Fishing in Great Bear Lake & Sahtu
Explore fishing in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu of Northwest Territories. Great Bear Lake, Great Bear River, Deline, Norm
Great Bear Lake is widely considered the finest lake trout fishery in the world. The McTavish Arm offers exceptional trophy lake trout fishing, with fish over 50 pounds caught every year. The lake's pristine, incredibly clear waters allow sight fishing for these giants. Strictly catch-and-release.
1. Great Bear Lake (Lake Trout)
Great Bear Lake, McTavish ArmThe Keith Arm of Great Bear Lake offers excellent lake trout and Arctic grayling fishing. This arm is more accessible from the community of Deline and offers excellent fishing.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Great Bear Lake →
2. Great Bear River (Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Great Bear River area, between Great Bear Lake and Mackenzie RiverThe Great Bear River flows from Great Bear Lake into the Mackenzie River, offering Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing. The river's clear, cold waters provide excellent habitat.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Great Bear River →
3. Deline (Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout)
Deline area, Great Bear LakeThe community of Deline on Great Bear Lake offers access to excellent lake trout and Arctic grayling fishing. The community provides guiding services and accommodations for anglers.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
4. Norman Wells (Arctic Grayling, Inconnu, Northern Pike)
Norman Wells area, Mackenzie RiverNorman Wells on the Mackenzie River offers Arctic grayling, northern pike, and inconnu fishing. The community provides services and access to the Mackenzie River and Great Bear region.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Inconnu · Limit: DCL 5 / possession 10
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
5. Tulita (Fort Norman)
Tulita area, Mackenzie RiverTulita at the confluence of the Great Bear and Mackenzie rivers offers excellent fishing for Arctic grayling, northern pike, and inconnu. The community provides guiding and accommodations.
6. Mackenzie River (Arctic Grayling, Inconnu, Northern Pike)
Mackenzie River, Norman Wells to TulitaThe Mackenzie River through the Sahtu region offers inconnu, Arctic grayling, and northern pike fishing in a remote northern setting. The river's diverse habitat supports multiple species.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Inconnu · Limit: DCL 5 / possession 10
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Mackenzie River →
7. Hottah Lake (Lake Trout, Northern Pike)
Hottah Lake area, Northwest TerritoriesHottah Lake offers excellent lake trout and northern pike fishing. A large, productive lake with healthy fish populations in the Sahtu region.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
8. Camsell Lake (Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout)
Camsell Lake area, Northwest TerritoriesCamsell Lake offers lake trout and Arctic grayling fishing in the Sahtu region. A remote lake with excellent wilderness fishing.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
9. Wrigley River (Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Wrigley area, Mackenzie RiverThe Wrigley River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Mackenzie River watershed. A productive river accessible from the community of Wrigley.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
10. Keele River (Arctic Grayling, Eel, Northern Pike)
Keele River area, Sahtu regionThe Keele River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Mackenzie River watershed. A remote wilderness river with spectacular mountain scenery.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
11. Carcajou River (Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Carcajou River area, Northwest TerritoriesThe Carcajou River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Sahtu region. A productive stream in the Mackenzie watershed.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
12. Mountain River (NWT)
Mountain River area, Sahtu regionThe Mountain River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Mackenzie River watershed. A remote river flowing through the Mackenzie Mountains.
13. Cap Mountain Lakes (Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout)
Cap Mountain area, Northwest TerritoriesThe lakes offer Arctic grayling and lake trout fishing in the Mackenzie Mountains. A remote alpine fishing destination.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Cap Mountain Lakes →
14. Little Bear River (Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Little Bear River area, Sahtu regionThe Little Bear River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Great Bear Lake watershed. A productive river with good fish populations.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Little Bear River →
15. Sloan River (Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Sloan River area, Sahtu regionThe Sloan River offers Arctic grayling and northern pike fishing in the Great Bear Lake watershed of the Sahtu region.
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
16. Whitefish River (NWT)
Whitefish River area, Sahtu regionThe Whitefish River offers Arctic grayling and lake whitefish fishing in the Great Bear Lake watershed.
Boat Launch: Whitefish River →
17. Dease River (NWT)
Dease River area, Northwest TerritoriesThe Dease River offers Arctic grayling fishing flowing into the Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake. A productive river with excellent grayling habitat.
18. Adam Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Adam Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
19. Agira Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Agira Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
20. Akaitcho Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Akaitcho Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
21. Angle Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Angle Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
22. Augustus Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Augustus Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
23. Aurora Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Aurora Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
24. Balachey Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Balachey Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
25. Baldhead Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Baldhead Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
26. Bandy Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bandy Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
27. Basler Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Basler Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
28. Baton Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Baton Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
29. Bean Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bean Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
30. Beauparlant Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Beauparlant Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Beauparlant Lake →
31. Beaverlodge Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Beaverlodge Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Boat Launch: Beaverlodge Lake →
32. Bélanger Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bélanger Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
33. Belleau Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Belleau Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
34. Benoit Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Benoit Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
35. Bent Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bent Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
36. Bergin Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bergin Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
37. Bernard Lake (Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike)
Bernard Lake, Northwest TerritoriesNamed lake in the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu region of Northwest Territories.
- Lake Trout · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Arctic Grayling · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
- Northern Pike · Limit: DCL 3 / possession 5
Fishing Tips for the Great Bear Lake & Sahtu
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid fishing licence for your province — buy online before heading out.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in Northwest Territories; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Great Bear Lake & Sahtu waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in Northwest Territories
- Great Slave Lake & Southern NWT
- Mackenzie Delta & Arctic Coast
- Mackenzie River Valley
- North Slave & Barrenlands
- Yellowknife & East Arm
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