Granite Lake, Yukon: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find Granite Lake in Haines Junction, Yukon. Beyond the shoreline you have northern bush. About 1.68 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. At about 8.4 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. 111 km away sits Whitehorse, the nearest town. Further out sit Skagway (170 km) and Haines (187 km). No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Granite Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Haines Junction include Arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout and Dolly Varden. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Take Granite Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 11°C in July and bottom out at -17°C in January. The fishing year opens late and shuts early. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid May. On average, mid May opens the water and late October closes it again. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Time your trip to Granite Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Rainbow Lake, 10 km away. For Granite Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.