Fly-In Fishing Outpost Cabins in the Yukon Wilderness

Medium-heavy, fast action rods with spin casting or bait casting reels spooled with at least 20 lb mono or braided line are preferred for lake trout. The top choices are the T-60 Flatfish, Eppinger Husky Senior, and Junior spoons. And don’t forget to bring a few Five of Diamonds spoons and big crankbaits or plugs too. You don’t need to use downriggers for lakers in Yukon.

Medium-heavy, fast-action rods with spin casting or baitcasting reels work best for this type of fishing. One to two-ounce, tube or bucktail jigs work very well. White, chartreuse, and black colored jigs are the most popular. Bondy Baits are another terrific lure for the lakers. Drifting over the steeper drops with a big jig is one of the most exciting ways to fish for lake trout.

Many fly fishers are surprised to find out that lake trout can be readily taken on a fly rod. Lake trout are a cold-water species and prefer water temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. From ice-out in late May through the first half of July, the top of the water column remains within the temperature range lake trout prefer. Large schools of lake trout can often be seen cruising across shallow shoals searching for prey. Deceivers, jointed saltwater rigs, rabbit fur strip streamers, and Clouser minnow patterns are all top producers for the fly fisherman. 8-10 weight fly rods with large arbor reels are a must for these fish.

For Northern Pike, the most exciting method is casting into the shallows and drop-offs where the pike is lurking to ambush their prey. 

Spoons are always a good first choice, as well as large jigs and floating or shallow-running crankbaits. 

Good steel leaders are a must for these apex predators. If you are into fly fishing for pike, come early in the season when the bigger pike is in shallow water. Get ready for savage strikes! Big streamers, oversize woolly buggers, and mouse patterns are great to-fly choices for pike. 

For Arctic Grayling, the fly fisherman will do well using dark nymph and bead head patterns or dry flies like elk hair caddis or stimulators with a floating line. 3-4 weight rods are best for grayling. Spin casting using ultra-light gear, with small spoons, jigs, and spinners, is also a great way to catch these beautiful fish.