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Home Story 5 Ways Fishing in the South Slave is Off the Hook
A Northern pike, caught in the South Slave region of Canada's Northwest Territories

5 Ways Fishing in the South Slave is Off the Hook

The South Slave Region is the gateway to the Northwest Territories, tucked between the 60th Parallel, Great Slave Lake and the legendary Barrenlands. This is an angler’s paradise, teeming with the biggest, wildest, feistiest, hardest-fighting fish in the world.

Getting to the South Slave is easy and it’s best done by road. Drive up through Northern Alberta and embark on a fishing adventure with a local tour operator in Hay River, or grab your fly-rod and hit the Kakisa River, just off Highway 1, for the spring run of Arctic Grayling. Cast a line in any lake or river in the South Slave and experience some of the most spectacular fishing in the Northwest Territories!

Be warned! Once you experience fishing in the South Slave, you might just find yourself hooked for life. Here are five five reasons why fishing in the South Slave is an experience like no other.

The fish in the South Slave region of Canada's Northwest Territories are big

Colossal fish!

Forty-pound Pike slithering in the reeds, snapping at whatever moves. Legendary Lake Trout, gliding through the shadowy depths. Arctic Grayling, feisty and stunning, leaping in the river’s spray. The South Slave is home to the most sought-after fish on Earth.  

After all, lunkers – what many Northerners call an exceptionally large fish- are not unusual around here.  Come cast a line in one of the many South Slave lakes and experience the thrill for yourself.

The fish in the South Slave region of Canada's Northwest Territories are really big

Lots of fish… so many fish

Anywhere else, fishing is a tradeoff – you can go for size, or for quantity. Up here, you don’t have to choose. Angling in the South Slave is remarkable not just for the majestic fish but for the rate at which you’ll catch them. It’s not unusual for an angler to have a 100-fish day. And of course, since the territory implements catch-and-release sport fishing, all those fish go back in the water, ready to be caught again.

 There are several operators eager to take you out on Great Slave Lake for a day of endless fishing. For a  truly memorable day, take a boat from Hay River and fish the lush waters at the mouth of the mighty Mackenzie River.

Alexandra Falls in the South Slave of the NWT

Stunning locations and incredible lodges

With so many deep lakes and pristine rivers, the South Slave boasts some of the best fishing spots in the Northwest Territories; Northeast of Fort Resolution are Nonacho Lake and Talston Lake. Closer to the NWT-Alberta border are Scott Lake and Kasba Lake.  

Many lodges in the South Slave will combine a memorable fishing experience with the comfort of modern amenities and warm Northern hospitality. With so many wilderness resorts, rustic fish-camps, and lakeside fishing cabins, the South Slave has a place for you, often with spectacular Aurora in the background from late August to late September.

Best Fishing in the South Slave region of the NWT.

Wild lakes and wilder rivers

When casting off in the South Slave, you’ll get to experience the thrill of fishing in Great Slave Lake, Canada’s deepest lake, and Canada’s longest river – the mighty Mackenzie River. From pristine brooks, thousands of lakes, reedy marshes, and racing rivers, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery when fishing in the South Slave Region.

Bond over a fish in the south slave region of Canada's Northwest Territories

And memories to fill your bucket

There is something about those days spent out on the water that draws people together.  Maybe it’s the lack of distractions – no cell phones, no deadlines, no worries.  Or it could be the transcendent experience, battling big fish in a pristine place way up at the top of the globe. Whatever it is, it’s the best way possible to reconnect with yourself, the natural world, and those who truly matter to you.

Keen to make the catch of a lifetime? From the Arctic Ocean to a Barrenland brook, your fishing trip in the Northwest Territories will reward you with colossal fish, record-number catches, and an unbelievable story. Read more here to get the “who’s who” of fish species in the Northwest Territories.

two men on a fishing boat and holding up a trophy lake trout caught at Frontier Fishing Lodge.

Experience the East Arm of Great Slave Lake

Frontier Lodge – Gateway to Thaidene Nëné

Activities

Arctic Grayling Fly Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike

For more than 60 years, anglers the world over have come to Frontier Lodge to experience truly world class fishing. One of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, Great Slave teems with trophy Lake Trout and iridescent Arctic Grayling, as well as Northern Pike. Located at the Gateway to Thaidene Nëné, on the […]...

Starting at

$3,150

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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World Class Fishing at Frontier Lodge - Gateway to Thaidene Nëné

7 Day World Class Fishing Adventure!

Frontier Lodge – Gateway to Thaidene Nëné

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Aurora Lodges Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Lake Trout Northern Pike Wilderness Lodges

Frontier Lodge has been providing world class trophy fishing vacations on the renowned East Arm of Great Slave Lake for over 65 years. Our clients come from all over the world to target the trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling we offer. That’s only part of your trip to Frontier though! We are […]...

5,250

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Sport Fishing Package

Yellow Dog Lodge, Inc.

Activities

Fishing Fly Fishing Nature and Wildlife Tours Wilderness Lodges

Packages Include: Accommodations – main lodge rooms Bush Plane charter transportation – return Boat Rentals and Fishing Rods & Reels Fuel and oil for boats All home made meals All home baked snacks Complimentary coffee, tea hot chocolate, juice, water Outdoor hot tub, sauna, screened gazebo, hot showers Paddling equipment: kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, paddle […]...

Starting At

$1,615

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Nahanni, NWT, Canoe, Nahanni Park_2024_Nahanni River Adventures

Nahanni Canyons from Virginia Falls - 12 Day Rafting Trip

Nahanni River Adventures

Activities

Arctic Char Arctic Grayling Aurora Birding Boat Tours Camping Canoeing and Kayaking Experienced Paddling Fall Aurora Fishing Fly Fishing Hiking Tours Inconnu Lake Trout Nahanni to Dehcho Nature and Wildlife Nature Photography Nature Tours Northern Pike Novice Paddling Paddling Rafting Road Trips Tours White Water

This trip takes you through some of the iconic features for which this historic river is renowned, including Canada's deepest canyons and Nailicho / Virginia Falls - twice the height of Niagara! Our Nahanni River 12-day trip covers the same distance as our seven day trip but allows more time for additional hiking and exploring, as well as savouring the beauty of the Nahanni Valley area because… why rush if you don’t have to?...

$10,595

CAD + 5% GST + $220.48 CAD National Park fees.
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Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures_Logo_2024_Yellowknife

Full day Ice Fishing Trip

Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures

Activities

Burbot Fishing Fishing Day Trips Ice Fishing Lake Trout Northern Pike Tours Whitefish Winter Activities

Join us for a Full day! 8 hours from 8AM-4PM for a private Yellowknife ice fishing experience! You will be the one catching all the fish on an ice fishing rod and having all the fun. We provide you with a licensed fishing guide, heated transportation (in our 6 seater side by side),  cozy tent and […]...

$999

CAD + 5% GST + Per 1-4 People
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Two people in a boat holding up a huge fish at Blachford Lake Lodge

Summer Fishing Adventure

Blachford Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing Housekeeping Lodges Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Stand up Paddling

Summer Adventure & Relaxation Welcome to your summer getaway, north of 60. Far from the noise and bustle of any city, Blachford Lodge is happy to be your home away from home in the summer months. Bask in the midnight sun (yup, you can read a book outside all night long!), catch a trophy fish, […]...

Starting at

$2,997

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person + $499 Air Charter + Gratuities (10%)

View this Package
Half/Full Day Pike Fishing

Half Day and Full Day Pike Fishing Trip

Trail Blazer Tours

Activities

Fishing Fishing Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike Tours

This half day or full day adventure takes us onto Great Slave Lake in search of the great Northern Pike. During the trip there are opportunities to see local birds and wildlife in addition to some local sights. We’ll enjoy a fabulous shore lunch of your freshly caught fish! All fishing gear is provided. Half […]...

Starting at

$250

CAD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Kasba Lake Lodge

Fly Fishing

Kasba Lake Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Fishing Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike

A Fly Fisherman’s Paradise. Kasba Lake Lodge offers fly fishing opportunities for both advanced and novice anglers. The ability to fish all three species of Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Arctic Grayling on the fly is what really sets us apart. Catching these aggressive predators on the fly is one of life’s great sporting experiences […]...

Starting at

$5,395

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Kasba Lake Lodge

All Inclusive Lodge

Kasba Lake Lodge

Activities

All-Inclusive Lodges Arctic Grayling Fishing Fly Fishing Lake Trout Nature and Wildlife Northern Pike

Place yourself in Canada’s untamed Northwest Territories, on the edge of the barren lands. Over 1500 square miles of untouched wilderness exclusive to Kasba anglers. A fishermen’s paradise whether spin fishing or fly fishing, Kasba fishing is beyond belief! Your dream come true fishing trip includes: air transportation from Winnipeg, private luxury cabins with on […]...

Starting at

$5,395

USD + 5% GST + Per Person
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Destination NWT

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Watta Lake Lodge

Comfortable lodge a 20 minute by floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Guided fishing for Lake Trout (to 34 lb), Arctic Grayling (to......

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Yellow Dog Lodge is a comfortable lodge with 3 private cabins for our guests. The lodge is a short (15 minute) floatplane ride from Yellowknife. Located on Duncan and Graham Lakes, the lodge is your hub for adventure. Choose from an additional 5 lakes for guided day trip excursions. Each lake is unique and offers unspoiled first class fishing. We are the only lodge that operates guided trips on each of these remote lakes located in the NWT taiga wilderness. Packaged trips feature superb sport fishing and safe outdoor adventure. The lakes and streams offer the finest Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye and Arctic Grayling in the region. As an added bonus, our guests will enjoy the midnight sun and may even catch the northern lights later in the fall or early spring....

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Land Acknowledgement

Northwest Territories Tourism acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and more recently, the homeland of the North Slave Métis Alliance. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of Inuit, First Nations, Metis, and all First Peoples of the NWT and Canada, whose presence and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant communities.