Fishing Qikirtartuuq Lake in Nunavut, Nunavut

• Overview

  You will find Qikirtartuuq Lake in Nunavut. The bank is 258 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to some 28.74 sq km, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. The shoreline runs to about 53 km, far more than one trip can cover. The nearest town is Kugluktuk, 212 km away. Edmonton is the closest city, 1785 km away. Others within reach: Ammalurtuq Lake at 9.9 km, 20 km out stands Tuttuturaq Lake and Quunnguq Lake at 42 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Qikirtartuuq Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Qikirtartuuq Lake fishes better once you know its edges. Where the wind piles up, so does the food.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 8°C and February at -30°C. Water stays cold even at the height of the year. Once it clears, about late June, the fishing comes on quickly. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late June until roughly late September. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. At Qikirtartuuq Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Ammalurtuq Lake, 9.9 km out. Signs at Qikirtartuuq Lake carry more weight than any list.