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
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
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
Crazy Water at The Lodge!
Currently, the water level at The Lodge is two feet higher than usual and fluctuates every day. Even though it is high, we have started de-construction of some of the existing cabins to get ready for the new ones to be built later this season. We are clearing the way...
Covid-19 Update
COVID-19 Update for Athabasca Fishing LodgesThank you for your continued interest in Athabasca Fishing Lodges. As many of you know, 2020 marked a season of blending the 47-year-long legacy that Cliff and Stella Blackmur have created at Lake Athabasca with enhanced...
Letter from Jeff Smith
Letter From Jeff SmithFlying Horse Hospitality, Canada December 2019 Like many of you, my family and I have been longtime and frequent guests of the fishing camp for a number of years. We have been visiting Athabasca Fishing Lodges since 1994. Over the years, I have...