Fishing Yellowknife | 4 Day Trophy Hunt
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourday guided fishing retreat at Great Slave Lake LodgeTrophy Lake Trout fishing with Red Seal Chef prepared mealsLodge amenities include fireplace, bar, and tackle shop
Great Slave Lake sits like a massive jewel in the heart of Canada's Northwest Territories, and honestly, it's one of those fisheries that'll spoil you for anywhere else. This 4-day fishing retreat puts you right in the thick of some of the country's most productive waters, where trophy lake trout cruise the depths and northern pike lurk in the shallows like freshwater wolves. Based out of our comfortable Great Slave Lake Lodge, you'll have a front-row seat to world-class angling while enjoying the kind of hospitality that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your days start early with coffee and the kind of anticipation that only comes with knowing you're about to fish legendary waters. Great Slave Lake stretches out like an inland sea – over 27,000 square kilometers of pristine fishing territory that's home to some serious fish. The lodge sits perfectly positioned to access both the deeper trout haunts and the weedy bays where pike and char hang out. You'll spend your time with experienced guides who know these waters like their own backyard, hitting productive spots that have been producing trophy fish for decades. The vibe here is relaxed but focused – we're serious about fishing, but we also know how to have a good time doing it. Between the guided fishing sessions, you can kick back at the lodge with a cold beer by the fireplace, shoot some pool, or browse the tackle shop for that perfect lure you've been looking for.
Fishing Great Slave means adapting your approach to match what you're targeting and where you're fishing. For the big lake trout that this place is famous for, we're talking about deep water trolling with downriggers, running heavy spoons and large plugs down in the 60 to 120-foot range where these giants cruise. The guides know exactly which depths are producing on any given day, and they've got the electronics to mark fish and structure. When we're chasing northern pike, it's a completely different game – casting big spoons, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits into the weedy shallows and around rocky points. The pike fishing here is aggressive and visual, with fish often following your lure right to the boat before deciding to hammer it. For char and salmon, we'll adjust tactics based on the season and their feeding patterns, sometimes trolling in mid-depths, other times working specific structures where they're holding. The lodge provides quality tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along – just make sure your drag systems are in good shape because these fish will test them.
Northern Pike here are absolute monsters, regularly pushing into the 40-inch range with thick, muscular bodies that'll give your arms a workout. These apex predators are most active during the warmer months from June through September, lurking in shallow bays and around weed edges where they ambush anything that moves. What makes pike fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll often follow your lure for what feels like forever before exploding on it in a burst of violence that'll get your heart racing every single time.
Lake Trout are the true kings of Great Slave Lake, with fish regularly topping 30 pounds and occasional giants pushing 40 plus. These deep-water cruisers are most cooperative from late spring through early fall, hanging in the thermocline where the water temperature suits them best. Landing a trophy laker is like arm-wrestling with a submarine – they use their massive bulk and the deep water to their advantage, making long, powerful runs that'll test both your tackle and your technique.
Chinook Salmon run these waters with the power and speed that made them legendary on the Pacific coast. During their peak times in late summer, these chrome-bright fish will take your drag screaming while jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're not always easy to pattern, but when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely electric.
Chum Salmon might not get the same press as their chinook cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their tenacity. These fish show up in good numbers during their runs, and while they might be a bit smaller, they make up for it with pure determination and some serious aerial displays when hooked.
Arctic Char are like the jewels of northern fishing – beautifully colored fish that fight with surprising strength for their size. They're opportunistic feeders that can show up anywhere from shallow water to moderate depths, and they have this habit of hitting your lure with absolute conviction. The char fishing tends to be most productive during cooler periods, and these fish are as gorgeous as they are fun to catch.
Look, Great Slave Lake isn't going anywhere, but prime fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when all these species are active and feeding aggressively. This 4-day package gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of the fishery, learn the patterns, and hopefully boat some personal bests along the way. The combination of trophy fishing, comfortable accommodations, and gourmet meals makes this one of those trips that fishing buddies will be talking about for years. The Red Seal Chef keeps you well-fed, the lodge keeps you comfortable, and the fishing speaks for itself. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit to some world-class fishing, give us a call and let's get you on the water where you belong.
Your fishing adventure on Great Slave Lake starts with our reliable 18-foot 2009 Lund motorboat, perfectly sized for solo angling expeditions. The 40HP Mercury engine provides smooth, quiet power to get you to the prime trophy lake trout waters without spooking the fish. Built with serious anglers in mind, this boat offers plenty of deck space to work your lines and ample storage for tackle, bait, and your daily catch. The GPS navigation system helps you mark productive spots and navigate back to those honey holes where the big trout are biting. Whether you're trolling the deep waters or working the drop-offs along the shoreline, this setup gives you the freedom to fish at your own pace while staying comfortable on the water all day long.
Salvelinus alpinusArctic char are beautiful fish with dark backs, silver sides, and that distinctive red belly that really lights up during spawning. They typically run 2-5 pounds, though our northern waters produce some hefty 8-10 pounders. You'll find them in shallow areas under 10 feet most of the time, around rocky structure and drop-offs. Late spring through summer offers peak fishing as they're active and feeding heavily. Char fight harder than their size suggests - they're strong, stubborn fish that use every trick in the book. The pink meat rivals salmon for flavor and texture, making them prized table fare. They prefer cooler water, so focus on north-facing shorelines and deeper pockets. Watch your shadow when targeting char in the shallows - they're easily spooked in clear water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweights of the salmon world. These silver-sided bruisers average 12-20 pounds but can push 30+ in our northern waters. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deep, cold water during bright conditions - think 20-60 feet down in the main lake channels. Early morning and evening sessions produce best, especially during their feeding runs. Kings are built for power, not speed, giving you long, steady battles that'll test your gear and patience. The meat is rich orange-pink and absolutely top-shelf table fare. They typically run strongest in late summer through fall when they're bulking up. Here's a local trick: they're spooky in clear water, so don't be afraid to fish deeper than you think and use subtle presentations.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon might be the most underrated fighters in our waters. These silver rockets average 10-15 pounds and transform into olive-green bruisers with purple stripes during their spawning phase. They're found throughout the lake system but prefer areas with current and structure. Fall brings the best action as they stage before moving up tributaries. Chums are scrappy, making long runs and aerial displays that surprise anglers expecting a tame fight. The flesh is firm and tasty, especially the ocean-fresh fish. They can be line-shy in clear water, so lighter leaders help. These fish travel incredible distances to reach our waters. Local secret: sight-casting works great when you spot schools, but cast well ahead of them - they spook easily if you drop a line right on top.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of Great Slave Lake and exactly why anglers travel here. These deep-water chars regularly hit 15-40 pounds, with true trophies pushing 50+. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often suspended 60-120 feet down over the main basins. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but summer means deep jigging in 80+ feet. Lakers are deliberate fighters, using their weight and the deep water to their advantage. The pale, flaky meat is excellent eating. They prefer low-light conditions, so overcast days are gold. These fish grow slow and live long, making each one special. My go-to trick: jig slowly and pause often - they'll often hit on the drop when you're not expecting it.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the perfect ambush predator - long, lean, and loaded with razor-sharp teeth. These "freshwater sharks" average 2-4 feet and pack serious attitude. You'll find them lurking in shallow, weedy bays and around structure where they wait motionless before exploding on prey. They're not the fastest swimmers, but their lightning-quick strikes will test your drag. Summer means they head deeper to cooler water, but spring and fall offer the best action in the shallows. Guests love the aggressive hits and bulldogging fights these fish deliver. They're also surprisingly good eating when prepared right. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately - pike like to play with their food, so let them take it and run before you tighten up.
Winnipeg