Hatchet was the place that it happened. In fact I caught three of them on my first trip there last season(2003). The entire trip was wonderful. Its a first class operation that delivers on their promises. I'm planning to return very soon.
This lodge
Paradise35846
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
8 Years at Hatchet Says It All
With 8 trips to Hatchet, and many more to come, all the accolades about the fishing, accommodations and the people making this once in lifetime (well more than once) experience possible, are TRUE. For those that enjoy the outdoors and fishing, and even for those that don't, the Hatchet Lake experience gives you a totally renewed outlook on life. Experiencing the wilderness with Eagles, Moose, Bear and Wolves, along with terrific fishing, cannot be put into words. You must experience it. The great accommodations and terrific staff take all the worry out of the trip, and let you experience the magic that is Hatchet. Best fishing day at Hatchet - over 100 pike, with 9 over 40 inches, need I say more.
This lodge
Michael K
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
If you go northern fishing once in your life-Hatchet lake!
The lodge owner and I were Hudsons Bay Company fur traders together back in the 1950s, and we both remember the pristine lakes and abundant fishing of those days. Well, George and I didn't see each other for about 40 years since that time, until my wife, Judy, and I came to Hatchet Lake in August 2003. The lakes and fishing are still there, just waiting for you! Well, suffice it to say that George is still the dead honest, good guy he was back then, and it really shows in the superb northern fishing experience that he and his highly motivated and well trained staff provided. My wife, aided by our great guide Vic Lepine, caught 37 and 44 inch Northern pike, and all the walleye we needed. She was ecstatic. Vic cooked our shore lunches so well that we had to beg him to cut out everything except the fish!! Our server in the lodge, teamed with the incredible chef and kitchen staff, never faltered in presenting the most delicious meals. Actually, it was great cuisine presented informally! My chats with the lodge staff indicated that the staff loved their jobs, and this showed in the treatment we received - early morning coffee, cheery wake-up calls, and "nothing was ever too much trouble" attitude. Being Scotch, I loved the bagpiper's welcome, morning reveille, and dinner call. The scenery was the best the North has to offer, the lodge is spectacular, the accomodations rustic-comfortable, and I doubt if the fishing can be equalled - the repeat customers with their sons and grandsons reinforced this "in spades". If you go - and you MUST - from the time you leave Winnipeg, until you return - it will be an experience you will NEVER forget! Don't hesitate - GO!!! Thanks, George - and all your great helpers. Mike and Judy.
This lodge
Tourist17077
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
Fished Hatchet twice with grandson.
Fished Hatchet twice with young grandson. Accomodations and food are great as well as the guides. Caught 198 northern first trip and grandson caught 3 trophy northern in 20 minutes on second trip. Will return with him as a prep school graduation present.
This lodge
Ambassador22857
Apr 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
July 2002
Had a great time at Hatchet lake. I went with the owner and managers of the company I work for. I had nothing but good reviews from all that went.Had a great time fishing. My thanks to George, Harvey and the whole crew for the good time we had. The food and guides made the trip worth while. A welcome time off from the hustle of The workaday world.
This lodge
jplein
Mar 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
Trip of a lifetime for me and my wife!
Took our first trip to Hatchet Lake Lodge in August of 2003 and hope that it is the first of many. Even though we had never gone to a fly-in fishing lodge before, it seemed easy to be fully prepared. Harvey was very helpful with questions when we reserved, and we had a lot of packing tips available via their website and informational mailings. Even though I've fished quite a bit, I'm certainly no expert and my wife had only fished a few times before. But the staff made sure the whole vacation was fun & exciting for both of us. Our fishing guide had us catching doubles of lake trout within minutes of heading out on the first day, and prepared a shore lunch fit for the adventure. Catching the aroma of fresh fish & potatoes cooking over a open fire while lounging on the shore of a wilderness lake is an experience we will never forget! We had a great four days of fishing, four great dinners, and five hearty breakfasts. We saw beautiful sunsets over unspoiled wilderness, soaring eagles, fantastic northern lights, and romantic starry nights. We met people that have become close friends even though they live across the country. Hatchet Lake Lodge is the only way to experience the Canadian wilderness.
This lodge
GoPlaces36454
Feb 1, 2004
TripAdvisor
You're the BEST!!
My experience at Hatchet Lake Lodge was second to none! The fishing is not exaggerated. It is tremendous. The accomodations were wonderful! The food excellent. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable. To not go would be to miss out on one of the greatest fishing experiences of all!
This lodge
Alana M.
Outfitter
Words cannot describe a trip to Hatchet Lake Lodge. If you dream of fishing the fresh waters of Northern Saskatchewan, Hatchet Lake Lodge is the place to do it! We LOVED our stay and made a tonne of memories that will last our lifetime.
This lodge
What's Included
Included
5-day/4-night stay, seat on scheduled charter flight from Saskatoon International Airport, fully guided fishing on Hatchet Lake and nearby waters, use of lodge boats, equipment and amenities, all meals and shore lunches
Getting There
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Saskatoon International Airport (scheduled charter flight departs from here)
Season & Booking
Season: June to August
Location
Contact
Hatchet Lake Lodge
Layne Renard Hatchet Lake Lodge
Esterhazy, Saskatchewan
PO Box 621, Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0, Canada
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