Lodge-based Great Slave Lake fishing, Northwest Territories

This is the land of trophy lakes. Fishing in Canada’s northern heartland is a true pleasure due to these beautiful lakes – all of which boast world-class sport fishing. For generations, people have enjoyed fishing at Great Slave Lake, the fifth-largest lake in North America.

The lodge is located near Lutsel K'e, a remote Dene village where the Stark River meets the east arm of Great Slave Lake. The location allows for excellent lake and river fishing opportunities where you can fly fish for arctic grayling just a few hundred yards from the lodge, or head out to the nearby maze of islands, inlets, channels and bays for huge lake trout and trophy northern pike with your experienced guides in comfortable 18’ boats.

The surface fighting 'lakers' of the Northwest Territories must be experienced to be believed.  30-40 pounders are common but why not try to beat the 59 1/2 pound record? If you’ve always dreamed of fishing the East Arm of Great Slave Lake in the NWT, it’s likely because of one thing – Lake Trout!  This fishery is a renowned, bucket list destination not only because of the size and untold numbers of these aggressive, hard-fighting fish, but because the lake trout of Great Slave Lake remain in the shallow depths all summer long. Trolling with spoons, plugs and herring rigs, or jigging over drop-offs with tube jigs and Bondy Baits are the go-to methods on Great Slave.  Fly fishermen will have success using big streamers and casting along the numerous rocky points and reefs.

Great Slave Lake and the East Arm are home to an abundance of northern pike and offer great sports all season long. They lurk, awaiting the angler in shallow bays, channels and rivers. While pike generally runs between 5 and 15 pounds, 25-30 pound classes have been caught. Spoons, jerk baits, bucktail spinners and swim baits all work for pike, but these opportunistic predators are not fussy.  Early season, from late June to mid-July is prime time when the biggest pike is in shallow water, but your experienced guides are always able to find them regardless of when you come to the lodge.

If arctic grayling is your species of choice you’re in for a guaranteed good time when you go fishing in the rivers and along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake. Arctic Grayling are – unquestionably one of the world’s most beautiful freshwater fish. Guests regularly catch two to four-pounders all season. The lodge is located at the mouth of the renowned Stark River, which is one of the premiere Arctic Grayling fisheries in the world. It’s a special place.  For fly fishermen who haven’t yet experienced the Stark River, it can be easily defined by the sheer numbers of large Arctic Grayling who inhabit its slow riffles, pools and runs as well as the frequent Caddis hatches that support them. In the Stark, trophy-sized grayling – greater than 16 inches – are the average, and on any given day you can expect to catch as many fish as you can handle. 

The lodge is a modern facility with professional guides, world-class fishing and the beauty of the Northwest Territories at your doorstep.  Accommodations are in comfortable lodge rooms or private cabins, complete with running water, electricity, indoor plumbing and maid service.  At the end of the day enjoy a delicious meal, relax in the Finnish sauna or enjoy the beauty of the northern lights. Simply step outside the comforts of your private log cabin and look to the skies to view the amazing aurora borealis.  By the middle of August, when true evening darkness descends on the Lodge, the Northern Lights are almost a nightly event.  The lodge’s perfect location under the aurora oval offers vibrant shows of green and purple bands dancing across the skies over Great Slave Lake.