Great Slave Lake Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenday guided fishing adventure targeting trophy lake troutGourmet dining and fully equipped lodge with bar and amenitiesGreat Slave Lake location through Plummer's Arctic Lodges
Picture yourself casting into some of Canada's most legendary fishing waters, where lake trout grow to monster proportions and multiple salmon species create the kind of action dreams are made of. This 7-day fishing trip at Great Slave Lake puts you right in the heart of Yellowknife's world-class angling scene, where the fishing is hot and the lodge comfort keeps you coming back year after year. You'll spend your days working the productive waters that have made this destination a customer favorite among serious anglers, then return each evening to a fully-equipped lodge complete with tackle shop, cozy fireplace, and that well-stocked bar every fishing trip needs.
Great Slave Lake isn't your average fishing hole – this massive body of water stretches over 27,000 square kilometers and holds some of the most diverse fish populations in the Northwest Territories. Your guided fishing days start early with experienced local guides who know exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. The lodge sits perfectly positioned to access both deep-water structure where trophy lake trout cruise and the productive shallows where pike ambush prey. Between the pristine water quality and abundant forage base, you're looking at fish populations that are both healthy and aggressive. Your Red Seal Chef keeps you fueled with gourmet lunch prepared fresh each day, so you can stay on the water longer without compromising on quality fuel. The lodge atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between rustic charm and modern convenience – think pool table for evening entertainment and a conference room if you need to stay connected, but mostly just that satisfying exhaustion that comes from a full day of solid fishing.
Great Slave Lake fishing revolves around understanding structure and depth changes, which means you'll be working everything from shallow bays to deep-water drop-offs depending on your target species. Your guides run top-quality boats equipped with downriggers and fish finders, essential tools for locating schools in this massive lake system. For lake trout, expect to troll heavy spoons and plugs at depths ranging from 30 to 100 feet, following contour lines and underwater humps where these predators patrol. Pike fishing happens in completely different water – we're talking weed edges, rocky shorelines, and shallow bays where you can sight-fish to individual fish. The salmon runs bring their own techniques, with timing and location being everything as these fish move through specific corridors during their migration windows. Your lodge's tackle shop stocks the proven lures and terminal tackle that work consistently on these waters, plus your guides carry backup gear and know how to modify presentations when conditions change. The key here is versatility – Great Slave Lake can fish differently from morning to afternoon, and successful anglers adapt their approach based on what the fish are telling them.
Pink salmon bring incredible action during their biennial runs, with these scrappy fighters averaging 3-5 pounds but making up for size with pure attitude. They hit aggressively and fight harder than their weight suggests, making them perfect for anglers who love bent rods and screaming reels. Peak pink salmon fishing typically happens in even-numbered years during late summer, when massive schools move through Great Slave Lake's tributaries. What makes pinks exciting isn't just their numbers – it's their willingness to hit everything from small spoons to flies, giving you multiple ways to target them successfully.
Northern pike in Great Slave Lake grow fat and aggressive thanks to the abundant cisco and whitefish populations they feed on year-round. These apex predators regularly reach 35-40 inches, with true giants pushing over 45 inches for anglers who know where to look. Spring and fall fishing produces the largest pike as they move into shallow feeding areas, but summer action stays consistent around weed edges and rocky points. Pike fishing here gets your heart racing because these fish attack with zero hesitation – you'll see follows, explosive strikes, and aerial displays that make every cast feel like it could produce the fish of a lifetime.
Chinook salmon represent the ultimate prize species, with these powerful fish reaching weights that can exceed 30 pounds during peak runs. King salmon fishing requires patience and precision since these fish can be selective, but when you connect with a mature chinook, you're looking at a fight that can last 20-30 minutes of pure adrenaline. The best chinook fishing typically occurs during specific seasonal windows when these salmon move through deeper channels, making local knowledge absolutely critical for consistent success.
Lake trout fishing at Great Slave Lake has achieved legendary status among serious anglers, and for good reason – this lake produces fish that regularly exceed 40 inches and 20 pounds. These deep-water predators patrol specific structure year-round, feeding on cisco schools and growing to impressive sizes in the lake's cold, oxygen-rich environment. Summer lake trout fishing means working depths of 60-120 feet along underwater ridges and drop-offs, while spring and fall bring opportunities to target these fish in shallower water. What makes Great Slave Lake trout special isn't just their size – it's their fighting ability and the technical challenge of locating them in such a vast water system.
Chum salmon add another dimension to the fishing variety, with these underrated fighters providing consistent action during their migration periods. Chums average 8-12 pounds and develop incredible strength during their spawning phase, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate technical presentations and sustained fights. These salmon respond well to specific lure colors and sizes, and your guides know exactly how to modify presentations based on current conditions and fish behavior patterns.
This 7-day Great Slave Lake fishing adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to world-class fishing combined with lodge amenities that make the entire experience memorable. You're getting guided access to waters that consistently produce trophy fish across multiple species, plus the local expertise that makes the difference between good fishing and legendary fishing. The combination of diverse target species means every day brings new opportunities, while the lodge's g
This 18-foot 2009 Lund motorboat puts you right where the Trophy Lake Trout are biting on Great Slave Lake. The reliable 40HP Mercury engine gets you to those prime fishing spots without the noise that spooks the big ones. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles Yellowknife's legendary waters with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting those monster trout. The GPS navigation system helps you mark productive spots and find your way back to that honey hole where you landed your personal best. With generous storage for tackle, bait, and your daily catch, plus room for all the gear you need for a full week on the water, this Lund is your ticket to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Northwest Territories.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the salmon world - these bruisers average 15-30 pounds and can hit 40+ in Great Slave Lake's deep, cold waters. They're silver with black spots and prefer staying deep during bright conditions, so early morning and evening fishing works best. You'll find them suspended in the main basin, often 40-80 feet down where the water stays cold. What makes chinook special is that bone-jarring fight combined with some of the best table fare you'll ever taste - that rich, orange meat is worth every minute of the battle. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily. Here's what works: troll deep with weighted gear and keep your presentations moving slow and steady. These fish are light-sensitive, so the darker the day, the better your chances.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are underrated fighters that average 10-15 pounds and stretch 24-30 inches. In the lake they're silvery, but spawning fish develop those distinctive purple and green stripes. These are tough, scrappy fish that'll test your drag system. You'll find them in the deeper parts of the lake, usually 15-40 feet down, especially around structure and drop-offs. Late summer through fall is when they're most active in our waters. What guests love about chum is they're aggressive biters but also challenging - they spook easily so you need to stay sharp. The fight is honest and hard, plus they're excellent table fare when fresh. My advice: don't cast right into a school of them. Work the edges with chartreuse or pink flies, and stay quiet on approach. These fish have good eyes and will bolt if they see you coming.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the crown jewel of Great Slave Lake - true trophy fish that can live 40+ years and reach massive sizes. We're talking 15-40 pounders regularly, with some monsters pushing 50+. These char prefer the deep, cold waters year-round, usually suspended 30-100 feet down in the main lake basin. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but summer fishing means going deep. What makes lakers special is that powerful, head-shaking fight and excellent eating quality. They're also indicators of pristine water - you only find them in clean, well-oxygenated lakes. Jigging is your best bet here, and here's a local secret: on bright days, fish deeper and use darker lures. When it's overcast, they'll come up and feed more aggressively. Work those drop-offs methodically.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are aggressive predators that average 2-3 feet and can push 15-20 pounds in these waters. They've got that classic elongated body with greenish color and yellow spots. Pike are ambush hunters - they'll sit motionless in weedy shallows then explode on prey with lightning speed. During summer they move to deeper, cooler water but spring and fall bring the best action in 5-15 feet around weed beds and drop-offs. Guests love these fish because they fight like hell and those razor teeth make every battle memorable. The meat's decent too if you know how to deal with the Y-bones. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Pike like to play with their food, so let them run with it a bit before you really lean into them.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, averaging around 5 pounds but occasionally reaching 15. They're silver in ocean waters but develop that distinctive hump and turn yellowish-green when spawning. These fish love cold water around 50°F and have a short 2-year life cycle. You'll find them in the deeper, cooler parts of Great Slave Lake during summer months. They feed mainly on plankton and small fish, which gives their meat that pink color everyone loves. Pink salmon are perfect for beginners - they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're most active. Here's a local trick: use bright pink jigs to mimic the crustaceans they're after, and add a bit of herring oil to really get their attention.
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