James Lake Fishing near Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories

• Overview

  Out in North Slave Region, Northwest Territories, sits James Lake. What surrounds it is dry rangeland. Surface area runs to some 18.44 sq km, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. The closest town, Behchokǫ̀, is 30 km distant. The nearest city of size is Edmonton, 1065 km away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on James Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. North Slave Region records list Arctic grayling, lake trout and slimy sculpin among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. James Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -27°C to 16°C. The year here is short and sharp: a long lid, then a burst of open water. Look for the thaw near mid May; the fishing lifts straight after. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid May and starts locking again about late October. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on James Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Marian Lake, 9.3 km away. None of that is settled for James Lake in what we hold.