Giltana Lake, Yukon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Haines Junction, Yukon. It sits at 992 metres above sea level. At 2.15 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. At about 7.5 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Supplies mean a trip to Whitehorse, 115 km off. Skagway follows at 212 km, then Haines at 232 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Giltana Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Haines Junction, recorded fish include Arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout, Dolly Varden and round whitefish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Giltana Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 12°C and January at -20°C. Long winters and short summers set the pattern. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid May and starts locking again about late October. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan any trip to Giltana Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Atthilu Lake at 4.4 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Giltana Lake before loading the car.