Great Bear Lake Lodge

Fishing at Great Bear Lake Lodge is centred on lake trout, including fish exceeding 30 and 40 pounds and the possibility of much larger specimens. Great Bear Lake has produced the all-tackle world record for lake trout, as well as the all-tackle record for Arctic grayling. Most lake trout fishing is done by trolling or jigging, although anglers can also target them with heavy fly tackle. The lake’s cold water keeps fish relatively high in the water column, removing the need for the deep-water downrigger fishing commonly associated with lake trout farther south.

Anglers fish from custom-built 18-foot Lund boats powered by 40-horsepower four-stroke outboards. Each boat normally carries two anglers and one professional guide. Fishing can begin close to the lodge or involve boat runs of up to an hour, depending on weather, the preferred methods of the anglers and the areas producing the best fishing. Guides may prepare a traditional shore lunch using a suitable lake trout, while larger trophy fish are photographed and released.

The season runs from late June through the end of August, with published dates extending into early September in some future seasons. Lake trout remain the main target throughout this period. Arctic grayling can be found around river mouths, rocky shorelines and moving water, while northern pike inhabit selected shallow bays and weedy areas. Guides can build time for these secondary species into the week when conditions and the priorities of the anglers allow.

Two turbine Otter floatplanes are based at the lodge, allowing anglers to arrange day trips to remote lakes and rivers. Great Bear Lake Lodge is also the departure point for the overnight Tree River excursion, where anglers can target sea-run Arctic char in Nunavut. Fly-outs are weather-dependent and should be reserved in advance, particularly for the limited Tree River spaces.

Great Bear Lake Lodge accommodates up to 40 anglers in individual cabins arranged around a central main lodge. Cabins vary in size and can accommodate between one and eight anglers. Each has a private three-piece bathroom, 24-hour electricity and electric, oil or wood heating.

The main lodge contains a large dining room, comfortable lounge, pool table and fully stocked bar with a bartender. Starlink internet is available, allowing anglers to remain in contact during their stay, although the remote setting and northern weather can still affect connectivity.

Breakfast is served before the fishing day, with lunch usually prepared beside the lake by the guide. Anglers return to the lodge in the evening for dinner. Daily housekeeping is included, and the lodge’s small shop carries fishing tackle, clothing and other useful items.

Great Bear Lake Lodge is situated on a small island in the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake, near the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories. The nearest community is Deline, approximately 150 miles away, and there is no road access to the lodge.

The journey begins in Yellowknife. Anglers must arrive at least one day before the lodge charter, as the aircraft departs early the following morning and same-day connections from southern Canadian cities are not possible. Yellowknife can be reached through Canadian hubs such as Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

A lodge representative meets anglers at Yellowknife Airport and provides information about the following morning’s departure. Anglers stay overnight at a Yellowknife hotel before taking the scheduled shuttle to the charter terminal.

The flight to Great Bear Lake Lodge normally departs Yellowknife at approximately 8:00 am and arrives late in the morning. The aircraft lands on the lodge’s private 5,600-foot gravel runway, followed by a short transfer to the cabins. Return charters operate at the end of the seven-day stay, although schedules remain subject to northern weather and aircraft operations.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from  US$7,795.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival in Yellowknife
Arrive at Yellowknife Airport, where anglers are met by a lodge representative and given information about the following morning’s charter. Transfer to the selected Yellowknife hotel for the night. Hotel accommodation and meals in Yellowknife are paid separately.

Day 2: Charter Flight to Great Bear Lake Lodge
Take the morning shuttle to the charter terminal and fly directly to the lodge’s private airstrip. After arrival, anglers check into their cabins, meet the guides and receive an introduction to the boats and fishing program. An afternoon fishing session may be possible, depending on arrival time and conditions.

Days 3 to 8: Guided Fishing Days
Each morning begins with breakfast before two anglers depart with their guide. Days are primarily spent targeting lake trout, with opportunities to add Arctic grayling or northern pike. Lunch is normally prepared beside the lake before fishing continues through the afternoon. Optional floatplane excursions may replace one or more lodge fishing days when booked in advance.

Day 9: Return to Yellowknife
After breakfast, anglers transfer to the lodge airstrip for the scheduled charter back to Yellowknife. Onward travel should be booked with sufficient time for possible weather or operational delays. An additional hotel night may be advisable before an early international departure.

What level of fishing experience is required?
Great Bear Lake Lodge is suitable for both experienced anglers and those taking their first guided fishing trip. Guides manage navigation, boat positioning and tackle setup while helping anglers with trolling, jigging and fighting large fish.

How many anglers fish from each boat?
Each boat normally carries two anglers and one professional guide. Bookings are generally accepted in groups of two, four, six or eight, although other group sizes may be accommodated by prior arrangement.

Are rods and reels included?
Yes. Standard spinning and baitcasting rods and reels are available at the lodge. Anglers may bring personal equipment, but it is not essential. Lures and other tackle are not included and can be brought from home or purchased from the lodge shop.

Can anglers fly fish at Great Bear Lake?
Yes. Lake trout and Arctic grayling can both be targeted with fly tackle. Anglers pursuing larger lake trout should bring 10 to 12-weight rods and heavy sinking lines or high-density tips. Lighter outfits can be used for average-sized lake trout and grayling.

What is the Tree River excursion?
The Tree River is an overnight floatplane trip from Great Bear Lake Lodge to a remote Arctic char fishery in Nunavut. Anglers normally leave Great Bear in the morning and return the following afternoon, spending approximately 24 hours at the outpost. Space is limited and the trip carries an additional charge.

Are other fly-out trips available?
Yes. The lodge’s two turbine Otters can take anglers to remote fishing areas around Great Bear Lake and the wider region. Fly-outs depend on weather, aircraft availability and the destination selected.

Is a fishing licence required?
Yes. Anglers need a valid Northwest Territories sport-fishing licence. A separate Nunavut licence is required for the Tree River excursion. Licences are not included in the package and should be arranged before fishing.

What clothing should anglers bring?
Arctic weather can change quickly, even in midsummer. Anglers should pack warm base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm gloves, a winter hat and a sun hat. Polarized sunglasses and waterproof footwear are also important.

Is internet available?
Yes. Starlink internet is available at the lodge. Service is suitable for general communication, although interruptions remain possible in this remote location.