Lac Tete d'Ours in South Slave Region: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lac Tete d'Ours stands in South Slave Region, Northwest Territories. It sits at 402 metres above sea level. At 61.61 sq km you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. The water reaches back into a network of arms, each one worth a session of its own. For a base, Yellowknife sits 217 km out. The nearest city of size is Edmonton, 1104 km away. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Lac Tete d'Ours

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name Arctic grayling, lake trout, Arctic charr and slimy sculpin. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Anyone new to Lac Tete d'Ours should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 14°C on average, January about -27°C. Cold dominates the calendar on water this far north. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early June. Average temperatures cross freezing around early June in spring and again near mid October in autumn. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lac Tete d'Ours.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. 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. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Haywood Lake, 10 km out. Rules at Lac Tete d'Ours are worth checking on the day.