Other Information

Dates Open : June 20-September 9

Lake or Area Name : Great Slave Lake, NWT
Boat Safety Information :
       Pleasure Craft Operator Card


The surface-fighting "lakers" of the Territories as similar, by scientific definition to the Lake Trout of Southern Canada, but that is where the similarity ends. Their behaviour on the end of a line must be experienced to be believed. Veteran anglers compare their behaviour and fighting qualities with that of the Brook Trout. This applies particularly to the Lake Trout in the 10 pound and under class. They tend to fight on or near the surface, alternately diving and breaking water in an effort to throw the lure. The larger lakers are more inclined to run for deep water when hooked and "bulldog" in the depths.

Lake Trout are found all through the lake and run up to our 59 1/2 lb. record. 30 to 40 pounders are common and there is an excellent possibility that Lake Trout capable of breaking the world record await anglers in the lake not far from the Lodge. A 50 lb. "Laker" was taken in front of Frontier Fishing Lodge.

Lake Trout are found in the Stark River, a few hundred yards from Frontier Fishing Lodge, and average between 1 and 2 pounds although they have been caught up to 5 pounds. They will take wet or dry flies and some types of metal lures, but have a very tender mouth and must be handled carefully on the line. They put on a spectacular display clearing the water in good jumps.

This northern acrobat has been described as the "flower of fishes" and it is unquestionably one of the world's most beautiful fresh-water fish. It also provides some of the finest thrills the north can offer to a fly fisherman, and one the fish world's most delicately flavoured dishes for the epicure. It is generally dark blue on the back and purple grey on the sides, its outstanding characteristic being the large sail-like, highly colored dorsal fin; blackish grey with a bright red band on the upper edge and a scattering of blue and violet spots.

The angling interest in the big "Northerns" which has been generated in the Precambrian lakes of the provinces and northern states has been somewhat overshadowed by the abundance and fighting qualities of the lake trout. However, there are plenty of targets for the avowed pike fisherman in the lake and generally run between five and fifteen pounds, but fish in the 25-30 pound class have been caught. Try them with a streamer.


A float plane charter service is operated between the Lodge and Yellowknife, which has an excellent modern airport with hard surfaced runways.

Scheduled daily service is operated by Canadian North and First Air to and from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Also there is an all weather highway from Edmonton to Yellowknife, 963 miles.

A Modern Lodge Building with 6 bedrooms and an open fireplace. A Conference & Recreation building with 7 attached bedrooms and open fireplace. Log cabins for those who wish for more private quarters.

Fish Great Slave Lake, the world's seventh largest lake, for "Trophy Lake Trout" "Arctic Grayling" "Northern Pike, and Whitefish".

Five bodies of water can be reached from Frontier Fishing Lodge by air or water, Great Slave Lake, Stark Lake, Snowdrift River, Stark River and Murky Lake.