- Guided Rafferty Reservoir offers calm, scenic waters rich with walleye, pike, and perch, ideal for family fishing trips focused on safety, skill-building, and consistent action on the water.
- Our purpose-built boats come fully equipped with advanced electronics, premium rods, and safety gear, allowing your family to relax and enjoy a comfortable, well-supported fishing adventure.
- Flexible trip options and tailored instruction ensure your group stays engaged and successful, while onboard breaks and professional catch handling make the experience smooth and memorable.
Planning a memorable family fishing trip requires more than just picking a scenic lake. For those seeking a professionally guided experience that offers both recreational and educational value, a guided excursion on Rafferty Reservoir delivers.
With the right guide service, You and your family can enjoy a full-service fishing adventure that’s tailored, well-equipped, and built around safety, skill development, and consistent action on the water.
Rafferty Reservoir
It is located near Estevan, Saskatchewan, spans over 11,000 acres and offers a calm, scenic backdrop for recreational anglers and wildlife watchers alike. The lake’s clean waters and healthy fish populations make it a reliable spot for catching species like walleye, northern pike, and perch. The environment is peaceful but not remote, making it perfect for young children, multi-generational families, or anyone seeking a low-pressure, high-reward outdoor experience.
The reservoir is also rich in natural beauty, with long stretches of shoreline, prairie skies, and plenty of opportunities for photos, wildlife viewing, and shoreline breaks between fishing.
What You Get In a Guided Fishing Trip
Outfitted with premium gear and maintained for performance and safety, the boats used in guided excursions on Rafferty are purpose-built for angling. These are not rental boats or generic vessels; they’re advanced fishing platforms designed for Saskatchewan’s waters and the species that live there.
Families unfamiliar with operating fishing boats can rely fully on the guides, who take charge of all logistics, from launch to return. This allows guests to focus on the fishing experience itself, without worrying about navigation, equipment failure, or environmental conditions. Here are a few things you can look forward to in your Saskatchewan fishing trips.
Equipment Suited for All Family Sizes
The boats are equipped for all fishing excursions with tournament-quality boats and gear. Designed for comfort, these boats are clean, safe, fast, and powerful. Also, safety gear such as life jackets is included and fitted before departure. Depending on your group size, you can choose from the following:
Premium Boats for Groups of All Sizes
Whether you’re heading out with just a couple of friends or the whole family, the fleet includes options to suit your needs. The Nitro ZV21 and Ranger 621 are 21-foot high-performance boats powered by 300HP Mercury motors, ideal for small groups of one to three anglers.
For larger gatherings, the 23-foot Tritoon comfortably accommodates up to 11 people, offering a stable, open deck perfect for kids, seniors, or anyone who values extra space and comfort.
Advanced Electronics for Navigation and Fishing Success
Every boat is equipped with top-tier electronics to improve your time on the water. LiveScope sonar systems provide real-time underwater visuals, making it easier to locate fish and learn their behaviour, especially helpful for beginners.
Integrated GPS navigation tools offer you accurate positioning and safer travel across the reservoir, whether you’re exploring new spots or sticking to known hotspots.
Quality Gear Included for All Ages
You don’t need to bring your equipment; each outing includes premium rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Youth-sized gear is also available to make sure younger anglers are fully included in the experience. With everything provided, you can focus entirely on fishing and having fun.
Comfort, Safety, and Versatile Fishing Setup
All vessels feature cushioned seating and spacious layouts, making them ideal for families and extended trips. They’re also stocked with Transport Canada–approved safety gear for peace of mind. With built-in livewells, rod holders, and ample storage, the boats are configured for multi-species fishing, whether you’re targeting walleye, pike, perch, or others.
Tailored Instruction to Enhance the Learning Experience
When you book a guided excursion on Rafferty Reservoir, you’re not just hiring someone to drive the boat; you’re gaining access to a wealth of local knowledge that transforms your trip into a truly productive and enjoyable experience.
Your guide understands the reservoir’s unique fish behavior, changing weather patterns, and the most active zones based on season and time of day. This means you’ll spend less time guessing and more time catching. Here’s what your customized experience might include:
- Techniques suited to your group’s skill level, like trolling, jigging, or casting.
- Timing and trip length adjusted for optimal comfort and engagement.
- Onshore stops for snacks, photos, or stretching.
- Hands-on coaching if you’re new to fishing or want to sharpen your skills.
Flexible Trip Durations
Guided trips on Rafferty Reservoir are available in flexible formats, so you can choose the option that fits your family’s schedule and attention span. You can choose from
Half-Day Trips
If you’re introducing young children to fishing or want a relaxed outing, a half-day trip (about 4 hours) offers just the right balance of action and downtime. These shorter trips are great for keeping kids engaged without overwhelming them.
Full-Day Excursions
For families looking for a more in-depth adventure, a full-day trip offers the chance to explore a wider range of locations on Rafferty Reservoir.
With up to eight hours on the water, you can pursue multiple species, try different techniques, and enjoy a more immersive angling experience. It’s a great way to strengthen your skills, cover more ground, and make lasting memories with your group.
Custom Durations
Custom-length trips can be arranged for special events or multi-family groups and give you complete flexibility. You can coordinate with your guide to create a trip that fits your group size, energy level, and goals, whether that’s a mid-morning start, a long afternoon float, or something in between.
Onboard Comfort Is Built Into the Itinerary
Each option includes break times and the ability to adjust the day’s pace, depending on weather, bite activity, and participant energy levels. Excursions come equipped with onboard coolers for personal food and drinks, and guides incorporate natural breaks for snacks, shoreline stops, and washroom access where possible.
This practical approach makes the outing more enjoyable and sustainable for children and assures that no one feels rushed or pushed to continue fishing past their limit.
Catch Handling and Storage Are Professionally Managed
For families hoping to take home a meal, catch cleaning is included in the excursion. Guides makes sure all kept fish are quickly and humanely handled, cleaned to client preferences, and packaged in clean, sealed bags for easy transport. If guests prefer a catch-and-release approach, they can rest assured that fish are handled responsibly, with barbless hooks, minimal stress, and quick returns to the water.
There’s no need to bring knives, cutting boards, or coolers; everything is covered. This makes for a seamless end to the day and a chance to enjoy fresh Saskatchewan fish at home.
Target Species and Seasonal Variability
Each season on Rafferty offers different fishing opportunities, and your guide adjusts the trip to match. In spring, walleye and pike are active in shallow spawning areas. During summer, fish move deeper and gather around structure. In fall, cooling water pushes them into predictable zones near baitfish.
Rather than following a fixed plan, your guide responds to real-time conditions like fish behavior, wind, water temperature, and daylight. This approach helps you get the most out of every trip, no matter the season.
Wildlife Viewing and Scenic Photography
While fishing is the focus, families also enjoy Saskatchewan’s prairie and shoreline ecosystems. Rafferty’s wide-open skies and tranquil waters offer more than just fish, such as:
Exotic Birds and Wildlife Sightings
Bald eagles are frequently seen nesting along nearby cliffs, while pelicans, geese, and herons are common throughout the area. On quieter stretches of shoreline, you may spot white-tailed deer or the occasional moose. These wildlife sightings improve the trip, providing engaging moments for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Capture Scenic Moments with Exceptional Photo Opportunities
Beyond the wildlife, Rafferty offers wide prairie skies and peaceful shorelines that create perfect conditions for scenic photography. Whether it’s the golden glow of a prairie sunset or a misty early-morning launch, there are plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Your guide can help you find the best locations to stop and take it all in, turning your fishing trip into a photo-filled experience your family will want to revisit.
Variety of Catch Opportunities
The reservoir supports a diverse population of fish species that offer exciting experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Your guide will adjust techniques, locations, and bait presentations in real time to align with fish behavior, maintaining a productive and well-rounded experience on the water.
Common catches include:
- Walleye: Valued for both their table quality and strong fight
- Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive behavior and size potential
- Yellow Perch: Ideal for young or beginner anglers due to their abundance
- Sauger and Whitefish: Occasionally caught, particularly in deeper water
- Burbot (Lingcod): More often encountered during winter ice-fishing trips
How to Book Your Adventure With Us
Booking your fishing or winter camping trip with us is simple, transparent, and designed to get you on the water (or ice) with zero hassle. Here is how we can help you have a seamless, full-guided rafferty excursion:
Choose Your Experience
Begin by selecting the adventure that suits your preferences and schedule. Our daily guided fishing trips are perfect for anglers of all experience levels looking to fish Saskatchewan’s premier waters with local guidance. If you’re planning a winter outing, our overnight excursions offer heated, fully equipped shelters right on the ice, providing both comfort and a productive fishing environment.
If you’re unsure which option to go with, we’re always available to help you decide based on season, group size, and fishing goals.
Reach Out to Confirm Dates and Details
Once you know what type of trip you’re interested in, contact us directly through our website, phone, or text. Let us know your preferred dates, how many are in your group, and any special requests or questions you may have.
We’ll check availability and walk you through the seasonal options, letting you know what’s currently working best on the water or ice. Our team is committed to quick responses and honest communication, ensuring you feel confident before making any decisions.
Reserve Your Trip and Get Prepared
After confirming your adventure, we’ll secure your booking and provide all the information you need to prepare. This includes clear directions to the meeting location, what to bring for the day or night, and what gear we’ll have ready for you.
We’ll also help you understand any licensing requirements and share our weather and cancellation policies so there are no surprises. We want every guest to feel fully informed and ready for their trip.
Arrive Ready
On the day of your excursion, simply show up at the agreed location with your group. Your guide will be ready with all necessary equipment, safety gear, and a solid game plan for the day. Whether you’re loading into the boat or settling into a warm shelter on the ice, everything will be prepared in advance. From that point on, your job is to relax, fish, and enjoy the outdoors, we’ll handle the rest.
Why Choose Us for Your Rafferty Fishing Adventure
We bring years of firsthand experience fishing Rafferty Reservoir and its surrounding waters. Our team lives here, fishes here, and studies this ecosystem daily. This intimate knowledge means you get the advantage of expert guidance tailored to current conditions, and not guesswork.
We understand how subtle shifts in weather, water temperature, and fish behaviour impact your chances to catch walleye, pike, perch, and more. When you fish with us, you benefit from real-time decisions based on proven local insight.
Ready to create lasting family memories and discover the best fishing Saskatchewan has to offer? Prairie Pro Outfitters provides safe, professionally led excursions designed for families who want more than just a day on the water. Reserve your spot today to enjoy an experience built around learning, laughter, and lasting outdoor memories.