Fishing in North Canada

Definition

• In summer in the North, the day and the fishng can last to midnight.fishing image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
  
  Usually, Canada’s “North” means the three territories often referred to as "The Far North"—Yukon, Northwest and Nunuvat. Sometimes, though, the northern part of the provinces are included. However it’s defined, the fishing is more than abundant.
  
  

Hudson Bay

• One-third of “the North” is made up of the world’s largest inland sea, the Hudson Bay. In the bay live 60 species of fish such as arctic char and whitefish. But most sports fishing is in the watershed, inlets and rivers flowing into “the Bay.” Here, walleye and northern pike are the favorites. The pike caught are often 15 pounds or more, and some in the 25 to 35 pound range. For fly-fishing, brook trout are abundant.
  
  

The Arctic Ocean

• The Arctic Ocean has about 240 species of fish. Only a few lodges and guides work the ocean itself, with Victoria Island, Nunavut, being the main one. A four-day package at a fishing lodge cost $2,800USD for six days, in July, 2010. This includes air from Winnipeg, Manitoba, fully guided fishing on boats, all meals and accommodations but not licenses. Weather limits the fishing season from May to the end of September. Regulations do not require licensed guides but fishing in the far north would be difficult and sometimes dangerous without one.
  
  

Lakes and Rivers

• Northern lakes and rivers number in the thousands.North image by Dimitris Lamproulis from Fotolia.com
  
  The two largest lakes, Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake, have the most visiting sport fishers. Then there are the mighty rivers such as the MacKenzie and the Yukon. Most of these areas have fishing lodges and fly-in outposts. The main game fish for both casting and fly-fishing are northern pike, lake trout, Arctic grayling, inconnu and salmon. A few airlines serve the town of Yellowknife on the Great Slave Lake, and several roads to there make vehicle travel possible. The Alcan Highway—Alaska Highway—takes you from Alberta and British Columbia to the Yukon where other roads, bush planes and boats lead to prime fishing locations.
  
  

Licenses

• If you don't want fishing season to end, there's always ice fishing.ice fishing image by Inger Anne Hulb?|kdal from Fotolia.com
  
  You will need separate fishing licenses for each of the three territories. The 2010 season's prices for all territories are similar, for non-residents ranging from $35 to $40USD. For fishers under 16 there is no fee when accompanied by a license holder. Although other rules are also similar, there are small differences among the three territories and even in areas within them. The agency or outfitter where you buy your license can supply you with printed information and answer your questions.