Fishing the Yukon: 6 hot spots
Where the owner of Whitehorse’s Headwaters 2 Ocean Troutfitter tackle shop goes for trophy arctic grayling, lakers, pike and bull trout
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For 10 years, H20 has specialized in fly tackle, and guiding via jet and drift boat. Owner Steve Hahn is also a certified wilderness EMT and flight nurse, making him a handy guy in the backcountry. Even after fishing all over North America, Hahn says his favourite spots are in his own, far-north backyard.
More info: Headwaters 2 Ocean Troutfitter, (867) 633-2666, www.h2otroutfitter.com
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BRAEBURN LAKE, YUKON
GPS: 61.463, -135.807
FISH: Arctic grayling, lake trout, northern pike, whitefish
HIGHLIGHT: Sight cast for monster pike and troll for lakers, among myriad islands
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WHEN: June to September
COTTONWOOD RIVER, STIKINE REGION, B.C.
GPS: 59.082, -129.706
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FISH: Arctic grayling, bull trout
HIGHLIGHT: A deserted river, where trophy fish take tiny dry flies
WHEN: July to October
EAST AISHIHIK RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.858, -137.064
FISH: Arctic grayling, rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Stand in the snow and catch early-season fish
WHEN: May to June
HIDDEN LAKES, YUKON
GPS: 60.691, -135.006
FISH: Kokanee, rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Easy access to trophy rainbows; take a belly boat and hang on
WHEN: May to September
RANCHERIA RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.223, -129.141
FISH: Arctic grayling, bull trout
HIGHLIGHT: Drift through spectacular canyons, where trout have never seen a fly
WHEN: July to October
TAKHINI RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.862, -135.493
FISH: Arctic grayling, lake trout
HIGHLIGHT: A great beginner river near Whitehorse, with easy fishing and spectacular views
WHEN: June to September
H20 specializes in fly tackle, and guiding via jet and drift boat (above).