Bennett Lake, Yukon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Bennett Lake belongs to Yukon. Elevation runs to 656 metres. It covers about 95.95 sq km, which means weather matters as much as tactics. The outline is heavily broken, with arms and bays reaching well back from the main body. Few waters listed in Yukon are bigger. Whitehorse is the closest town at 70 km. Skagway lies 75 km off, Haines another 101 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Bennett Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. At Bennett Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach. In coloured water, fish close in and use something they can find.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -17°C and July at about 12°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Open water is the exception rather than the rule here. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near early November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Expect Bennett Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Munroe Lake at 11 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Bennett Lake are worth checking on the day.