Chan Lake Fishing in South Slave Region, Northwest Territories

• Overview

  Chan Lake sits in South Slave Region, out in Northwest Territories. Beyond the shoreline you have sage and rock. Around 86 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 4.6 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our South Slave Region list. The nearest place of any size is Behchokǫ̀, 105 km away. After that come Hay River at 126 km and Yellowknife at 129 km. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Chan Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across South Slave Region include Arctic grayling, lake trout, Arctic charr and slimy sculpin. The county list is broader than any single water. Work Chan Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -25°C to 16°C. The window is narrow, and fish feed hard while it lasts. Count the season from break-up, usually mid May. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near late October. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Chan Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Picnic facilities are recorded some 720 m out. Facilities run to toilets 730 m from the water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Falaise Lake at 52 km is the sensible second choice. Nothing on Chan Lake should be assumed from this page alone.