Lake
trout are hard-fighting, strong fish that can test the skill
of any angler, not to mention the strength of fishing gear.
Deep-forked tails propel these torpedo-shaped brutes, their
sheer power making them desirable prey for those looking for
an arm-wrenching battle. Specialized tackle—such as downriggers,
wire lines and huge lures—only adds to the mystique of
angling for that lunker of a lifetime. Canada’s top lake
trout waters annually produce fish weighing more than 40 pounds,
and it’s not unusual for lakers to exceed 50 or even 60
pounds. Although smaller lake trout are great table fare, most
anglers hope to catch a trophy-sized fish, making these big
predators highly sought after right across Canada. Lake trout
are found in cold-water habitats across much of our country’s
most beautiful pristine wilderness; remote destinations on some
of the largest freshwater lakes in Canada top the list of fishing
locations, which turns a fishing trip for lake trout into a
true adventure. Not only that, the chance exists to set a new
angling record when visiting any of these top lake trout destinations.
And the breathtaking scenery only makes the trip all the more
rewarding. All you need to do is make the plans to get there.
 |
| LOCAL
BUZZ |
| While
in Yellowknife, make sure to stop by the Wild Cat
Café for a meal of caribou, buffalo or fresh
local fish. |
| GETTING
THERE |
| Fishing
packages with local outfitters include air travel
from Yellowknife. Charters are also available from
Yellowknife and Norman Wells, N.W.T. |
| LEARN
MORE |
Northwest
Territories Tourism, 1-800-661-0788; www.explorenwt.com
Grey Goose Lodge, (867) 589-3117;
greatbearlakeoutfitters.ca
Plummer’s Great Bear Lake Lodge, 1-800-665-0240;
canadianarcticfishing.com |
|
GREAT BEAR LAKE, N.W.T.
The
promise
Twenty-pound lakers are common, while 30- to 40-pound fish are
taken regularly. And as home to the current world record—a
72-pound monster—it’s easy to understand why trouters
flock to Great Bear.
Top tackle & tactics
To catch trophy fish from July through September, local guides
prefer trolling big Flat Fish, Luhr Jensen Kwikfish and large
minnow-style crankbaits. The best options for large spoons are
the Half Wave and the Eppinger Husky (Jr. and Sr.). White 1/2-
to one-ounce jigs skirted with polar bear hair or marabou, and/or
tipped with Berkley Power Grubs, work well for casting and drift
jigging. A spinning or casting rod and reel that can handle
12- to 20-pound Rapala Tough or Trilene Big Game monofilament
is recommended. Rocky shorelines and points with steep drop-offs
are the sweet spots.
GREAT SLAVE LAKE, N.W.T.
The
promise
Every
year, anglers here catch lakers weighing up to 60 pounds, with
many fish in the 20- to 30-pound range.
| LOCAL
BUZZ |
| Wolverine
Sports in Yellowknife is a good source for hot tips
and the only place to buy a few Wolverine Phantoms. |
| GETTING
THERE |
| Great
Slave Lake is accessible by ground or air through
Yellowknife on the north shore. |
| LEARN
MORE |
Northwest
Territories Tourism, 1-800-661-0788; www.explorenwt.com
Plummer’s Great Slave Lake Lodge, 1-800-665-0240;
canadianarcticfishing.com |
|
Top tackle
& tactics
Head for the East Arm and its abundance of fish-holding structure:
rocky islands and an undulating bottom that drops more than
100 feet and rises to just under the water’s surface.
During the short open-water season—July to September—long-line
trolling is undoubtedly the preferred technique. Heavyweight
rods and baitcast reels are the best option for angling these
equipment-torturing fish. As for lures, the Husky Devil and
Len Thompson Five of Diamonds are always popular, as is the
local favourite, the Wolverine Phantom spoon. As well, ciscoes
rigged in bait harnesses are quickly gaining popularity as natural
bait. Note: long leaders on tough, 20-pound-test line help withstand
abrasions from rocks.
|
