Chartrand Lake, Northwest Territories: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Chartrand Lake lies within the bounds of North Slave Region, Northwest Territories. Height above sea level is 315 metres. Surface area runs to some 20.77 sq km, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. Some 80 km of shoreline means conditions can differ from one end to the other. Behchokǫ̀ sits 185 km from the bank. Yellowknife is 229 km and Kugluktuk 376 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Chartrand Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across North Slave Region, recorded fish include Arctic grayling, lake trout and slimy sculpin. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Chartrand Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 14°C and January near -30°C. Cold dominates the calendar on water this far north. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late May. From about late May to around mid October, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Anyone fishing Chartrand Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. The nearest alternative is Savoy Lake, 4.4 km out. Signs at Chartrand Lake carry more weight than any list.