Hardcore anglers only at this Northwest Territories fishing lodge! This lodge currently holds world records for the largest lake trout, arctic char, and arctic grayling. During the past 60+ years, this outfitter has provided its guests with unbelievable Northwest Territories fishing in Canada. Their four lodges set on Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake, as well as Tree River, will please every guest looking for an adventurous fishing trip.
Each of the four lodges provides world-class fishing that is sure to amaze. Each day you will go out with your knowledgeable guides, and every evening you will gather at the rustic lodge you are staying at to recount the day’s successes!
The first lodge is located on Great Bear Lake. Here you will be provided with rare access to some of the best lake trout, arctic grayling, and pike fishing in the world. Only a lucky 300 anglers fish in this area per year. As you explore the area, do not be surprised to find caribou, moose, grizzly bears, muskox, or century-old teepees. This is the only lodge of the four that always has two turbine Otters at the lodge. This allows guests to participate in fly-outs to renowned waters for arctic char fishing.
The second lodge, the “Trophy Lodge” is also set on Great Bear Lake and has earned its name. 
While staying at this lodge you will fish for 5-star lake trout, 4-star arctic grayling, 4-star northern pike (this is the best area for it on the lake), trophy grayling, and lake trout. A very lucky few will be able to grab a spot at this lodge as it has a short opening span and a very long list of anglers anxious to experience its world-renowned fishing.
Great Slave Lake is home to the third lodge. This lodge sits on the Taltheilei Narrows which have been praised through the generations by the local people. The Narrows is known for trophy lake trout (up to 60lbs!), arctic grayling, and northern pike. Your skills and strength will be tested as you reel in the monsters lurking in the lake! A reason guests love this lodge is that there is excellent fishing within view of the lodge, and you may even catch some fish by wading along the shore of the lodge.
Last, but certainly not least, is an exciting excursion opportunity to the fourth lodge set on the Tree River. This overnight stay is incredibly popular with guests. The river’s incredible fishing for arctic char has been praised year after year. Here you will find the best fly-out opportunities of any of the lodges. As you fly over the tundra you will be left speechless by its vastness and beauty. There are also options to explore this area on foot by hiking to nearby pools.
Accommodations & Meals
Except for Tree River Lodge, each of the lodges is equipped with a Red Seal chef, a fully stocked bar, fireplace, conference room, pool table, tackle shop, internet access, meeting facilities, 24-hr electricity, and private cabins with attached bathrooms.
Great Bear Lake: The main lodge has casual sitting areas with a stone fireplace. Here you will enjoy recapping your day of fishing. The relaxed dining room has a camp feel to it with picnic tables throughout where your group can sit together or sit with new friends. Enjoy your meals while looking out over the lake. The cabins are basic with twin beds, a chest of drawers, and a small, attached bathroom. This rustic lodge can host up to 44 guests.
Great Slave Lake: This lodge is slightly more upscale than the Great Bear Lake lodge, but it has the same rustic feel to it. Enjoy sitting in the leather chairs in front of the stone fireplace as you look out over the lake. The dining room has the same camp-like feel with large tables meant for encouraging comradery over meals. The cabins can host twin beds or queen beds, have a dresser, and have a small, attached bathroom. This rustic lodge can host up to 44 guests.
Trophy Lodge: The trophy lodge is the most rustic of the three main lodges. The sitting rooms are made up of leather office chairs that circle a stone fireplace. Your group will enjoy playing pool during your downtime while looking out of the lake. This lodge is a “hotel style” lodge, meaning there are no individual cabins, all rooms are hosted under the same roof. The beach of Ford Bay is just steps from the lodge, so you can put on your waders and have some excellent fishing from the shallow waters of the shore.
This rustic lodge can host up to 22 guests.
Tree River Lodge: Go off the grid at Tree River Lodge. This lodge can be described as basic rustic. The cabins here are made up of 4 twin beds. These cabins are extremely basic. Enjoy hearty meals such as turkey dinners with dinner rolls. The camp looks out over the Tree River, providing breathtaking views.
Fishing
Lake Trout: Lurking in the depths below, shadowy figures cruise. Lakers attack their prey with alarming speed and strength. Their numbers are great, these massive trout grow to unimaginable sizes. Can you reel one in?
There are two basic techniques to catch lake trout that the guides use: trolling and jigging. Both lakes use a combination of techniques, but it is safe to say that at Slave there is more jigging than trolling, while at Bear there you predominantly troll for lake trout. It is ultimately up to you which type of fishing method you prefer, but keep in mind the preferred techniques of each lake when deciding on which of the lodges you are going to experience.
There is another often overlooked method of targeting lake trout and that is fly fishing. Most fly fishermen do not have lake trout on their radar as a target species, as lake trout are normally found in the deepest, coldest parts of southern lakes. Fishing for lake trout up north is a different ballgame, as the preferred “cold water” temperature for the lake trout is actually what they call “warm water”, so the fish are at the top of the water column.
Arctic Char: Under the pristine blue rapids and rifles of Tree River, massive green-back Char skulk. As they negotiate the current, scouring for food, one might stumble upon your irresistible fly and take it for a run.
Arctic Grayling: Some love the way a winged Arctic Grayling will treat a well-presented dry fly. Others are fascinated by its rarity and appearance. Either way, this fish provides ample action for a great light tackle experience.
Mepp’s spinners, Panther Martin, etc. in sizes #0 to #3 are preferred. Red and Gold are a favorite, non-dressed, but with different surface and daylight conditions, they may hit other colors like blue, watermelon, orange, etc.
Jigs, small, 1/16 oz. to 1/8 oz. grub tails, paddle tails, puddle jumper tails. Sometimes these “sailfish of the north” are in the mood to hit various insect imitations or minnow imitations. Colors can range from white to black but Brown, purple, gold, and dark red can work well too.
Spoons, small ½”, Eppinger little delve 1/8 oz. Various colors, dark orange, dark green, black w/orange, blue, etc. Minnow imitations like phoebe’s and super duper’s may work well too.
Gear: All guests fishing at any of the lodges are welcome to bring their own gear, however, it is not necessary. There is an excellent supply of the preferred rods and reels for guests to use, and they have tackle shops at the lodges where tackle can be purchased at a very reasonable rate.
Length of Stay / Itinerary
Great Bear Lake Lodge: This lodge books 7-day trips with the option of add-on excursions to the Tree River Lodge within the 7 days. They do have a limited number of 4-days trip available during select weeks of the season.
Great Slave Lake Lodge: This lodge has openings for 3-, 4-, and 7-day trips with the option of add-on excursions to the Tree River lodge within your trip.
Trophy Lodge: This lodge only offers 7-day trips with the option of add-on excursions to the Tree River Lodge within the 7 days.
Tree River Lodge: While this lodge usually hosts guests for one night during their time at another lodge, they have added a special new trip opportunity. This is a one-week per year opportunity and is incredibly exclusive. Please call us for more details on the date of the upcoming year’s trip.
Internet & Communications
Wifi is available at the Great Bear Lake Lodge, Great Slave Lake Lodge, and Trophy Lodge. Cell service is spotty.
Rates
Pricing ranges from $2,895 – $7295 based on lodge choice and length of trip. Please call us for more details based on your interests.
