LA RONGE — After a three-year investigation conducted by Saskatchewan conservation officers, an American cabin owner is now facing a hefty fine for operating an illegal outfitting operation in Northern Saskatchewan.
As a result of the investigation, the American owner pleaded guilty to one count of operating "without an outfitter's licence endorsed for that activity to act as an outfitter" contrary to The Outfitter and Guide Regulations, 2004. On Dec. 23, 2024, he was handed a $10,000 fine, plus a $4,000 surcharge, in La Ronge Provincial Court.
Cree Lake is 81 kilometres long and is located approximately 220 kilometres north of Pinehouse Lake. With no highway access, most summer anglers and outfitting services can access this area by float plane only.
According to Saskatchewan Environment, in 2020, Pinehouse Lake conservation officers became aware of an unlawful outfitting operation on the southwest shore of Cree Lake. Throughout the summer months of 2022 and 2023, officers investigated to gather evidence to support concerns of unlawful outfitting. This included visits by boat and multiple float plane inspections.
In a statement, Saskatchewan Environment says, “Recognized as a world-class trophy northern pike and lake trout waterbody, Cree Lake is visited by anglers from all over the world who use the services of licensed outfitters to catch trophy fish.
“When recreational leaseholders use private cabins for unlawful outfitting, it negatively impacts provincially licensed outfitters who rely on guiding and outfitting clients for their livelihood. Unlawful outfitting can also negatively affect Saskatchewan's fishery resources and populations.”
The Conservation Officer Service acknowledges the role the public played in this investigation.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan's Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward from the SaskTIP Reward Program.
