8 HR Snafu & Tarfu Lakes Fishing Trip
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eight-hour guided fishing adventure at pristine Yukon lakesTarget Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and lake trout speciesExpert instruction provided for all skill levels
Picture this: you're standing on the shoreline of two of Yukon's most pristine lakes, rod in hand, with nothing but crystal-clear water stretching out in front of you and the wild Canadian landscape all around. That's exactly what you get with our top-rated 8-hour fishing adventure at Snafu and Tarfu Lakes. These aren't your typical crowded fishing spots – we're talking about remote, fish-rich waters where you'll have the space and time to really dial in your technique while chasing some of the North's most sought-after species. Whether you're looking to land your first lake trout or add another rainbow to your count, this trip delivers the kind of fishing day that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't a rush job – we're giving you a full 8 hours to really work these lakes properly. Snafu and Tarfu sit tucked away in some of the most beautiful country you'll find in the Yukon, and the fishing here is as good as it gets. The water clarity is something special – you can often spot fish cruising well before they know you're there. Our guides know every drop-off, weed bed, and structure that holds fish, and they'll put you on the productive water from the get-go. Since this is a single-angler trip, you're getting personalized attention the whole day. No sharing spots, no waiting your turn – just you, your guide, and some seriously good fishing. We'll move between both lakes depending on conditions and what's biting best, giving you the full range of what these waters have to offer.
The beauty of fishing Snafu and Tarfu is the variety of approaches that work here. We'll likely start with some trolling to cover water and locate active fish, especially when we're targeting the lake trout and larger rainbows that cruise the deeper sections. For the grayling and smaller trout, we'll switch to casting spinners and spoons along the shoreline structure and drop-offs. The northern pike love to ambush from the weed edges, so we'll work some bigger spoons and jigs through those areas when conditions are right. Your guide will have all the gear you need, from medium-action rods perfect for the rainbows to heavier tackle when we're going after those bull trout. The key here is reading the water and adapting – these fish can be selective, but when you find the right combination of location and presentation, the action can be fast and steady.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of these lakes, and for good reason. The Snafu and Tarfu rainbows are known for their fight and their size – we regularly see fish in the 18-22 inch range, with some real beauties pushing well past that mark. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, and they absolutely hammer small spoons and spinners worked along the drop-offs. What makes these rainbows special is their coloration – the clear, cold water keeps them bright and healthy, with that classic pink stripe really popping when you get them to the net.
Bull trout are the bruisers of these systems, and hooking into one is something you won't forget anytime soon. These fish can push 5-8 pounds easily, and they fight like they're twice that size. They prefer the deeper, cooler sections of the lakes and are most active during overcast conditions or later in the day. Bull trout are opportunistic feeders, so larger presentations like big spoons or jigs work best. The key is getting down to their level and working your lure slowly – when they decide to hit, there's no mistaking it.
Northern pike add some serious excitement to the mix, especially when they come rocketing out of the weeds to smash your lure. The pike in Snafu and Tarfu aren't huge by northern standards, but they make up for it in attitude. Most run in the 24-30 inch range, with the occasional larger fish mixed in. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around weed lines, fallen timber, and shallow bays where they like to set up and wait for an easy meal. Spoons, spinners, and even topwater lures can trigger explosive strikes.
Brown trout are less common but absolutely worth targeting when conditions are right. These fish are incredibly wary and selective, which makes landing one all the more satisfying. They tend to hold in the deeper sections during the day and move shallow to feed during low-light periods. The browns in these lakes are typically in the 16-20 inch range, but they're built like footballs and fight harder than their size would suggest. Patience is key with these fish – they'll often follow a lure multiple times before committing.
Lake trout are the apex predators here, and while they're not as numerous as the other species, connecting with a good laker is always a possibility. These fish prefer the deeper sections of both lakes and are most active during the cooler months, though we do pick them up throughout the season. Lake trout here typically run 20-30 inches, with some real monsters lurking in the depths. Trolling with downriggers or heavy jigs is usually the most effective approach, and once you hook one, be prepared for a long, dogged fight.
Look, there's a reason this trip is a customer favorite – it delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. You get world-class fishing in pristine waters, expert guidance from someone who knows these lakes inside and out, and the kind of personal attention that's hard to find these days. With just one angler per trip, you're guaranteed the full experience without any compromises. The combination of five different target species, 8 full hours on the water, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the North makes
Your fishing adventure on Snafu and Tarfu Lakes starts aboard this reliable 16.5-foot Wooldridge Alaskan Outboard Jet. Built tough for northern waters, this 2007 boat runs on a dependable Yamaha 115 engine that'll get you across the lake quickly and quietly to where the fish are biting. The shallow-draft jet design handles these pristine Yukon waters perfectly, letting you access those hidden fishing spots other boats can't reach. With room for you and your guide, there's plenty of space to cast comfortably while you target Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and lake trout. The boat's stable platform makes landing fish easier, and when you hook into something big, you'll appreciate the secure footing. Ready to cruise at up to 30 knots between fishing holes, this boat maximizes your time on the water so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the net.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wariest fish in these lakes, averaging 14-22 inches with golden-brown backs covered in black spots. They're smart and selective, preferring deeper pools during the day and moving shallow to feed at dusk. You'll find them near undercut banks, fallen logs, or rocky structure in water that stays cool and well-oxygenated. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, but overcast days produce throughout the season. Anglers love them for their fighting ability and exceptional table fare - firm, pink meat that's hard to beat. They're also a trophy fish that tests your skills. Here's something I've learned: browns often inspect your offering multiple times before committing. If you see follows but no strikes, try switching to a smaller, more natural presentation and slow your retrieve way down.
Salvelinus ConfluentusBull trout are the heavyweights of our char family here, often reaching 20-30 inches and putting serious bend in your rod. These olive-green beauties with bright orange spots prefer the deep, cold pools and slow backwater areas where they can ambush prey from the bottom. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move up to hunt. Fall spawning season brings out their best colors and most aggressive feeding. What draws anglers is their predatory nature and powerful fight - they're not giving up easy. The meat is top-notch eating too. Here's a local trick: use big streamers or egg patterns and work them slow near structure. Bull trout often follow before they strike, so don't pull your lure away too quick when you see one tailing behind it.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold lakes - these char can reach 30+ pounds and provide battles you won't forget. They spend most of their time suspended in deep water, often 40-80 feet down, following baitfish schools. Spring after ice-out is best when they're shallow, but summer means going deep with downriggers or heavy jigs. What makes them special is their size and the technical challenge of finding them in vast water. The firm, oily meat is excellent smoked or grilled. These fish grow slowly and live long, so every big one is a true trophy. My go-to technique: vertical jigging with large spoons or swimbaits near underwater structure. Lake trout often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely as the lure falls - sometimes the only sign is your line going slack or moving sideways.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the lake's apex predators - aggressive, toothy, and built for ambush attacks. These olive-green missiles typically run 24-36 inches in our waters and fight dirty with sudden bursts and direction changes. Look for them lurking in weedy bays, around fallen timber, or near drop-offs where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak times, though they're catchable all season. What makes pike fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and unpredictable nature - you never know when that weedline is hiding a monster. The meat is decent if you know how to deal with the Y-bones. Pro tip: when a pike hits your lure, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds - they like to play with their food before committing to the meal.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in these Yukon waters typically run 12-20 inches and put up a solid fight with their signature jumps. You'll find them cruising the clear, cold water between 55-65°F, often near rocky drop-offs and inlet areas where they feed on insects and small baitfish. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during overcast conditions or evening hatches. What makes them special is that classic pink stripe and their acrobatic nature - they'll test your drag and keep you on your toes. The meat is excellent eating with that firm, flaky texture. One tip I always share: when you see them rising to feed on the surface, switch to a smaller dry fly or spinner and work the edges of the feeding zone rather than casting right into the middle of it.
Whitehorse, Yukon