We suggest you bring light to medium weight spinning or casting equipment with 8-14 lb. test line for pike and trout. Walleye and whitefish are fun on ultralight gear (4-8 lb. test). We recommend 12-18″ ball bearing leaders for pike. In early June, all species are near the surface. From mid-July to late-September, lake trout are found at depths of 50 to 200 feet, while pike and walleye are in 10 to 25 feet of water.
Steel or lead core trolling line with a downrigger or ciscoes can be used for trout or you may prefer to drift fish over deep holes using 14 or 16 lb. test monofilament and “buzz bombs”. Pike and trout will also take small to large spoons: five of diamonds, Len Thompson, crocodiles and rainbow crocs, buzz bombs and other running lures, daredevils, rapallas and deep runner shadraps. For walleye and whitefish jigs, Rapallas and Mister Twisters give good results.
Pack a fly rod with seven weight line, an 8-12 lb. tippet or shock tippet, and 100 yards of backing for early season lake trout and hungry pike. The fly hatch for whitefish is usually late July or early August. Proven flies are: mayfly, caddis cased larvae, caddis nymph, caddis fly adult and gold ribbed hare’s ear. Northern pike will strike a mouse fly, frog fly and large leech. Lake trout will strike a Doc Sprately streamer and large sparkle streamer.
Barbless hooks are the law in the Northwest Territories – please plan to purchase lures that comply with this law, or be prepared to remove the barbs from your hooks! Our fish will thank you!