Lastfire Lake, Northwest Territories: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The North Slave Region entry here is Lastfire Lake, in Northwest Territories. Country round the bank runs to open dry country. At 6.36 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. There is roughly 20 km of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. The closest town, Yellowknife, is 241 km away. Behchokǫ̀ follows at 244 km, then Kugluktuk at 378 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lastfire Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. County-wide records name Arctic grayling, lake trout and slimy sculpin. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Take Lastfire Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 13°C for July and -29°C for January. Water stays cold even at the height of the year. Break-up comes around early June, and the run that follows is short and strong. Averages suggest open water from about early June through to roughly mid October. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Lastfire Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Winter Lake sits 7.3 km off and takes the overflow. For Lastfire Lake in particular, ask before you travel.