There is no reason to pack winter boots or even full size rubber boots. The key here is efficient packing, 50-70lbs should not be the norm, 30-50 is our goal for keeping weight down on the float planes. These ankle boots will take up less space and weight in your bag and keep your feet dry. From rainy days to that step off the boat for shore lunch, these are all you need.

Keep your phone, camera, music or whatever you need rolling with a rechargeable power pack. These can be charged in your cabin and keep you powered up for video action of wildlife or a big fish.  We use the Goal Zero Venture 30.

Invest in a good set of pliers (with a lanyard so they don’t become structure on the bottom of the lake!) and good quality snippers that will cut light wire, braid and heavy leaders cleanly. Your guide will have similar options but it’s best to have a set for the cabin for rigging rods in the evening or as backup in case your guide’s pliers become structure.

This is a gotta-have for every angler. With a knife, pliers, small scissors, awl and more there are infinite uses: in the boat, cutting wood for shorelunch fires, or opening a nice bottle of Cab Sav. Some of the best are made by Leatherman and Gerber.

Fingerless, waterproof, insulated.
Gloves for fishing in Canada need a 1-2 punch. In the north the weather can change in an hour. You need a couple of options: fingerless lightweight sun gloves for those sunny days or just cool weather and for the really cold and wet days a waterproof glove to keep you warm and dry, yet still able to reel in a fish.  We like the Catalyst Soft Shell Glove from First Lite.

It’s true, most newer smart phones are waterproof to some degree. However not totally and more importantly they are not drop proof. As there is a greater emphasis each year at Scott Lake and around the fishing industry to take better care of these amazing fish we try to keep up with the science surrounding this. It’s clear, less time out of the water the better for the fish’s health. We strive to take more underwater and in water photos at the lodge, making sure your phone is watertight is key. The Lifeproof cases also have a lanyard that is key to not turning your phone into new structure. Win for the fish and win for you with new, exciting photos and video.

This is a perennial #2 spot in our gift guide. In our professional opinion, a quality pair of polarized sunglasses should be at the top of your gift list (you can give a pair to yourself you know). Costas are probably our Guide Team’s top choice, but Maui Jim and Oakley make great glasses as well. These companies make different lenses for varied conditions, the percentage of light transmission needed to see on an overcast day or morning is different from just after shorelunch on a sunny day. Having a couple options gives you a backup as well. Copper lens with green mirror for sunny conditions and Silver Sunrise for duller light is what our Guide Team choose. 

Of course, you need a place to use these items. Why not go for the best: there is no better place to test your toys and skills than Scott Lake Lodge right on the border of Saskatchewan and the vast Northwest Territories. You or your very lucky friend will have over two million areas of exclusive water spread throughout our fifteen million acre outfitting territory. It’s doesn’t get any more exclusive than that. Enjoy world class customer service and over-the-top amenities like elegant private cabins, a hot tub, sauna, spa services, gourmet cuisine and naturally cooperative fish. Our guides average twenty seasons at Scott. They will take great care of you.

There are just a handful of 2022 spots yet open. Put one in your Christmas stocking today. Call or text our Guide/Sales Manager Jon Wimpney at 306/209-7150. Or send him an email. Yes, today.