Hole in the Ice: Wilderness Ice Fishing in Yellowknife
A two-hour plunge into the quiet drama of Yellowknife’s frozen lakes—learn the craft, feel the cold, and leave with a story.
When the lake goes quiet and the world compresses into white, a small circle of open water becomes the focus of everything. You step out across the frozen face of Great Slave Lake—Yellowknife’s immense, glinting neighbor—and the wind, which had been a flat, numbing presence, leans in and speaks. It dares you to stay still, to listen. Around a hand-drilled hole, the silence is different; it is concentrated, expectant. The guide hands you a short rod. You lower the line into a black glass that seems to have swallowed the winter sky. Then the lake, patient and enormous, answers with a tug.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for the wind
Windproof outer layers and a warm mid-layer are essential—the lake wind cuts through cotton in minutes.
Bring warm liquids
Pack an insulated thermos; hot drinks stave off heat loss and make breaks feel indulgent.
Protect extremities
Use mittens with a dexterous liner for handling lines and a warm hat—most heat escapes through your head and hands.
Trust your guide
Guides choose safe ice and fishing spots; follow their instructions for drilling and shelter setup.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Old Town shoreline trails for post-trip strolls
- •Secluded bays that often hold lake trout in late winter
Wildlife
Snowy owl, Arctic fox (occasional)
Conservation Note
Practice leave-no-trace on ice; avoid leaving bait, tackle, or holes unattended, and follow guide protocols to protect fish populations and fragile shoreline habitats.
Yellowknife grew from a small Dene and trading-post community into an important mining and northern service town; fishing has been central to local subsistence for centuries.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Less-crowded lakes, Transition fishing techniques
Challenges: Thinning ice, Unpredictable melt conditions
Spring brings softer light and changing ice—expect variable conditions and follow guide advice closely.
summer
Best for: Open-water fishing nearby, Longer daylight activities
Challenges: No ice fishing, Different gear and access required
Ice fishing is not available in summer; consider open-water char or pike trips instead.
fall
Best for: Scenic landscapes, Pre-ice scouting
Challenges: Short daylight, Cooling temperatures
Fall is for scouting and shore-based fishing; lakes cool quickly and early winter sets in late season.
winter
Best for: Ice fishing, Aurora viewing, Snow-scaped solitude
Challenges: Extreme cold, Windy conditions
Winter is prime for ice fishing and northern lights—dress for sustained cold and expect brisk winds on exposed lakes.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Insulated, waterproof bootsEssential
Keeps feet dry and warm on snow and ice; prevents heat loss during long stands.
Windproof outer shellEssential
Blocks lake wind and traps heat from inner layers, making long waits comfortable.
Hand warmers and warm mittensEssential
Protects fingers while baiting and handling lines; mittens retain heat better than gloves.
Insulated water bottle or thermos
Keeps drinks hot for hydration and morale during cold stops.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—anglers require a Northwest Territories fishing license; check with your operator if they assist with purchase or if you need to buy one in advance.
How cold does it get and what should I wear?
Temperatures can drop well below freezing; dress in moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell plus insulated boots and mittens.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Policies vary by operator—check booking details; children should be supervised and equipped with suitable cold-weather gear.
Will I catch fish?
Fishing success depends on season and conditions; guides choose productive spots, but bites are not guaranteed—this trip emphasizes experience as much as catch.
How remote are the fishing locations?
Guides select secluded, pristine lakes often within a 30–60 minute drive from Yellowknife; accessibility depends on ice and weather conditions.
Is there cell service on the lake?
Cell coverage is limited or non-existent on remote sections of the lake—plan accordingly and rely on guides for safety.
What to Pack
Warm layered clothing, insulated waterproof boots, hand warmers and mittens, thermos with hot drink — for comfort and safety on ice
Did You Know
Yellowknife sits on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, which is the deepest lake in North America.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a fishing license in advance; confirm pick-up location with your operator; layer clothing and test batteries before departure; carry a government-issued ID for check-in
Local Flavor
After the lake, head to Old Town to warm up—look for smoked Arctic char on local menus and cozy cafés where guides and fishers swap stories. Small pubs and community cafés offer the best chance to connect with local culture and northern flavors.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Yellowknife Airport (YZF); Typical drive from downtown: 30–60 minutes; Cell service: limited on remote lakes; Permits: Northwest Territories fishing license required
Sustainability Note
These waters are ecologically sensitive—pack out all waste, use non-lead tackle where possible, and avoid leaving gear or drilling unnecessary holes as ice thins.
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