Russell Lake, Northwest Territories: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Northwest Territories holds Russell Lake, in North Slave Region. Height above sea level is 156 metres. Head to Behchokǫ̀, 26 km away, for anything you forgot. Further out sit Yellowknife (94 km) and Hay River (243 km). Within easy reach: Mosher Lake near enough 19 km, Stagg Lake 21 km away, Marian Lake near enough 24 km, Slemon Lake 27 km away and James Lake near enough 33 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Russell Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Across North Slave Region, recorded fish include Arctic grayling, lake trout and slimy sculpin. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Russell Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -28°C in January and 16°C in July. The fishing year opens late and shuts early. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late May. Climate averages put the opening at about late May and the closing near late October. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. It sets the rhythm of the year at Russell Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Mosher Lake is 19 km distant. The position on Russell Lake is worth confirming on the day.