Dene Experience

With the expertise of the locals, Athabasca Fishing Lodges provides guides with over one-thousand years of passed-down knowledge. Their mastery in hunting, trapping, and fishing on the lake and surrounding areas ensures that every guest has the most memorable experience.

The Dene people are aboriginals spanning from Alaska to the southwest of the United States. Today, the Dene, which translates to “the people,” typically live in the northernmost regions of Canada.  There they have continued to preserve their culture and traditions of living with and off the land.

The Denesųłiné First Nation is located in Fond Du Lac, where the residents are a part of the Chipewyan people. Fond Du Lac, wich literally translates to “bottom of the lake,”  sits at the far end of Lake Athabasca. The village of Fond Du Lac dates back to the 17th-century fur trade. Chief Maurice was one of many signatories of Treaty 8 in 1899. Queen Victoria and many of the First Nations signed this treaty to protect the lands and preserve the indigenous culture of the people.

Today, the people of Fond Du Lac understand the importance of passing down traditions and knowledge. Chief Loui Mercredi believes, “We live off the land as our ancestors did, hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering. Our attitude is respect for the animals. We only take what we need. We are caretakers of the land as Dene People.”

To learn more about the Dene Nation, visit denenation.com.

Our Team

Cliff and Stella Blackmur

Cliff and Stella Blackmur

General Manager

Cliff and Stella Blackmur have been operating Athabasca Fishing Lodges since 1974. They are known for their hospitality and reputation for providing a quality fishing experience. Many guests return year after year, not only because of the trophy fishing that is unparalleled anywhere in the north, but also because of the personalized attention they receive from Cliff and Stella, their guides, and staff.

Shane Pogue

Shane Pogue

General Manager

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and raised on a ranch Northwest of Woodland Park, hunting and fishing have always been a passion for me. When the opportunity to manage Athabasca Fishing Camps was presented to me, I knew it would be the perfect chance to introduce people to the great outdoors, while experiencing the fishing trip of a lifetime.

After numerous trips to Athabasca Fishing Camps over the years, it holds a special place in my heart, not only for the tremendous fishing, and outstanding shore lunches, but also the quiet peaceful atmosphere around the camp itself. Being in the Customer Service industry for over 20 years, managing the camp will be a welcome change of atmosphere and an opportunity to maintain what has become a destination so dear to so many people.

Latest News

Saskatoon Inn

Saskatoon Inn

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR DISCOUNTED RATES AT THE SASKATOON INN Flying Horse Hospitality, Canada Book your layover hotel stay at the Saskatoon Inn.   As a halfway point on your journey to and from the Athabasca Fishing Lodges, we invite you to book your layover stay...

Athabasca Fishing Lodges – October 2021 Update

Athabasca Fishing Lodges – October 2021 Update

Greetings from Lake Athabasca! As we end another season without our friends and family at camp, we wanted to send an update as to the progress of the camp throughout the summer months. We were presented with numerous challenges throughout the summer, as the ice on the...

Athabasca Fishing Lodges – 2021 Update

Athabasca Fishing Lodges – 2021 Update

Greetings from Lake Athabasca! On behalf of the Smith Family, and the Team at Athabasca Fishing Lodges I would like to thank you for your patience, and continued interest as we worked through a tough 2020 for so many people. With COVID-19 still looming, and the...

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