10-Day Lake Trout Adventure at Aylmer Lake
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Tenday wilderness retreat at remote Aylmer Lake LodgeFloat plane access from Yellowknife with guided fishing expeditionsAllinclusive accommodations with equipment and expert guide services
There's something special about dropping a line into pristine northern waters where the fish have never seen a lure. This 10-day fishing retreat takes you deep into the Northwest Territories' backcountry, where Aylmer Lake Lodge serves as your basecamp for some of the best lake trout fishing in Canada. You'll fly in by float plane from Yellowknife – already an adventure in itself – and land at a world-class fishing lodge that's been putting anglers onto trophy lake trout for years. With all meals covered, comfortable beds, and expert guides who know every structure and drop-off on the lake, you can focus entirely on what you came here for: catching fish.
Aylmer Lake sits in the heart of the Canadian Shield, surrounded by granite outcrops and countless bays that hold massive lake trout. Your days start early with a hearty breakfast before heading out with guides who've been working these waters for decades. They know exactly where the fish stack up depending on water temperature, time of year, and weather conditions. The lodge provides all the gear you'll need – from heavy-action rods capable of handling 30-pound lakers to tackle boxes stocked with the proven lures that produce here. Between the comfortable accommodations, housekeeping service, and even Wi-Fi when you need to share a hero shot, this trip strikes the perfect balance between wilderness fishing and creature comforts. Your guide will have you working structure in 40 to 80 feet of water, where these prehistoric-looking fish cruise the thermocline looking for ciscoes and other baitfish.
Lake trout fishing at Aylmer requires a different approach than your typical bass or walleye tactics. These fish live deep, especially during the warmer months, so you'll be working heavy jigs, large spoons, and trolling setups designed to get down and stay down. The guides here have dialed in a system using downriggers and lead-core line to present baits at precise depths along underwater ridges and drop-offs. Jigging is incredibly productive – picture working a 2-ounce white tube jig in 60 feet of water, feeling it tick bottom, then getting absolutely crushed by a 25-pound fish. The fight is what separates lake trout from other species; they're bulldogs that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. You'll also spend time trolling with large spoons in silver, gold, and chartreuse patterns, covering water to locate schools before switching to more targeted jigging presentations. The lodge's boats are set up specifically for this type of fishing, with fish finders, downriggers, and rod holders positioned for maximum efficiency.
Lake trout are the undisputed kings of these northern waters, and Aylmer Lake produces some absolute giants. These fish can live for decades, with some specimens pushing 40 pounds or more. They're most active during the cooler months of late spring and early fall, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know how to target them in deeper water. What makes catching lake trout so addictive is their raw power – when a 20-pounder grabs your jig 70 feet down, the first run will test both your drag and your nerves. They're also incredibly beautiful fish, with their mottled olive-green coloration and distinctive white-edged fins. Lake trout spawn in the fall over rocky shoals, making them more aggressive and willing to hit lures during that period. The fish at Aylmer have excellent body condition thanks to abundant forage, primarily ciscoes and other cold-water baitfish. Many anglers are surprised by how hard these fish fight in the clear, cold water – they stay strong right to the boat, often making multiple runs that will have your arms burning. The lake's remote location means these fish see very little pressure, so they haven't become educated to standard presentations.
This isn't your average weekend fishing trip – it's a proper northern adventure that delivers the kind of memories you'll be talking about for years. The combination of trophy lake trout, expert guiding, and top-rated lodge amenities makes this one of the most sought-after fishing experiences in the Northwest Territories. With only single occupancy available, you're guaranteed personalized attention from guides who are invested in putting you on fish. The float plane flight alone is worth the price of admission, but when you add in 10 days of world-class lake trout fishing, all meals, and comfortable accommodations, this represents serious value for a true wilderness fishing adventure. Keep in mind that the 5% GST and deposit are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The best fishing typically runs from ice-out in late spring through the fall freeze-up, with each season offering different opportunities and techniques. Book now with Canadian Wildlife Adventures and get ready to experience some of the best lake trout fishing on the continent.
Get ready to explore the pristine waters around Aylmer Lake with our reliable 16-foot 2013 Lund SSV aluminum fishing boat. This sturdy vessel runs on a fuel-efficient 30HP Evinrude ETec engine that'll cruise you smoothly to those hard-to-reach fishing spots at up to 27 knots. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate where the big ones are hiding beneath the surface. Perfect for intimate fishing adventures, this boat accommodates just you and your guide, giving you plenty of room to cast, fight, and land those trophy northern pike and lake trout. The aluminum construction handles the rocky shorelines and shallow bays like a champ, getting you into backcountry waters that bigger boats simply can't reach. Whether you're working the weed lines or trolling the deep drop-offs, this nimble craft puts you right where the fish are biting in Canada's legendary Northwest Territories.
Yellowknife, NT, Canada