Northwest Territories Fishing Forecast | Week of November 2, 2026
Week of November 2, 2026 · Freshwater · Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories fishing forecast for the week of November 2, 2026 covers lake trout, northern pike, walleye, inconnu, arctic grayling, lake whitefish, arctic char, and broad whitefish. Open your region for a 7-day read on Great Slave Lake, Great Slave Lake, Mackenzie River, and Great Bear Lake, and the other waters people actually fish.
Each day shows whether the bite looks worth the drive, plus the best window and the wind. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
Northwest Territories fishing regions
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Great Slave Lake – South fishing
Great Slave Lake – South fishing forecast
For anglers exploring where to fish in the Great Slave Lake – South region, numerous prominent lake names offer exceptional opportunities. Great Slave Lake itself is famous for its immense Lake Trout, providing a thrilling challenge for dedicated anglers. The Hay River and Buffalo River systems are prime locations for those seeking robust Northern Pike, making pike fishing a popular pursuit in these flowing waters. Walleye fishing can be particularly rewarding in Kakisa Lake, where these tasty fish are abundant. The elusive Inconnu also inhabits these northern reaches, adding to the diversity of the catch.
This week brings cold temperatures and a clear sky to the region, though a fresh layer of snow recently covered the landscape. Expect some strong wind, which can make boat control difficult and create choppy water, especially on larger expanses like Great Slave Lake. The cold conditions mean fish might be holding deeper or congregating in sheltered areas, so adjusting your presentation to slower retrieves or vertical jigging could lead to the best bite. Anglers should prioritize safety and dress warmly for a comfortable day on the water.
Where to fish: Great Slave Lake, Hay River, Kakisa Lake, Buffalo River.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (9:12 AM) is optional. On Great Slave Lake, a fair day with a steady outlook meant probing the deeper drop-offs was key, as the moderate southwest breeze didn’t quite warm the frigid 2.7-degree water enough to stir a shallow bite.
Pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Fishing Hay River, the rising pressure typically signals a good bite, but the consistent west wind and cool 2. 8-degree water kept the fish deep and lethargic , making their activity minimal.
Pressure is falling.
Give it until after 9:18 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Good lake trout fishing if you put in at Kakisa Lake. Fish the deep basin. Watch the graph. If marks are 40 feet down, do not waste time on the beach.
Pressure is falling.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (9:20 AM) is optional. Put in at Buffalo River for lake trout. The day rates fair. Fish the deep basin. Change direction over the same water before you leave a basin. Take the lee shore if the wind is too much to hold.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. lake trout at Great Slave Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the deep basin. Early light can pull a few up. By mid-morning they are back in the deep water.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Give it until after 9:26 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Hay River if lake trout is the target. Poor day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Pike fishing — 7-day forecast
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 9:12 AM, or the last hour before 5:39 PM. On Great Slave Lake, a moderate southwest breeze and steady conditions meant we worked the shallower bays, hoping those 2.7 C waters would coax out some decent pike.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 9:15 AM or 5:36 PM. Hay River was a tough grind under an overcast sky, with the pressure climbing and a moderate westerly push, the 2.8 C water felt dead, barely a follow.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:18 AM and 5:34 PM. Kakisa Lake really lit up with a southerly breeze and a falling trend in barometric pressure.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:20 AM and 5:31 PM. Put in at Buffalo River for northern pike. The day rates fair. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Follow the weedline rather than anchoring in one hole. Take the lee shore if the wind is too much to hold.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:23 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. northern pike at Great Slave Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. If they short-strike, size down and slow the pause.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Hay River if northern pike is the target. Poor day. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Dirty water after rain can turn the bite on in the shallows.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on northern pike days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:39 PM). On Great Slave Lake, we started jigging the deeper breaks, figuring the steady pressure and moderate southwesterly wind would keep the walleye hugging the bottom in that cool 2.7-degree water.
Pressure is rising.
Dawn (9:15 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:36 PM). Over on the Hay River, the rising pressure under an overcast sky made for a tough bite, so we worked the current seams hoping the moderate westerly breeze would push some active fish into our 2. 8 is a lucky number.
Pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 5:34 PM. Good walleye fishing if you put in at Kakisa Lake. Fish points and inside turns. A falling barometer usually pulls them up. Fish the first break before you go deep.
Pressure is falling.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 5:31 PM. Put in at Buffalo River for walleye. The day rates fair. Fish points and inside turns. A falling barometer usually pulls them up. Fish the first break before you go deep.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:29 PM). walleye at Great Slave Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish points and inside turns. Keep the bait near bottom on the break. They are not chasing far this week.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Dawn (9:26 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:26 PM). Start at Hay River if walleye is the target. Poor day. Fish points and inside turns. Give each spot twenty minutes, then leave. Cover water until one point loads up. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Inconnu fishing — 7-day forecast
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 9:12 AM, or the last hour before 5:39 PM. On Great Slave Lake, a fair day with scattered skies and a steady pressure had us targeting deeper structure, hoping the moderate southwest breeze would trigger a bite in the 2.7 C water.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 9:15 AM or 5:36 PM. Hay River proved challenging, with the rising atmospheric weight and an overcast sky making the inconnu hesitant to strike, even with the moderate west wind churning the 2.8 C current.
Pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:18 AM and 5:34 PM. Kakisa Lake delivered, as the falling pressure under a clear dome encouraged aggressive feeding, with a moderate southerly pushing us toward the active inconnu in the 2.5 C chill.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:20 AM and 5:31 PM. Buffalo River was a grinder; a hard southwest wind made boat control tricky, but the dropping atmospheric influence and 3.7 C water temp meant we still found some willing inconnu beneath the overcast canopy.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:23 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on Great Slave Lake, the rising atmospheric weight coupled with frigid 2.0 C water and a persistent northwest breeze made for a truly sluggish bite, forcing us to slow our presentations under the solid overcast.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Hay River if inconnu is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on inconnu days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Great Slave Lake – North / Yellowknife fishing
Great Slave Lake – North / Yellowknife fishing forecast
Anglers searching for where to fish in the Great Slave Lake – North / Yellowknife region will find incredible opportunities across various lake names. Great Slave Lake itself is renowned for massive Lake Trout and robust Northern Pike, offering world-class pike fishing. Nearby, Prelude Lake and Prosperous Lake also hold excellent Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling, providing diverse angling experiences. The Yellowknife River is another prime spot for Arctic Grayling and Whitefish, making it a favorite for fly anglers; while walleye fishing is less common in these specific waters, the focus on trophy pike and lake trout ensures thrilling days on the water for all.
This week, anglers can expect clear skies and cold temperatures across the region, with some light snow possible, particularly in the mornings. A moderate wind from the north will likely create choppy conditions on larger waters like Great Slave Lake, so seeking sheltered bays or smaller lakes like Prelude Lake might offer a more comfortable experience. The best bite for Lake Trout often occurs in deeper waters during these colder, clearer periods, while Northern Pike might be found hugging structure in less exposed areas. Arctic Grayling and Whitefish in the Yellowknife River could be more active during midday lulls in the wind.
Where to fish: Great Slave Lake, Prelude Lake, Prosperous Lake, Yellowknife River.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (9:15 AM) is optional. On Great Slave Lake, the light southwest breeze and steady pressure made for tough sledding today, with the frigid 1.8 C water keeping the lakers deep and lethargic.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Prelude Lake offered little action; despite the gentle southeast air and stable conditions, the 1.4 C water meant even our best presentations were ignored by the trout.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Give it until after 9:21 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Prosperous Lake was a grind; the falling atmospheric weight combined with a whisper of southwest wind and near-freezing 1.0 C water made the fish incredibly unwilling to chase anything.
Pressure is falling.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (9:24 AM) is optional. On the Yellowknife River, the moderate southerly pushed baitfish into eddies, and with the water at 2. 3 C s of credit."
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. lake trout at Great Slave Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish the deep basin. Early light can pull a few up. By mid-morning they are back in the deep water.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Give it until after 9:30 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Prelude Lake if lake trout is the target. Poor day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Pike fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:15 AM and 5:25 PM. A light southwest breeze across Great Slave Lake did little to activate the pike in the frigid 1.8C water, making for a tough grind under a sky with scattered white patches.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:18 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The extremely cold 1.4C water on Prelude Lake, coupled with a sky completely blanketed in gray and a gentle southeast air movement, meant the pike were utterly unresponsive.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:21 AM and 5:19 PM. Despite the pressure beginning to drop, which can sometimes stir things up.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:24 AM and 5:16 PM. Put in at Yellowknife River for northern pike. The day rates fair. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Follow the weedline rather than anchoring in one hole.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. northern pike at Great Slave Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. If they short-strike, size down and slow the pause.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Prelude Lake if northern pike is the target. Poor day. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Figure-eight at the boat. A following pike often eats on the turn.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on northern pike days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Arctic Grayling fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:15 AM and 5:25 PM. On Great Slave Lake, a light southwest breeze and the water barely above freezing made for a poor bite, and no matter where we cast near the points, the fish just weren’t interested.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:18 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Prelude Lake was a total bust under gray skies, as the light southeast wind did nothing to improve the bite in the frigid water, and even working the weed lines produced no strikes.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:21 AM and 5:19 PM. On Prosperous Lake, the pressure drop seemed to wake up a few fish, but even with the scattered wisps overhead and a light southwest air, we had to really work the deeper channels to coax out a slow pick.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:24 AM and 5:16 PM. The Yellowknife River offered fair action today; with the pressure still falling and a moderate south wind, we found some willing fish by targeting the eddies and current breaks where the water was a bit warmer.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on Great Slave Lake, the rising pressure combined with bitterly cold water and a steady south wind made for a truly poor day, and the grayling were completely shut down, ignoring everything cast along the drop-offs.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Prelude Lake gave us no joy today; the water was literally at freezing, and the light northeast wind under a solid gray sky kept the grayling completely dormant, even after meticulously working the rocky points.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic grayling days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Whitefish fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:15 AM and 5:25 PM. Fishing Great Slave Lake on Monday, the light southwest air didn’t stir the surface much, making the deep structure a good starting point, but the consistent pressure and cool water kept the whitefish tight-lipped, resulting in a very poor showing.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:18 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Prelude Lake was a struggle today, with a light southeast wind and an overcast sky, the steady pressure and frigid 1. 4-degree water meant we really felt the chill.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:21 AM and 5:19 PM. Slow whitefish fishing if you put in at Prosperous Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:24 AM and 5:16 PM. Put in at Yellowknife River for whitefish. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:27 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. whitefish at Great Slave Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Prelude Lake if whitefish is the target. Poor day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on whitefish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Mackenzie River corridor fishing
Mackenzie River corridor fishing forecast
For anglers asking where to fish in the Mackenzie River corridor region, the vast Mackenzie River itself offers excellent opportunities. Many pursuing walleye fishing will find success in its main channels and eddies, while the tributary Liard River is a prime spot for Northern Pike, offering thrilling pike fishing. Explore the clearer waters of Willow Lake and Trail River, two popular lake names in the area, which are known for their healthy populations of Arctic Grayling. These diverse waters also hold the elusive Inconnu, a prized catch for those seeking a unique challenge.
This week brings cold, clear conditions across the region, with light winds expected throughout the day. The clear skies mean sunlight will penetrate deeper into the water, potentially sending fish to deeper structures during midday. With the cold temperatures, a slower presentation will likely trigger the best bite for most species. Anglers should focus on the edges of current seams in the rivers and deeper drop-offs in the lakes, anticipating a more subtle strike.
Where to fish: Mackenzie River, Liard River, Willow Lake, Trail River.
Inconnu fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:40 AM and 5:56 PM. A fair start on the Mackenzie River; with scattered wisps above and a light southwest air flow, the stable conditions felt promising for inconnu, but the 1.8 C water meant we had to work the deep current seams carefully.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 9:43 AM or 5:53 PM. On the Liard River, a clear bluebird day with a soft southwest air; the rising pressure should have sparked a bite, but the 1. 1 C water meant the temperature was one degree Celsius.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:45 AM and 5:51 PM. Good inconnu fishing if you put in at Willow Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:48 AM and 5:48 PM. Put in at Trail River for inconnu. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:51 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. inconnu at Mackenzie River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Liard River if inconnu is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on inconnu days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Pike fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:40 AM and 5:56 PM. A light southwest breeze on the Mackenzie River meant trying the sheltered bays, but the pike were tight-lipped even with the water hovering near two degrees.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 9:43 AM or 5:53 PM. On the Liard River, with the sky clear and the air getting heavier, the shallow flats yielded nothing, suggesting the cold, rising conditions kept the big ones deep.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:45 AM and 5:51 PM. Willow Lake was a tough go, the light southeast wind barely rippling the surface under a grey sky, and a dropping air weight made the usual points unproductive.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:48 AM and 5:48 PM. A steady air mass and a mild southwest puff on Trail River had me working the submerged timber, but the cold water kept the bite completely off.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:51 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Fishing the Mackenzie River today, the northerly whisper and near-freezing water, combined with a building air column, had the pike glued to the bottom, ignoring everything.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Liard River was a bust, the zero-degree water and gentle westerly breeze under a solid grey lid meant even the warmest eddies were barren.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on northern pike days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Arctic Grayling fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:40 AM and 5:56 PM. Tried the Mackenzie River’s main current where a light southwest breeze barely ruffled the surface, but even with steady pressure, those broken skies couldn’t coax a decent bite from the frigid water.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 9:43 AM or 5:53 PM. Despite the clear skies over the Liard River, that rising pressure and icy 1. 1 C water seemed to put the grayling in a deep freeze, making even the slightest southwest puff useless for stirring up a strike near the shoreline.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
The useful hours bookend the day: 9:45 AM and 5:51 PM. Slow arctic grayling fishing if you put in at Willow Lake. Fish river runs and lake outlets. If the pool is empty, step upstream. Grayling stack in the next seam.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 9:48 AM and 5:48 PM. Put in at Trail River for arctic grayling. The day rates poor. Fish river runs and lake outlets. Keep the fly just under the surface on a bright afternoon.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 9:51 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. arctic grayling at Mackenzie River: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish river runs and lake outlets. A small spoon swung through the tailout is enough. Do not overwork it.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Liard River if arctic grayling is the target. Poor day. Fish river runs and lake outlets. Wade the edge and fish the near seam before you cast across. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic grayling days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:56 PM). On the Mackenzie River, the light southwest breeze offered no relief from the frigid 1.8-degree water, forcing us to probe deep structure near the main channel for any sign of a bite.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Dawn (9:43 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:53 PM). With the Liard River’s water hovering at a mere 1.1 degrees and the air pressure climbing, we painstakingly worked the sheltered eddies, hoping a jig might entice a lethargic walleye.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 5:51 PM. Willow swayed gently in the breeze.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 5:48 PM. Put in at Trail River for walleye. The day rates poor. Fish points and inside turns. If the first point is empty, move. Walleye rarely sit on every point the same night.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:45 PM). walleye at Mackenzie River: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish points and inside turns. Keep the bait near bottom on the break. They are not chasing far this week.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Dawn (9:54 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:42 PM). Start at Liard River if walleye is the target. Poor day. Fish points and inside turns. Give each spot twenty minutes, then leave. Cover water until one point loads up. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Sahtu / Great Bear fishing
Sahtu / Great Bear fishing forecast
Anglers searching for fishing in the Sahtu / Great Bear region will discover unparalleled wilderness opportunities. When considering where to fish, iconic lake names like Great Bear Lake immediately come to mind for trophy Lake Trout. The vast Mackenzie River offers exciting challenges for Arctic Grayling and the elusive Inconnu, while the Keele River is another prime spot for those seeking Arctic Grayling. While *wal rus ate, the seagulls watched intently.
Where to fish: Great Bear Lake, Mackenzie River, Keele River, Kelly Lake.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (10:22 AM) is optional. Great Bear Lake was a tough nut to crack with the steady pressure and a light easterly wind, as the near-freezing 0.4 C water kept the big char deep and uncooperative under a broken sky.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. The Mackenzie River was a ghost town today, despite the rising pressure and light southeasterly breeze, as the near-frozen 0.0 C water and a sky with gaps made the trout completely unresponsive.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Give it until after 10:29 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. A light northeasterly wind and a falling pressure system made the Keele River a real grind, with the grey overhead and intermittent rain.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (10:33 AM) is optional. Put in at Kelly Lake for lake trout. The day rates poor. Fish the deep basin. Change direction over the same water before you leave a basin.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. lake trout at Great Bear Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish the deep basin. Early light can pull a few up. By mid-morning they are back in the deep water.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Give it until after 10:40 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Mackenzie River if lake trout is the target. Poor day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Arctic Grayling fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:22 AM and 5:57 PM. The arctic grayling were lock-jawed on Great Bear Lake today, with that steady pressure and barely-above-freezing water making them incredibly finicky, even with the sun peeking through.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:26 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Even with the pressure climbing, the grayling on the Mackenzie River were barely stirring in the freezing current, making for a truly dismal outing despite the scattered bright spots overhead.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. We worked the Keele River hard, trying to tempt a few grayling as the air went soft with falling pressure, but the perpetually gray skies and near freezing temperatures made fishing difficult.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:33 AM and 5:47 PM. Put in at Kelly Lake for arctic grayling. The day rates poor. Fish river runs and lake outlets. Keep the fly just under the surface on a bright afternoon.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:36 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. arctic grayling at Great Bear Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish river runs and lake outlets. A small spoon swung through the tailout is enough. Do not overwork it.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Mackenzie River if arctic grayling is the target. Poor day. Fish river runs and lake outlets. Wade the edge and fish the near seam before you cast across.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic grayling days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Pike fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:22 AM and 5:57 PM. On Great Bear Lake, a light easterly breeze did little to improve a poor bite in the near-freezing water, making us stick to deep channels.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:26 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Mackenzie River’s barely liquid surface combined with a rising glass made the pike lethargic, so we worked jigs slowly along the bottom structure.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Despite a gentle northeast puff, the Keele River’s frigid flow and dropping atmosphere kept the big ones tight to their depths.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:33 AM and 5:47 PM. Put in at Kelly Lake for northern pike. The day rates poor. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Follow the weedline rather than anchoring in one hole.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:36 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. northern pike at Great Bear Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. If they short-strike, size down and slow the pause.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Mackenzie River if northern pike is the target. Poor day. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Figure-eight at the boat. A following pike often eats on the turn.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on northern pike days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Inconnu fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:22 AM and 5:57 PM. On Great Bear Lake, with patchy sun and a gentle easterly, the steady air pressure felt good for trying the deeper points where the big fish might be lurking.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:26 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. On the Mackenzie River, a light southeast breeze and rising pressure usually means a better bite, but the near-freezing water had me focusing on slower eddies where the inconnu might be holding.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. With a light northeast wind and falling pressure on the Keele River conditions were changing rapidly.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:33 AM and 5:47 PM. Put in at Kelly Lake for inconnu. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:36 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. inconnu at Great Bear Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Mackenzie River if inconnu is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on inconnu days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
High Arctic / Beaufort fishing
High Arctic / Beaufort fishing forecast
For anglers searching for fishing in the High Arctic / Beaufort region of Saskatchewan, prime remote locations offer unique opportunities. If you are wondering where to fish, the vast Mackenzie Delta, the serene Husky Lakes, the swift Peel Channel, and the remote Anderson River are prominent lake names to explore. While many look for walleye fishing, these pristine waters are renowned for exceptional Arctic Char, the elusive Inconnu, robust Broad Whitefish, and thrilling Northern Pike. For those interested in pike fishing, the productive deltas and river mouths often provide the best bite.
This week brings very cold conditions across the entire region, with a consistent moderate wind making the air feel even more frigid. Patches of light snow are possible at times, though periods of clear skies will also offer bright, crisp views. This means fish will likely hold deeper, seeking warmer pockets in the water column, and a slower presentation of baits will prove most effective. Anglers should prioritize staying warm with multiple layers and focus their efforts on sheltered areas where fish may be more active and bites more frequent.
Where to fish: Mackenzie Delta, Husky Lakes, Peel Channel, Anderson River.
Arctic Char fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:15 AM and 6:00 PM. Monday on the Mackenzie Delta, the steady pressure and light breeze made for a decent bite, but with the water near freezing, we had to work the deep channels hard to find them.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:19 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Tuesday at Husky Lakes, the rising pressure coupled with the frigid water seemed to shut down the char, making us prospect every drop-off in hopes of a strike.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Wednesday on the Peel Channel, a gentle easterly and dropping air weight had us targeting eddies and current breaks, where the cold water char might ambush prey.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:28 AM and 5:47 PM. Thursday on the Anderson River, despite stable air, the char remained lethargic in the near-freezing depths, demanding precise presentations along the bottom structure.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Friday back at the Mackenzie Delta, a stiffening northeast blow and climbing atmospheric weight made boat control difficult, forcing us to anchor in sheltered bays to entice any reluctant char.
Water is near freezing.
The useful hours bookend the day: 11:37 AM and 5:38 PM. Saturday on Husky Lakes, even with steady conditions and scattered bright patches, the moderate northeast wind kept us hugging the lee shores, hoping to tempt a char from the icy depths.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic char days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Inconnu fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:15 AM and 6:00 PM. On the Mackenzie Delta, the light southeast breeze with steady air made the cold water promising for a deep jig, but the bite was subtle.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:19 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The rising air over Husky Lakes with a gentle southwest wind kept the inconnu hunkered down, requiring a patient presentation near structure.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A light easterly puff on the Peel Channel with the air dropping meant we had to cover ground, finding inconnu moving in the current breaks.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:28 AM and 5:47 PM. Despite the steady air and a whisper of northeast wind on the Anderson River, the icy water made the inconnu incredibly finicky, demanding a very slow retrieve.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The moderate northeast blow on the Mackenzie Delta, even with the air climbing, seemed to push the inconnu tight to the bottom, where only a heavy spoon drew strikes.
Water is near freezing.
The useful hours bookend the day: 11:37 AM and 5:38 PM. On Husky Lakes, with a brisk northeast wind and the air holding steady, the extreme cold kept the inconnu lethargic, making us work every drift for a single tap.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on inconnu days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Broad Whitefish fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:15 AM and 6:00 PM. Monday at Mackenzie Delta was promising with that light southeasterly breeze; we started working the shallow flats, hoping for an active bite.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:19 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Husky Lakes bite was tough despite the rising pressure, so we tried jigging the deeper channels, but the fish remained finicky.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A light easterly on Peel Channel had us scouting the drop-offs, figuring the falling pressure might stir up some big whitefish, but they were hesitant.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:28 AM and 5:47 PM. Anderson River proved a challenge today; with a light northeasterly and steady conditions, we focused on structure, but the whitefish were not cooperating.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Back on Mackenzie Delta, the moderate northeasterly made drifting difficult, and even with the pressure climbing, the broad whitefish were in a serious funk.
Water is near freezing.
The useful hours bookend the day: 11:37 AM and 5:38 PM. The Husky Lakes offered little action under a moderate northeast blow and steady conditions, leaving us to chase a few elusive strikes along the submerged ridges.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on broad whitefish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Pike fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:15 AM and 6:00 PM. The steady pressure and chilly water on Mackenzie Delta made for a poor bite, with only a few tentative bumps even in the sheltered coves.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:19 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the pressure climbing, the pike in Husky Lakes remained tight-lipped under the solid grey sky, ignoring everything pitched their way in the frigid depths.
Water is near freezing and pressure is falling.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A falling glass on Peel Channel spelled a slow day, with the big gators unwilling to move from the bottom even with careful presentations of bait.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:28 AM and 5:47 PM. Put in at Anderson River for northern pike. The day rates poor. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Follow the weedline rather than anchoring in one hole.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. northern pike at Mackenzie Delta: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. If they short-strike, size down and slow the pause.
Water is near freezing.
The useful hours bookend the day: 11:37 AM and 5:38 PM. Start at Husky Lakes if northern pike is the target. Poor day. Fish cabbage bays and reed edges. Figure-eight at the boat. A following pike often eats on the turn.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on northern pike days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Banks Island fishing
Banks Island fishing forecast
For those wondering where to fish in the Banks Island region of Saskatchewan, a true northern adventure awaits. Anglers often explore the Sachs River for its pristine waters and challenging currents, while Raddi Lake and other local lake names are renowned for their robust fish populations. While walleye fishing and pike fishing are popular pursuits elsewhere, this remote area is particularly famous for its incredible Arctic Char and trophy Lake Trout opportunities found in rivers like the Masik River and various deep lakes.
This week’s conditions suggest a changing environment, with clear skies dominating but a persistent cold air mass settling over the region. Moderate winds are expected to pick up later in the week, potentially creating choppy waters on larger lakes. While recent light snow showers have dusted the landscape, the water clarity remains excellent, which can make for cautious fish in shallow areas. Anglers should focus on deeper structures and sheltered bays to find the best bite, as the fish may be seeking refuge from the wind and colder water temperatures near the surface.
Where to fish: Sachs River, Raddi Lake, Masik River.
Arctic Char fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 11:26 AM and 4:40 PM. On Sachs River, the char were finicky today, with that west wind and rising glass making them tough to entice in the frigid, overcast water.
Water is near freezing.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Raddi Lake offered a tough bite, as the steady air pressure and a persistent westerly breeze kept the arctic char deep in the near-freezing, gray water.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The char on Masik River barely showed themselves today, with the light southeast air movement and the climbing sun.
Water is near freezing.
Use the first light at 11:47 AM, or the last hour before 4:20 PM. Put in at Sachs River for arctic char. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 11:54 AM or 4:13 PM. arctic char at Raddi Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing.
The useful hours bookend the day: 12:02 PM and 4:05 PM. Start at Masik River if arctic char is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic char days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (11:26 AM) is optional. Despite the rising pressure at Sachs River, the stiff west wind and zero-degree water kept the lakers deep and tight-lipped, making a shallow presentation utterly useless.
Water is near freezing.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Raddi Lake’s frigid surface and a persistent westerly breeze meant the big ones stayed glued to the bottom structure, unresponsive to anything we threw near the drop-offs under the uniform sky.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Give it until after 11:40 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. The light southeast air movement on Masik River, coupled with a gentle current, created shimmering reflections.
Water is near freezing.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (11:47 AM) is optional. Put in at Sachs River for lake trout. The day rates poor. Fish the deep basin. Change direction over the same water before you leave a basin.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. lake trout at Raddi Lake: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish the deep basin. Early light can pull a few up. By mid-morning they are back in the deep water.
Water is near freezing.
Give it until after 12:02 PM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Start at Masik River if lake trout is the target. Poor day. Fish the deep basin. Stay on one contour once you contact fish. They are using that break, not the whole lake.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Victoria Island West fishing
Victoria Island West fishing forecast
For anglers searching for fishing in the Victoria Island West region of Saskatchewan, a diverse range of opportunities awaits. Those wondering where to fish will find the Prince Albert Sound lakes are renowned for their robust Lake Trout, offering thrilling battles for dedicated anglers. For excellent walleye fishing or pike fishing action, the Kuujjua River system provides diverse habitats supporting these popular species, while exploring the numerous Diamond Jenness Peninsula lakes reveals prime spots for magnificent Arctic Char. These lake names represent just a few of the exceptional waters for memorable fishing adventures.
This week’s conditions in the Victoria Island West region suggest a clear, cold start to the fishing week. Anglers can expect light winds early in the mornings, making for smoother runs across the water and more comfortable casting. As the day progresses, the wind may pick up, potentially pushing baitfish closer to shorelines and structure, which often signals the best bite for actively feeding fish. A chance of light snow is possible later in the week, which can sometimes invigorate fish activity, especially for bottom-dwelling species.
Where to fish: Prince Albert Sound lakes, Kuujjua River, Diamond Jenness Peninsula lakes.
Arctic Char fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and too windy to hold a spot.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 10:38 AM and 4:29 PM. The Prince Albert Sound lakes were a tough go; a hard westerly wind and light snow falling into 0.6 C water, even with the air on the rise, kept the char from biting.
Water is near freezing.
No need to race the sun. Start near 10:43 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Fishing the Kuujjua River was painfully slow; a relentless westerly and an entirely covered sky, with the air holding steady and water near half a degree, meant very little action.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The char in the Diamond Jenness Peninsula.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Use the first light at 10:55 AM, or the last hour before 4:12 PM. Put in at Prince Albert Sound lakes for arctic char. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 11:01 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. arctic char at Kuujjua River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Diamond Jenness Peninsula lakes if arctic char is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic char days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Lake Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and too windy to hold a spot.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (10:38 AM) is optional. Monday: Despite a brutal west wind churning the Prince Albert Sound lakes and a light snow falling into the near-freezing 0.6 C water, we focused on sheltered coves hoping the firming air would eventually coax a sluggish trout from the depths.
Water is near freezing.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Tuesday: The Kuujjua River’s icy 0.5 C flow and relentless west gusts made for a truly challenging day under a constant gray sky, as we relentlessly worked deep pools where the stable air might have settled a few fish.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Give it until after 10:49 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Wednesday: Battling a moderate southwest breeze across the Diamond Jenness Peninsula lakes, the zero-degree water and tightening atmosphere meant we had to painstakingly probe the deepest contours for any sign of life beneath the solid gray expanse.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Work the basin from mid-morning through early afternoon. Dawn (10:55 AM) is optional. Thursday: Under a brilliant, clear sky, the Prince Albert Sound lakes offered little action in their zero-degree depths, forcing us to make agonizingly slow presentations along drop-offs as a gentle northeast puff barely stirred the surface.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Stay deep once the sun is up. The beach is the wrong place today. Friday: We explored the Kuujjua River’s frigid zero-degree waters beneath a persistent gray blanket, the light east breeze doing little to warm things up, and the firming air seemed to keep every trout glued to the river bottom.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Give it until after 11:07 AM, then fish the deep water, not the shoreline. Saturday: The Diamond Jenness Peninsula lakes remained stubbornly cold at zero degrees, and despite a stable air mass and a soft northeast breath across the gray water, even the most appealing lures failed to entice a single strike from the lethargic fish.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on lake trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Western Queen Elizabeth Islands fishing
Western Queen Elizabeth Islands fishing forecast
Anglers exploring the remote Western Queen Elizabeth Islands region of Saskatchewan often inquire about walleye fishing and pike fishing, though the true prize here is the formidable Arctic Char. For those wondering where to fish, the Mould Bay lakes, Prince Patrick Island lakes, and Mackenzie King Island lakes are the primary lake names to remember in this pristine wilderness. These expansive, clear waters offer exceptional opportunities for catching robust Arctic Char, making them a unique destination for serious cold-water anglers.
This week, expect a persistent cold wind sweeping across the open water, keeping temperatures very low. The skies will remain mostly clear, but recent light snow has dusted the shores and ice edges. These chilly and windy conditions usually mean the best bite for Arctic Char will be found deeper, where fish are less affected by surface disturbances, so focus on jigging near the bottom. Anglers should dress warmly and prepare for a challenging yet potentially rewarding experience on the ice.
Where to fish: Mould Bay lakes, Prince Patrick Island lakes, Mackenzie King Island lakes.
Arctic Char fishing — 7-day forecast
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at no sunrise and no sunset. On this fair day at Mould Bay lakes, with a light westerly and some gentle snow, the steady pressure seemed to keep the char active, so we worked the edges where the shallow water drops into the cold depths.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near no sunrise and stay as long as the sky stays grey. It was a slow day at Prince Patrick Island lakes, even with a light westerly, as the rising pressure seemed to put the char off the bite, forcing us to explore every nook for a willing fish.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow arctic char fishing if you put in at Mackenzie King Island lakes. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Water is near freezing and pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at no sunrise and no sunset. Put in at Mould Bay lakes for arctic char. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Water is near freezing.
No need to race the sun. Start near no sunrise and stay as long as the sky stays grey. arctic char at Prince Patrick Island lakes: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Water is near freezing and light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Mackenzie King Island lakes if arctic char is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on arctic char days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northwest Territories fishing forecast questions
Where should I fish in Northwest Territories this week?
Start with the region closest to you. This page covers Great Slave Lake, Great Slave Lake, Mackenzie River corridor, Sahtu. Named waters include Great Slave Lake, Hay River, Kakisa Lake, Buffalo River. Open that region for the 7-day read.
What are people fishing for in Northwest Territories?
The forecast is written for lake trout, northern pike, walleye. Each region names the water to start on, including Great Slave Lake.
When is the best time of day to fish in Northwest Territories?
Use the day card, not a fixed hour. Walleye and smallmouth often bite in the hour before sunset. Lake trout are a midday fish in deep water. Great Slave Lake prints sunrise, sunset, and the solunar periods in local time.
How do I read the Northwest Territories fishing forecast?
Each day shows the bite label, wind, pressure trend, cloud, and precipitation. A falling barometer is marked because it often pulls fish up. A wind over 30 km/h means fish the lee shore.
Which Northwest Territories water should I start on?
If you are near Great Slave Lake, start at Great Slave Lake. The next named water on this page is Hay River. Open the region for the 7-day bite, not a guess from the map.
Is the ice safe for fishing in Northwest Territories this week?
No. Overnight lows are at or below freezing on 44 days of this Northwest Territories forecast. This page does not measure thickness. Overnight skim, candled ice, and a bay that froze last night are not safe to walk, drive, or fish from. Stay off it unless a local report and an ice chisel say otherwise.
What does the Northwest Territories fishing forecast use?
Each Northwest Territories day uses pressure trend, wind, cloud, precipitation, sunrise and sunset, moon phase, and solunar times. Water temperature is estimated from the air and the season. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
More forecasts: Freshwater Fishing Forecast map · View Northwest Territories’s bug forecast
About this forecast
Weather comes from OpenWeather at a representative point in each region. Water temperature is estimated from the week’s air temperatures and the season. It is not a buoy reading. Moon phase is calculated from the date. Solunar periods are the dawn, dusk, moonrise, and moonset windows, not a minute-by-minute table. Pressure trend compares the first and last reading of each day. A falling barometer with light wind and broken cloud is treated as a better bite than a rising barometer and a hard wind.