Lake of the Grave, Northwest Territories: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake of the Grave lies within the bounds of South Slave Region, Northwest Territories. The surroundings are spruce and muskeg. The water covers some 73 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Bank access stretches around 4.3 km in total. It is one of the smaller waters we list in South Slave Region. Nearest town is Fort Smith, 100 km off. Then Hay River, 137 km, and Yellowknife, 254 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Grave

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name Arctic grayling, lake trout, Arctic charr and slimy sculpin. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Lake of the Grave light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about -23°C. Water stays cold even at the height of the year. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early May. From about early May to around late October, expect open water on the long-run figures. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. On Lake of the Grave that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is David Pond, 3.4 km out. Check the position on Lake of the Grave before loading the car.