Some Interesting Fishing Locations in Northwest Territories (Canada)
Northwest Territories Fishing Spots – Looking for the perfect spot to cast a line in the Northwest Territories? I’ve compiled a list of intriguing fishing locations that are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Aylmer Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Aylmer Lake: A Remote Wilderness
Aylmer Lake sits nestled in the Canadian wilderness, far north of Yellowknife and just south of the Arctic Circle. This remote area boasts breathtaking vistas of barren land, shimmering lakes and rivers, cascading rapids, and vibrant flora and fauna. Aylmer Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature and encounter unique wildlife.
Ernest Thompson Seton and The Arctic Prairies Expedition II
In 1907, Ernest Thompson Seton, a renowned wildlife artist, author, and co-founder of the Boy Scouts, embarked on an expedition to the Northwest Territories, venturing into the Aylmer Lake region. In July 2015, the Academy followed in Seton’s footsteps, sending out “The Arctic Prairies Expedition II” to retrace his route around this remote lake. This film chronicles the expedition’s research into Seton’s journey and the unique landscape he encountered.
A Unique and Untamed Landscape (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
The land around Aylmer Lake is truly unique. Depending on the time of year, the water of the tundra can shimmer like molten gold. Striking eskers, towering sand embankments that connect both land and water, slash across the landscape. These impressive formations, some stretching for over 100 miles, are remnants of ancient glaciers that once covered the land. Aylmer Lake itself holds the distinction of being the seventh largest lake in the Northwest Territories.
Aylmer Lake Lodge: A Remote Fishing Paradise
In 2000, Aylmer Lake Lodge opened its doors, primarily serving as a caribou camp. However, after operating for five years, the business closed its doors. In 2012, new life was breathed into the lodge. With an exclusive allocation of over 1700 square kilometers of pristine and remote lakes, Aylmer Lake Lodge became a haven for exceptional fishing. The absence of commercial or First Nations fisheries, and minimal sport fishing prior to 2013, has preserved the lakes’ pristine fishing conditions.
Bighill Lake Trail (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Big Hill Lake: A Natural Paradise in Kansas
Big Hill Lake, nestled about 5 miles east of Cherryvale, Kansas, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse natural beauty. This expansive lake, spanning 1,240 acres, beckons water and nature enthusiasts with its abundance of native wildlife and vegetation. A plethora of recreational opportunities await, including camping, picnicking, sightseeing, swimming, boating, waterskiing, hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Exploring the Beauty of Big Hill Lake
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides five picturesque park areas around the lake, offering campers, picnickers, and outdoor enthusiasts a range of amenities. A well-marked chart on the map side details the facilities available in each area.
A Tranquil Hike Through Nature (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
For those seeking a peaceful walk amidst the scenic beauty, the Ruth Nixon Memorial Hiking Trail winds along the lake’s western shoreline. This one-mile trail connects the Overlook and Cherryvale recreation areas, offering rest stops and breathtaking views.
Riding Through the Wilderness
Horseback riding enthusiasts will find their haven at Big Hill Lake. The Big Hill Lake Equestrian Trail, encompassing three-quarters of the lake’s perimeter, stretches for approximately 17 miles, providing a diverse terrain for riders of all levels. Designated tethering areas and three large turf parking areas offer limited facilities and are available for overnight camping by trail riders.
Camping Under the Stars
Big Hill Lake offers over 100 designated campsites within three pet-friendly campgrounds, all equipped with accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Campers can choose from sites with or without electrical hookups, with some even boasting full hookups. The Mound Valley Park features two group camping areas, each accommodating 32 people. The Cherryvale Park group area can accommodate up to 75 people. Reservations can be made for these group sites. However, campsites in the Timber Hill recreation area operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day Trips to Remember (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing picnic, a sun-drenched swim, or a peaceful day of fishing, Big Hill Lake offers a perfect escape. Enjoy a picnic at one of the individual picnic sites, take a dip at the Mound Valley beach, or cast your line from the accessible fishing dock in the Overlook park area. The group picnic shelters at Overlook and Downstream Point can be reserved through the NRRS, or, if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.
Blachford Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Blachford Lake Lodge: Winter Wonderland Adventures
Blachford Lake Lodge offers an unforgettable winter escape, where breathtaking auroras are just the tip of the iceberg. Amidst a landscape blanketed in pristine white snow, you’ll rediscover the joy of childhood, feeling the crunch of snow underfoot and marveling at the transparent, yet sturdy lake ice that supports even bush planes from Yellowknife.
Indulge in Winter’s Delights
The friendly staff at Blachford Lake Lodge ensures your comfort with delicious meals and a variety of winter activities tailored to your preferences. Everyone enjoys the classic Canadian treat of “Tire sur la neige,” savoring fresh maple syrup drizzled on pristine snow beside the lodge.
Explore the Frozen Wilderness (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
A large collection of skis, boots, skates, and snowshoes awaits, allowing you to explore the serene winter landscape at your own pace. Whether you prefer a vigorous workout or a leisurely amble, marked nature trails beckon skiers and snowshoers, offering a chance to spot wildlife tracks, including foxes, ptarmigan, ravens, lynx, rabbits, and more. Join the fun on Blachford Lake’s ice rink, where you can skate freely or engage in a spirited game of pond hockey, a quintessential Canadian winter tradition.
Fishing Through the Ice
While the fish at Blachford Lake may be less active during the winter months, they still relish a good meal. Test your luck with ice fishing, jigging through a hole drilled into the meter-thick ice. A lucky cast might just bring you a delicious catch.
Witness the Magic of the Aurora Borealis (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Each evening, weather permitting, you can witness the captivating spectacle of the Northern Lights. Choose your vantage point from one of the lodge’s viewing decks, the hot tub with its million-dollar
Cameron Falls Trail (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Cameron Falls Trail: A Hike Through Frozen Beauty
The Cameron Falls Trail, located just 47 kilometers east of Yellowknife along the Ingraham Trail, offers a scenic escape into the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Nestled within Hidden Lake Territorial Park, this trail leads to the captivating Cameron Falls, where the powerful waters cascade over a dramatic precipice.
A Short But Scenic Journey
The well-marked trail is easily accessible, with a small parking lot and washroom facilities located at the entrance to the park. A short, 20-minute hike brings you to the falls, where you can witness the mesmerizing power of nature. In winter, the falls freeze over, forming a stunning spectacle of ice. Come spring, the ice melts, unleashing a thunderous roar as the meltwater surges beneath the ice.
Exploring Beyond Cameron Falls (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
For the more adventurous, a challenging hike awaits upstream from Cameron Falls. The trail, though not as well-developed, follows the Cameron River to the Cameron River Ramparts Waterfalls, a distance of approximately 8 to 9 kilometers. The river serves as a natural guide, making the route relatively easy to follow. Those choosing to follow the north side of the river will find a footbridge at Cameron Falls, offering access to the rest of Hidden Lake Park.
Paddling the Lower Cameron River
Hidden Lake Park also provides access to the Lower Cameron River Canoe Route, a popular destination for canoeists exploring the Ingraham Trail.
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This scenic trail offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, challenging hikes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re seeking a short stroll to the falls or a more ambitious expedition to the Ramparts Waterfalls, the Cameron Falls Trail promises an unforgettable adventure.
Fiddlers Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Fiddlers Lake Campground: Your Gateway to Wilderness Adventure
Nestled on the shores of a serene mountain lake, Fiddlers Lake Campground provides a tranquil escape into the heart of nature. With 20 spacious campsites, it’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Fiddlers Lake Campground offers easy access to the Popo Agie Wilderness, beckoning hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the network of trails that meander through the wilderness, leading to nearby lakes and offering breathtaking views.
Campground Amenities for Comfort (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
While immersing yourself in nature, you can still enjoy comfortable amenities. The campground provides potable water, five vault toilets, picnic tables, and cook grates, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Exploring Nearby Trails
Just a short distance away, the Christina Lake Trailhead offers a convenient starting point for further exploration. This trailhead boasts a vault toilet and horse corrals, accommodating both hikers and horseback riders.
A Note for Larger RVs
Those traveling with larger RVs should note that the campground has a 40-foot length restriction for trailers.
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Fiddlers Lake Campground provides a unique blend of secluded wilderness and convenient amenities, making it an ideal spot for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Fishing Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Fishing Lake: A Fly-In Paradise on the Yellowknife River
Fishing Lake, situated approximately 53 nautical miles north of Yellowknife, presents a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote wilderness escape. This large lake, nestled within the Yellowknife River system, boasts scenic sandy beaches along its north and west shores, inviting relaxation and exploration.
Exploring the Shores and River
A sandy esker, running above and parallel to the Yellowknife River, offers an accessible hiking path, providing stunning views and easy access to the river’s many pools and rapids. The river itself can be explored on foot, though access is dependent on water levels, as the riverbed features large boulders and vegetation grows near the banks.
Fly-In Adventures and Fishing Delights (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Fishing Lake’s proximity to Yellowknife and its location on the Yellowknife River system make it a popular fly-in camping destination. Anglers can cast their lines for lake trout and arctic grayling, enjoying the pristine waters of this remote lake.
Wildlife Encounters and Historical Remnants
Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring the area, as black bears and wolves are known to frequent the lake’s surroundings. A reminder of past exploration, a metal boat and an old hunting shack stand on the north beach, adding a touch of history to the landscape.
A Gathering Place for Aviation Enthusiasts (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Fishing Lake has a special place in the history of the Northwest Territories Flying Association. This picturesque location has hosted numerous fly-in picnics during the bi-annual Midnight Sun Fly In. Both beaches provide ample space for parking multiple floatplanes, making it a hub for aviation enthusiasts.
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Fishing Lake offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, adventurous fishing, and a glimpse into the region’s rich history. This remote wilderness destination beckons those seeking an escape into the heart of the Canadian north.
Frame Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Frame Lake Trail
Forming a seven-kilometre loop around the shores of Frame Lake in the heart of Yellowknife, the city’s favourite walking trail has a little of everything.
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The eastern half of the loop is a paved, sedate urban path, leading you past architectural marvels such as the territorial Legislative Assembly, City Hall and the famous Prince of Wales museum, as well as the grassy picnic area of Somba K’e park.This is cyclist heaven weaving along the lake and in and out of Boreal Forest it is a great early morning ride.
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The western half of the trail, however, is a taste of the Northern backcountry, allowing you to ascend rocky outcrops, cross black-spruce swampland (via convenient wooden boardwalks) and spy on local wildlife, including waterfowl, muskrats, foxes and even coyotes.
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Although Frame Lake itself is not open for swimming or ice fishing, the frozen lake becomes a winter playground, cross-country skiers enjoy the groomed lake shore trails, and the city maintained skating rinks by Somba K’e park are the perfect spot for a lunch time hockey game or leisurely skate. The lake is also a hub for snowmobilers to access the many trail systems around the area.
Gordon Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Gordon Lake: A Secluded Fishing Paradise
Gordon Lake, a vast expanse of water nestled north of Yellowknife, provides an idyllic fishing escape. Accessible only by floatplane, this secluded lake offers a tranquil retreat for anglers seeking pristine waters and untouched wilderness.
A Maze of Islands and Abundant Fishing Spots
Stretching for an impressive 50 kilometers (30 miles), Gordon Lake boasts over 800 islands, creating a mesmerizing labyrinth of waterways. This intricate landscape provides a wealth of prime fishing locations, ensuring ample opportunities for a successful angling adventure.
Lake Trout and Northern Pike Await (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Anglers will find abundant lake trout and northern pike in the depths of Gordon Lake. These prized fish thrive in the lake’s pristine waters, offering a challenge and reward for dedicated anglers.
Preserving the Bounty: A Catch and Release Program
To ensure the continued health and abundance of fish in Gordon Lake, a catch and release program is in effect. Anglers are encouraged to release their catches, contributing to the preservation of this unique fishing paradise for generations to come.
Great Bear Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Great Bear Lake: A Giant of the North
Great Bear Lake, known to the Dene people as “Sahtu” (meaning “bear waters”), is a vast expanse of fresh water in Canada’s Northwest Territories. It boasts a surface area of 31,400 sq km, making it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and the largest entirely within Canada. Its depths plunge to 440 meters, adding to its mystique.
A Fisherman’s Paradise
Great Bear Lake has long been renowned for its exceptional fishing, particularly for its massive lake trout. The lake’s pristine waters and abundant food supply have fostered a population of trophy-sized fish, with anglers historically claiming some of the largest ever recorded. Today, catch-and-release practices are in place to preserve these magnificent creatures, allowing them to thrive for future generations.
Cultural Heritage (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Great Bear Lake is not only a natural wonder but also holds deep cultural significance for the Dene people. The lake’s name, “Sahtu,” reflects its connection to the local ecosystem, particularly the presence of grizzly bears on its eastern shores. Two peninsulas on the lake, Saoyú (Grizzly Bear Mountain) and ʔehdacho (Scented Grass Hills), were designated as national historic sites in 2009. This recognition reflects the importance of these lands to the Dene people, and a unique partnership between Parks Canada and the Délįne community ensures their preservation for future generations.
Conclusion
Great Bear Lake is a true Canadian gem, a vast and awe-inspiring body of water that is both a natural treasure and a vital part of the region’s history and culture. Its size, depth, and abundance of life make it a destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Great Slave Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
A Vast and Vital Lake
Great Slave Lake, a majestic body of water in Canada’s Northwest Territories, lies near the Alberta border. It earned its name from the Slave Indians who inhabited the area and is the fifth-largest lake in North America. Spanning 300 miles in length and 30 to 140 miles in width, the lake boasts a vast surface area of 11,030 square miles. Its shores are punctuated by rocky, indented bays and numerous islands, further adding to its scenic grandeur.
A Deep and Clear Treasure
Great Slave Lake boasts remarkably clear and deep waters, reaching depths of over 2,000 feet. Several rivers feed the lake, with the Slave River from the south being the most significant. The lake’s waters eventually flow westward through the Mackenzie River, ultimately reaching the Arctic Ocean.
A Journey Through Time (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
The English explorer Samuel Hearne first visited the lake in 1771. Subsequently, trading posts were established near the mouth of the Slave River, starting in 1786 and continuing in 1815. Despite these early explorations, a complete survey of the lake did not occur until the early 1920s.
A Hub of Economic Activity
Great Slave Lake has long sustained a vibrant fishing industry, primarily centered around the village of Hay River on its southern shore. The lake has also supported trapping activities focused on Fort Resolution. However, mining has emerged as a dominant force in the region’s economy, initially targeting gold and other ores and, since the 1990s, diamonds. The growing popularity of tourism has further diversified the region’s economic landscape.
A Vital Connection
Great Slave Lake serves as a critical link in the Mackenzie River waterway, connecting the Mackenzie and Slave Rivers. This vital connection allows for the transportation of goods and people throughout the region, although the lake is ice-free for only four months of the year. During the winter months, the lake’s frozen surface transforms into a crucial ice highway, connecting the territorial capital, Yellowknife, on the north shore with other communities.
Harding Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
A Gem in the Alaskan Wilderness
Harding Lake State Recreation Area, nestled in Interior Alaska, offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Established in 1967, this 169-acre park sits on the Richardson Highway, midway between Fairbanks and Delta Junction. Perched on the northwest edge of Harding Lake, the recreation area boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Harding Lake: A Thriving Ecosystem
Harding Lake teems with both introduced and native fish species. Native fish, such as burbot, least cisco, and slimy sculpin, thrive in the lake’s waters. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game actively stocks the lake with a variety of fish, including trout, Coho salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, sheefish, and Arctic char.
Harding Lake and Its Surroundings: A Tapestry of Beauty (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Harding Lake, a majestic body of water, stretches 2.5 miles at its widest point and reaches a depth of 140 feet. The lake draws its water from hillside runoff, springs, permafrost, and two inlets. The surrounding landscape features a tapestry of spruce and birch forests, with the majestic Alaska Range rising on the horizon.
The History of Harding Lake
The park, established in 1967, is one of the oldest in the Alaska State Park system. Harding Lake itself was named after Warren Harding, the 29th President of the United States, who visited Interior Alaska shortly before his death in 1923.
Camping and Recreation
Harding Lake offers a range of amenities for campers, including 78 RV sites and 5 walk-in campsites. Additional camping options are available on weekdays at the lakefront day-use area, and up to 10 campsites are situated at the Camp Lot near the lake.
Reaching Harding Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Harding Lake is located 45 miles south of Fairbanks, at Mile 321.4 on the Richardson Highway. Turn east off the highway and follow the paved road for 1.4 miles. For more information about the park, visit the Harding Lake State Recreation Area website.
Hearne Lake (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
Hearne Lake Lodge: Your Gateway to Canadian Fishing
Hearne Lake Lodge offers a unique fishing experience in the heart of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Nestled on the serene Hearne Lake, just a short 20-minute float plane ride east of Yellowknife, the lodge provides access to both lake and river fishing, ensuring a fulfilling adventure regardless of weather conditions.
Exclusivity and Hospitality (Northwest Territories Fishing Spots)
As the sole inhabitants of Hearne Lake, guests at the lodge enjoy an unparalleled level of privacy and tranquility. The lodge itself embodies the spirit of a traditional Canadian fishing outpost, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ken and Edie, the lodge’s owner-operators, extend their warm hospitality to guests, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.
Fishing in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Hearne Lake Lodge opens its doors in early June, coinciding with the northern pike spawn, and remains open until the second week of September, capturing the peak of the lake trout spawn. This extended season, made possible by the lodge’s year-round residency, allows guests to experience the best fishing Canada has to offer. Whether you prefer casting your line under the midnight sun or amidst the crisp winter air, Hearne Lake Lodge offers an unforgettable fishing adventure.