Labora Outfitters Inc.Fishing & Hunting Outfitters in Big River, Saskatchewan

Fly-In Hunting & Fishing Lodge on Holt Lake, Northern Saskatchewan in Big River, Saskatchewan

Some places are reached by highway, and some by float plane. Labora Outfitters Inc. belongs to the second group. The family-run business operates a fly-in lodge on Holt Lake in northern Saskatchewan, a remote body of water that, according to the outfitter, has only one lodge on it: theirs. Guests meet at Buffalo Narrows, board a plane and land on the lake, where a freshly built lodge, boats and guides are waiting. The business is run by Jason Vander Eyk with his wife Amanda and their children, and its mailing address is in Big River, Saskatchewan.

The Lodge Itself

Built in 2024, the lodge is a 1,056-square-foot cabin with three bedrooms, a three-piece bathroom, a full kitchen and a large sunroom that looks out over the lake. It is set up for groups who want to cook and look after themselves: bedding and linens, kitchen supplies, a barbecue, smoker, deep fryer, fridge, freezer and washing machine are all provided, and WiFi is available if you need it. The outfitter lists room for up to twelve guests, though its own video mentions nine, so groups of larger size should confirm numbers when they book.

Fishing the Lake

Holt Lake and several smaller lakes within reach hold northern pike and lake trout, and Tourism Saskatchewan's listing adds walleye. Open-water trips run from late May until early October, with options for fully guided days or do-it-yourself trips for anglers who prefer to run their own boat. The boats carry fish finders and four-stroke Mercury motors, and downriggers are available for the trout. When the lake freezes, the lodge hosts ice-fishing trips from January through March.

Hunting from the Lodge

Hunting is fully guided, for rifle or archery hunters, and the packages cover the flight from Buffalo Narrows, tags and licences, guides, three meals a day, lodging and freezing of trophies.

• Black bear in spring and fall, hunted over bait from ground blinds or tree stands
• Moose in the fall, using calling, tracking or spot-and-stalk with two guides

Practical Notes Before You Go

Because the lodge is accessible only by air, baggage limits and weather affect travel days, so it is wise to build a little flexibility into your plans. Non-resident hunters must meet Saskatchewan's licensing rules, and anglers need the appropriate licence for the waters they fish. The outfitter is listed with the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters, and the business can walk new guests through what to bring.

Questions People Ask

How do I get there? Guests fly in from Buffalo Narrows, about 110 km southwest of the lodge.
Can families come? Yes, the lodge is family-run and the outfitter mentions discounts for younger guests.
Is the lodge open in winter? Yes, for ice fishing from January to March.

To plan a trip, call 306-291-0747, email laboraoutfitters@outlook.com or follow Labora Outfitters on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.