Fishing Clinton-Colden Lake in South Slave Region, Northwest Territories

• Overview

  Clinton-Colden Lake sits within South Slave Region in Northwest Territories. Height above sea level is 366 metres. At roughly 595.23 sq km it ranks among the larger waters in the region. Its shape is complex, and the arms fish like separate waters. It is among the larger waters listed here for South Slave Region. Yellowknife lies 382 km from the water. Further out sit Behchokǫ̀ (444 km) and Fort Smith (492 km). This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Clinton-Colden Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in South Slave Region include Arctic grayling, lake trout and Arctic charr. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The shape of Clinton-Colden Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 11°C on average, January about -29°C. The year here is short and sharp: a long lid, then a burst of open water. Look for the thaw near mid June; the fishing lifts straight after. The water is typically free of ice between mid June and mid October. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Time your trip to Clinton-Colden Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Lac de Charloit sits 25 km off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Clinton-Colden Lake as something to verify.