Tree River Lodge
Nunavut, Canada
Accommodation
Arctic Outpost Lodge
Season
June – August
Species
Sea-Run Arctic Char
Fishing Style
Spinning & Fly Fishing
Tree River Lodge 🇨🇦
Tree River Lodge is a remote Arctic fishing outpost on the Tree River in Nunavut, close to the river’s meeting with the Arctic Ocean. The river is known for producing some of the largest sea-run Arctic char in the world, including the recognised IGFA all-tackle record of 32 pounds, 9 ounces. Anglers fish from shore and travel between pools by boat or on foot, with both fly and spinning tackle producing fish. Accommodation is simple compared with Plummer’s larger lodges, but the small capacity, isolated setting and access to an exceptional char fishery make Tree River one of the most distinctive fishing experiences in northern Canada.
Fishing at Tree River is entirely focused on sea-run Arctic char. These fish enter the river from the Arctic Ocean during summer, moving through fast channels, rocky runs, pocket water and deep holding pools. Fresh arrivals are usually bright silver, while fish develop increasingly vivid red, orange and green spawning colours as the season progresses. Tree River has produced the current IGFA all-tackle record and continues to produce char over 20 pounds, with fish in the 25 to 30-pound range possible.
Most fishing is completed from the bank or while wading. Boats are used to move anglers between sections of river, but reaching some of the best pools may involve walking over uneven tundra and rocky ground. Guides help anglers approach each pool, manage line through the fast current and land fish in safe locations. The fishing is strictly catch and release, with large char photographed quickly and returned to the river.
Both fly and spinning tackle are effective. Fly anglers commonly use 8 to 10-weight rods, strong reels, substantial backing and floating or sinking-tip lines. Bright streamers and weighted patterns in white, pink, orange, red and chartreuse are regularly used. Spinning anglers fish spoons, jigs and other artificial lures capable of reaching fish in heavy current. Standard conventional rods and reels are included, but fly-fishing equipment and personal tackle are not.
Tree River trips operate during the short Arctic summer. Overnight visits are arranged from Great Bear Lake Lodge during selected weeks, while the weeklong Tree River Exclusive takes place at the end of August. Early-season anglers may encounter bright, newly arrived fish in the lower river, while late-August trips are more likely to find mature char in full spawning colour farther upstream. The exclusive program includes approximately five days at Tree River and a final fishing day at Great Bear Lake.
Tree River Lodge is a simple and practical Arctic outpost rather than a full-service luxury lodge. Its position beside the river allows anglers to stay close to the fishing and make the most of the limited summer season. The small exclusive program accommodates only six anglers each week.
The lodge provides heated accommodation, 24-hour electricity and Starlink internet. Facilities are more basic than those at Great Bear Lake Lodge, but anglers have a warm place to sleep, dry equipment and gather for meals after fishing.
Meals are prepared at the lodge and include breakfast, packed or riverside lunches and a hot dinner. The atmosphere is informal and centred on the fishing, with anglers and guides discussing river conditions and the following day’s plans over dinner.
The final part of the weeklong program is spent at Great Bear Lake Lodge, where anglers stay in private cabins with bathrooms and have access to the larger main lodge, dining room, lounge, bar and other facilities.
Tree River Lodge is located in Nunavut on a remote Arctic river flowing into the Arctic Ocean. There is no road access, and all anglers travel through Yellowknife and Great Bear Lake Lodge.
Anglers must arrive in Yellowknife at least one day before the lodge charter. Morning flights to Great Bear Lake leave too early to connect with flights arriving from southern Canada on the same day. Yellowknife is normally reached through Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver.
A Plummer’s representative meets anglers at Yellowknife Airport and provides details for the following morning. Hotel accommodation in Yellowknife is not included. On charter day, anglers are collected from their hotel and transferred to the aircraft terminal for the flight to Great Bear Lake Lodge.
After arriving at Great Bear Lake, anglers have lunch and transfer to a turbine Otter floatplane for the flight to Tree River, weather permitting. The floatplane lands on the river near the outpost. At the end of the Tree River portion, anglers fly back to Great Bear Lake Lodge for the final part of the trip before returning to Yellowknife on the scheduled charter.
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from US$9,995.00 per person
What’s Included:
- Return charter flights between Yellowknife and Great Bear Lake Lodge
- Return turbine Otter floatplane flights between Great Bear Lake and Tree River
- Accommodation at Tree River Lodge
- Accommodation at Great Bear Lake Lodge during the final part of the exclusive program
- Approximately five days of Tree River fishing
- One guided fishing day at Great Bear Lake
- Professional fishing guides
- One guide for every two anglers
- Boats and boat fuel
- Standard spinning and baitcasting rods and reels
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodges
- Daily shore lunch or packed lunch
- Daily housekeeping
- 24-hour electricity
- Starlink internet access
What’s Not Included:
- Flights to and from Yellowknife
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Yellowknife
- Nunavut fishing licence
- Northwest Territories fishing licence
- Great Bear Lake management fee
- Fly rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies
- Lures and terminal tackle
- Waders, boots and personal fishing clothing
- Liquor, beer, wine and soft drinks
Pre-Trip Day: Arrival in Yellowknife
Arrive at Yellowknife Airport, meet the Plummer’s representative and transfer to the selected hotel. Hotel accommodation and meals in Yellowknife are paid separately.
Day 1: Great Bear Lake and Tree River
Take the morning charter from Yellowknife to Great Bear Lake Lodge. After lunch, board the turbine Otter floatplane for the onward flight to Tree River. On arrival, anglers settle into the outpost, meet the guides and may begin fishing if time and weather allow.
Days 2 to 5: Tree River Fishing
Spend full days fishing the Tree River for sea-run Arctic char. Anglers move between pools by boat and on foot, using fly or spinning tackle according to water conditions and personal preference. Lunch is provided during the fishing day before anglers return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 6: Final Tree River Fishing and Return to Great Bear
Fish a final session on the Tree River before returning by floatplane to Great Bear Lake Lodge. The exact departure time depends on weather and aircraft operations.
Day 7: Great Bear Lake Fishing
Spend a full guided day targeting lake trout, Arctic grayling or northern pike on Great Bear Lake. Lunch is normally prepared beside the lake before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 8: Return to Yellowknife
Transfer to the Great Bear Lake airstrip and take the scheduled charter back to Yellowknife. Anglers should allow sufficient time before any onward flight.
What level of fishing experience is required?
Tree River can accommodate anglers using either fly or spinning tackle, but the fast current and size of the fish can make the fishing demanding. Fly anglers should be comfortable casting heavier rods and controlling line in moving water. Guides assist with presentations, wading and landing fish.
How physically demanding is the fishing?
Fishing is completed from shore and may involve walking across uneven tundra, rocks and riverbanks. Some pools are reached by boat, while others require hiking. Anglers should have reasonable mobility and bring supportive waterproof footwear.
What fishing equipment should anglers bring?
Standard spinning and baitcasting rods and reels are included. Anglers should bring their own lures and terminal tackle. Fly anglers need to bring a complete setup, including rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies. A spare rod and reel are strongly recommended because replacement equipment is limited.
What fly tackle is suitable?
An 8 to 10-weight single-handed rod is suitable for most Tree River fishing. A strong large-arbor reel with a dependable drag and plenty of backing is essential. Floating, intermediate and sinking-tip lines provide flexibility across different pools and current speeds.
Are waders required?
Yes. Breathable waders, warm layers and sturdy wading boots with good ankle support are recommended. Anglers should also pack fully waterproof outer clothing, gloves and a warm hat.
Is the fishing catch and release?
Yes. Tree River operates under a strict catch-and-release policy. Guides assist with handling, photography and releasing char as quickly as possible.
Is a fishing licence required?
Yes. A Nunavut sport-fishing licence is required for Tree River. Anglers fishing the final day at Great Bear Lake will also need a Northwest Territories licence and the applicable Great Bear Lake management fee. Licences are not included in the package.
Is internet available?
Yes. Starlink internet and 24-hour electricity are available at Tree River Lodge. The remote location means occasional interruptions are still possible.
What happens if weather prevents the floatplane flight?
The itinerary includes time at Great Bear Lake to provide some flexibility around northern weather. Flights may be delayed or rescheduled, and the fishing program will be adjusted where possible. Anglers are responsible for additional hotel, flight-change or travel costs caused by weather or aircraft delays.
