Summer

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!

Blachford Lake Lodge is the only settlement on 14 mile long  Blachford Lake. The lake boasts some big fish – 38 lb lake trout and 28 lb northern pike. We’ve been practicing catch and release fishing for more than 25 years, and our big ones are returned to the lake to grow some more. Anglers can try for pickerel in Magrum or Grace Lake, a short walk away.

Although we encourage catch and release, each boatload of anglers can keep two or three small fish for a traditional shore lunch, or they can bring them back to the lodge to be served at dinner.

Yes, you can swim at Blachford Lake Lodge. On calm days, in the shallows, the lake is warm enough for swimming. Guests often swim by the wharf in front of the lodge, and bake in the warm sun on the smooth rock close by.

Bring your bathing suit, even if you don’t go for a swim, you will certainly enjoy the hot tub!

Our canoes and sea kayaks are always available for exploring Blachford Lake. As you silently travel in our northern wilderness, you can hear the calls and perhaps catch sight of loons. Graceful terns, gulls, bald eagles and rough legged hawks soar overhead. Ravens play in the air currents. You may surprise a beaver or young muskrats frolicking in the shallows, startle an otter, or catch a glimpse of a moose browsing the water’s edge.

Haul out on a sun-warmed rock for a siesta, or slip into the fresh, clear water for a swim. Before you go paddling, just let our staff know where you are going. They will fit you with a life jacket, or PFD, and we ask you to please wear it when you are out on the water.