Fort Resolution Fishing at Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge
Picture this: you're sitting in a boat at first light, casting into pristine Northwest Territories waters where massive northern pike lurk in the shallows and trophy lake trout cruise the depths. That's exactly what you'll get with this 7-day self-guided fishing adventure at Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge. Working with our partners at Res Delta Tours, we've put together something special - a week where you call the shots, fish your way, and chase the species that get your heart pumping. From the moment that floatplane touches down until your last cast, you're living the northern fishing dream that anglers talk about for years.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip. You're getting flown into serious fish country - Taltson Bay in the Northwest Territories - where the water stays cold, the fish grow big, and you won't see another angler for miles. We're talking about a full week of self-guided fishing from May through October, when these northern waters are at their absolute best. You and one fishing buddy get the whole setup: boats, motors, and all the gear you need to chase pike, walleye, and lake trout across multiple lakes and bays. The best part? You fish on your schedule. Want to be on the water at sunrise? Go for it. Feel like staying out until 10 PM during those long northern summer days? The choice is yours. No guide means no pressure, no rushed spots, and no one telling you when to move. Just pure fishing freedom in some of Canada's most productive waters.
Gear Setup & Fishing Tactics
The lodge provides boats and motors, but you'll want to bring your own rods and tackle - trust me on this one. For northern pike, pack heavy spoons, large spinnerbaits, and topwater baits that can handle aggressive strikes. These fish aren't shy, and they'll slam lures with enough force to snap light tackle. For walleye, jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics work magic, especially around rocky drop-offs and weed edges. Lake trout require a different approach - deep trolling with downriggers or heavy jigs bounced along the bottom in 30-60 feet of water. The key up here is versatility. Weather can change fast in the territories, so having multiple techniques in your arsenal keeps you catching fish when conditions shift. Don't forget a good net - you'll be landing fish that make great photos and even better stories. The water clarity varies throughout the system, so pack both natural and bright-colored lures to match what the fish want on any given day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Northern pike are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These waters produce fish that'll make your drag scream and test your knots. Pike in this system commonly hit 40+ inches, with real monsters pushing 45 inches or better. They're most active in spring and fall when they move shallow to feed, but summer fishing stays hot around weed lines and drop-offs. What makes pike fishing so addictive is their aggression - they'll chase down lures, explode on topwater baits, and fight dirty with head shakes and runs that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The best times are early morning and evening, but don't be surprised when a giant pike decides to crush your lure in the middle of a sunny afternoon.
Walleye fishing here is world-class, especially during summer months when these fish school up in predictable patterns. Look for them around rocky points, underwater humps, and the edges of drop-offs during twilight hours. Northwest Territories walleye grow thick and healthy, with fish over 25 inches common and 28+ inch trophies a real possibility. They're perfect eating size and fight with that classic walleye head-shaking battle that keeps your rod tip dancing. The key is finding structure - once you locate a good walleye spot, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Lake trout are the deep-water giants that separate good anglers from great ones. These fish live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lakes and can reach massive sizes - 30+ pound fish swim in these waters. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower water, but summer fishing means going deep with heavy tackle and patient techniques. Landing a big lake trout is something special - they're powerful, stubborn fighters that use their size and the deep water to their advantage. Many anglers consider them the ultimate northern trophy because they're challenging to locate and even harder to land consistently.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 7-day fishing adventure delivers everything serious anglers dream about: remote location, trophy fish, and the freedom to fish your way without crowds or pressure. The airlift from Yellowknife gets you into waters that most fishermen never see, and the all-inclusive setup means you focus on fishing instead of logistics. With only 2 guests per trip, you're getting an intimate experience in some of Canada's most productive fishing waters. The season runs May through October, but the best spots fill up fast - especially during peak summer months when the weather's most stable and fish are most active. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before you arrive, then get ready for a week of fishing that'll reset your expectations about what northern waters can produce. This is the kind of trip that creates lifelong fishing memories and stories you'll tell for years.
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fort Resolution, NT
Seven-day all-inclusive fishing adventure at remote Taltson Bay Lodge
