Zigzag Lake, Northwest Territories: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Zigzag Lake is listed under North Slave Region, Northwest Territories. Height above sea level is 201 metres. It measures some 5.71 sq km, and wind has room to build across it. The outline measures near 32 km, so a boat opens up water the bank never reaches. For a base, Yellowknife sits 70 km out. Behchokǫ̀ lies 163 km off, Hay River another 223 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Zigzag Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in North Slave Region include Arctic grayling, lake trout and slimy sculpin. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Zigzag Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -26°C in January and 16°C in July. The season is measured in weeks rather than months. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late May. Ice usually gives way near late May, and forms again about late October. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. On Zigzag Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. 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. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Campbell Lake sits 5.5 km off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Zigzag Lake as something to verify.