Reilly Lake Outpost

About This Outpost

A remote do-it-yourself outpost camp located approximately 18 miles west by air from Reindeer Lake Lodge on Reilly Lake, Northern Saskatchewan. The camp consists of two large authentic upright rustic log cabins, each 18x24 ft (432 sq ft), accommodating up to 6 people per cabin for a total capacity of 12 guests. An on-site camp manager is available at all times. The camp includes duplex washroom facilities with hot showers and flush toilets, a shop/storage building, generator building, and camp attendant cabin. Fishing access to both Reilly Lake (23 miles long, ~70 sq miles) and Reindeer Lake via the Wathaman River only 1.5 miles from camp. Fly-in via floatplane from La Ronge (~80 minutes). Self-guided housekeeping trip — guests cook their own meals.

Reviews & Reputation

4.5

Based on 2 reviews from across the web

Summarized Review Highlights

Reindeer Lake Lodge and its associated outpost camps, particularly Reilly Lake, have earned a strong reputation among experienced fly-in anglers, with nearly all reviewers rating their stays at the top of the scale. Guests consistently describe the operation as professional and well-organized, with owners and staff going to notable lengths to ensure camps are well-maintained and fully equipped — even in circumstances such as reopening a long-dormant outpost camp following wildfire disruptions. The overall sentiment across reviews is one of genuine satisfaction, with multiple guests describing their trips as among the best fishing experiences they have had anywhere in northern Canada or internationally.

Fishing quality is the most consistently praised element, with pike drawing particular attention. Guests report frequent catches of trophy-sized northern pike in the 40-to-47-inch range, with walleye described as fast and plentiful, and lake trout available as a bonus species. Food and hospitality also receive strong praise, with the guided lodge experience noted for a structured daily schedule, quality meals made with fresh ingredients, and attentive staff. Camp attendants and guides are mentioned by name in several reviews and described as knowledgeable and quietly efficient. The remote setting on Reindeer Lake itself is highlighted as scenically impressive, with wildlife viewing and accessible side trips adding to the overall experience.

There are no recurring complaints across these reviews. One blogger noted that finding trophy pike at the self-guided Reilly outpost camp required patience and some trial and error, particularly early in the week, which is a realistic expectation for a do-it-yourself camp format. Travel time to reach the destination is significant — one international reviewer noted a 29-hour door-to-door journey — so the lodge is best suited to anglers who are prepared for a serious commitment of time and travel. Based on the reviews, this destination appeals most strongly to dedicated pike and walleye anglers chasing trophy-class fish, groups of experienced fishing buddies, and those with an interest in a true remote wilderness setting. The guided lodge experience suits anglers who appreciate structured hospitality in a remote environment, while the Reilly outpost camp is better suited to self-sufficient groups comfortable running their own camp and boats.

Summary generated May 25, 2026

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Kevin Blinkoff May 12, 2020

Blog

Uncharted Territory: Pike and Walleye in Northern Saskatchewan

Like the legendary coureurs de bois who voyaged across the uncharted Canadian wilderness 400 years before us, my father and I pushed off from the sandy beach and set out across Reilly Lake, an offshoot of vast Reindeer Lake in northern Saskatchewan. Our group of 10 had been delivered by float plane to the dock at Reilly Outpost, a do-it-yourself camp run by Reindeer Lake Lodge. The walleye fishing was incredible, the fastest I've experienced in dozens of Canadian fly-in and drive-to fishing trips. In two hours of fishing with barbless single-hook jigs, we could catch and release several-dozen walleyes. For the first few days, we caught pike consistently in a wide range of sizes, including a couple of 40-inchers, but we didn't find the trophy-size fish we were looking for at first. On the last day, I ignored the fishfinder and focused on working the shoreline of a bay — that afternoon, three times within a hundred-yard stretch of shoreline, the spoon was hammered just as it came through the shallows. All three fish were over 40 inches, including a thick 44-incher that set the new personal-best mark for my dad. I would have given anything for another day or two on Reilly, and I'm sure my dad felt the same. I have some great memories from that trip — the lesson that will stick with me is that electronics and experience can make you a better fisherman, but you also have to remember to look up from the screen sometimes.

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Jim

Outfitter

Trip of a Lifetime at Reilly Lake Camp

It was with some trepidation that our group of 10 accepted an invitation to Dave's Reilly Lake Camp following the complete loss of our original destination to his Pipestone Lake Lodge from the 2017 wildfires. We need not have been concerned!! Given the Reilly Lake camp had not been open for several years, there were obvious concerns with the state of the facilities and equipment…. again we need not have been concerned! Upon arrival it was obvious Dave and his staff had put every effort possible into having things ship shape with all new appliances, dishes, bedding, food supplies, well equipped boats including the very handy VHF radios and with the added bonus of separate facilities for hot showers and flush toilets! To compliment these great facilities, camp attendants Dan and Joy quietly and efficiently went about looking after us magnificently all week! The fishing??….absolutely fantastic and beyond all expectations! Our group mainly targeted Pike with almost everyone getting numerous trophies (40 inch plus) with upwards of 100 trophies taken during the week….the largest measuring in at 46 inches. We simply lost count of the hundreds of 36 to 39 inch monsters that became routine to release boat side after a couple of days! We were a bit early for Walleye but easily managed plenty for a fish fry and a very tasty taco night! A few in our group managed to get into some really nice Lake Trout with some hefty 30 inchers caught and released. If you are reading this and considering or actually have a trip planned to Reilly Lake, make sure you do yourself a favour and make the trek up into Vermillion Bay on Reindeer Lake and to the Oliver River falls at the extreme southern end of Reilly Lake as well. Magnificent scenery, loads of wildlife and some very nice pike just below the falls and even managed to find a couple of lake trout holes that kept us busy along the way! On the logistics side, we would be remiss if we did not give a huge shout out to Osprey Wings (Lac La Ronge to Reilly Lake) and return….absolutely the best service we have ever had in our ten plus trips throughout Northern Canada! Dave….on behalf of our group, please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for what turned out to be a true trip of a lifetime. An absolute pleasure to work with professionals who delivered well beyond our expectations…which were high to begin with!!

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Lake Information

Reilly Lake meanders through 23 miles of rock cliffs, weedy bays, and numerous islands before flowing into Reindeer Lake's Vermillion Bay. Approximately 70 square miles (~44,800 acres). Part of the Reindeer Lake watershed with two major rivers flowing in and one flowing out. The Wathaman River (15-20 ft deep, 60-70 ft wide) and Oliver River provide access to additional fishing areas including Reilly Lake Falls. Only 1.5 miles from Reindeer Lake's world-class Vermillion Bay, known for giant pike and excellent walleye fishing.

Lake Name

Reilly Lake

Province

Saskatchewan, Northern Saskatchewan

Lake Size

44,800 acres

Lake Structure

Rock cliffs, weedy bays, numerous islands, two major rivers flowing in (Wathaman River and Oliver River), one flowing out. Narrows, falls, and 23 miles of varied shoreline. Connects to Reindeer Lake's Vermillion Bay via the Wathaman River outlet.

Fishing Pressure

Remote, self-guided, very low pressure

Fish Species

pike pike

Portage Lakes: Yes - pike, walleye, lake trout (Reindeer Lake / Vermillion Bay accessible via Wathaman River 1.5 miles from camp; Spalding and Greenbush Lakes via Wathaman River inlet; Oliver Lake via Oliver River) (3 lakes)

Accommodations

Lodging Type

Authentic upright rustic log cabins (open concept with wood stove)

Cabin Size

432 sq ft

Max Guests

12

Total Rooms

2

Amenities

Electricity: Yes - generator

Running Water: Yes

Hot Water: Yes

Shower: Yes

Sink: Yes

Toilet: flush

Heat: Yes - wood stove (airtight)

VHF radios in boats

Dock

Other: 6 boats total (enough for 2 fishermen per boat); casting decks and marine batteries for electronics; nets, fish tubs, paddles, pliers, jaw spreaders; bedding, towels, pots, pans, cooking utensils, plates; propane grills/barbecues on front decks of each cabin; on-site camp manager; shop/storage building; generator building; support from Reindeer Lake Lodge main lodge 18 miles away for tools, equipment, extra supplies

Boats & Equipment

Boat Length

16 ft

Boat Brand

Alumarine

Motor

20HP

Motor Brand

Yamaha

Seat Type

Cushioned custom seats

Meals & Services

Meal Plan

Housekeeping

Meals Included

None - guests prepare own meals; propane grill/barbecues provided

Guide Service

not available

What's Included

Included

Round trip airfare from La Ronge to Reilly Lake Outpost; on-site manager; lodging in custom-built log cabins with wood heat; bathrooms and hot showers; 16 ft Alumarine fishing boats with cushioned custom seats, casting deck, 20HP Yamaha motors; bedding, towels, pots and pans, cooking utensils, plates; propane grill and barbecues; fishing access to Reilly Lake and Reindeer Lake