Ultimate Guide to the 8 Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Canada
Setting sail for another shot at catching a 50-pounder trout in Canada? Every lake has its unique environment and a signature blend of fish species. Before you pack that tackle box, you may want to take some time to learn about the best fishing lakes in Canada and the species of trout you will find in them to increase your chances of hooking a trophy catch!
If you are wondering where to go for trout fishing in Canada, we got you covered. Below, we name all the top lakes that trout are known for inhabiting In Canada. We also list the other good stuff that will improve your experience on your trip. Now, only if there was a guide like this for dating (Plenty of Fish, we are calling you out).
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Northwest Territories
Fishing Guide for Great Slave Lake
Image credit: https://adventures.com/canada/tours/activities/fishing/great-slave-lake/
Just like its name, Great Slave lake is massive. The vast body of water is home to, unironically, big fish. Great Slave Lake is where you’ll catch a jaw-dropping 30-50 pound trout that will peel line off your reel. The trout we’ve seen hauled out of this lake by anglers will get your usually uninterested teenager to beg for a picture with the fish to post on his social media.
Great Slave is the world’s 10th-largest lake—a body of water 470 kilometres long and 200 kilometres wide—yet overlooked by anglers who are, instead, seduced by Great Bear Lake, farther to the north. However, the Great Slave is more affordable and easier to access.
If you’re planning a weekend trip, stay at Great Slave Lake Lodge, where 500 meters from your front door is the best place to set your line. Generations of guides and guests travel to the area to take advantage of the exceptional fishing opportunities, ranging from the obvious to the obscure. Visit Great Slave Lake Lodge’s website for more information.
East of the lodge, Great Slave extends for 140 kilometres and funnels through Taltheilei Narrows. It attracts a lot of predators ranging from Arctic grayling to lake trout because of the concentrates of forage created by the moving water. Taltheilei Narrows is the best spot for trout fishing on the lake--and maybe the country--to consistently catch lake trout.
Even if you just want a spot to enjoy some beautiful scenery, Great Slave Lake has a stunning landscape. The towering cliff stands of evergreens and shimmering grey waters create picturesque moments that will wipe away any stress you may have. See it for yourself and thank us later.
Great Bear Lake
Image credit: https://thebbz.com/content/2015/7/24/fbf
Great Bear Lake, which we mentioned is the favourite child over Great Slave, is the spot for 400 anglers a year. The lake is world-renowned for trout fishing, as a half-dozen line-class records were set here, including the all-tackle world record--a 72-pound goliath.
There is nowhere on Earth--and we mean, nowhere--to catch bigger trout. The International Game Fish Association records speak for themselves. The world records in the six-, eight-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 30- and 50-pound line classes were all caught on the Bear, as was the 72-pound all-tackle world record and an unofficial 78.85-pound monster.
Considering the massive 31,000 square kilometres of Great Bear, making it the fourth-largest lake in North America and the eighth-largest lake in the world, only 400 anglers a year present very little competition.
The main reason why this lake is so underfished is that it is a harsh mistress in the kinds of boats all lodges of the far north are forced to use. But if you’re here to hunt down the biggest laker ever, then this is a fair price to pay.
Fishing here is an all-year-round event, with ice-fishing dominating the colder months. June and the next three months are spectacular, especially trout fishing. During the summer months, the trout are actively feeding. When the leaves start to yellow is the spawning season and the time to land a trophy trout.
Great Bear is on the bucket list for most anglers. The wilderness, spectacular views, great waters, and ample supply of trout are the reasons why you should visit. When you set a world record, don’t forget us.
Mosquito-Dubawnt Lakes
Image credit: https://spectacularnwt.com/operators/tukto-lodge
Mosquito Lake and Dubawnt Lake are world-renowned for their supply of trout. With Dubawnt Lake covering a staggering 3,630 square kilometres and Mosquiting Lake at an impressive 1295 square kilometres, trout fishing opportunities are endless.
The beautiful cascading rivers that tumble down into the lake constantly supply fish and aquatic wildlife. These lakes are ice-free for about six weeks but never warm enough to allow fish to swim deeper.
It never surprises us to see how many trout come out of this lake. Anglers love coming here because it promises areas that have never been fished. But even if you do go home empty-handed, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery.
There are hours upon hours of shoreline, islands, and reefs to explore. So even if you’re just looking for a mini getaway, this is the place for you. There are lodges for you to stay in and guides who will happily show you the best routes and hot spots.
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Saskatchewan
Wollaston Lake
Wollaston Lake is one of the few lakes in North America home to all four species of fish - Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye, and Arctic Grayling. Fed by two major rivers, the water in Wollaston Lake is highly oxygenated, which makes for a healthy ecosystem for monstrous fish such as big trout.
Wollaston is perfect for anglers who are not worried about having constant action with smaller fish while waiting for the giants to show up. Midsummer is the ideal season for trout fishing. Even if you don’t land a trout, the action is phenomenal since this lake offers so many exciting fish species.
All-in-all, Wollaston is a bucket list item worth ticking off. The premium guides, lodging, food, and equipment accompany some of Saskatchewan’s finest fishing.
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Manitoba
Nueltin Lake
Image credit: https://huntfishmanitoba.ca/2019/10/30/lunker-lake-trout-at-bakers-narrows-lodge-manitoba-hot-bite/
Some Manitobans claim that Manitoba is home to some of the best Lake Trout Fishing anywhere in the world - that is a bold statement. Even though it is bold, it is not entirely unprecedented. One of the reasons to back up this bold claim is within Nueltin Lake--one of the best lakes to land a giant trout.
The average trout sits around 15-20 pounds and is in the 24-36 inch range, while the larger trophy trout can be over 40 inches. These Manitoba trout are contenders with the giant Northern Pike and Muskie in terms of size.
During mid-summer, anglers carry 20-50 pounders home with them daily. If you spend an early morning with your warm coffee and semi-warm breakfast sandwich, you can land a giant trout without looking deeper than 50 feet.
Nueltin has garnered so much attention over the last few years that anglers travel here for fish. A group of fly fishermen from England makes its way to Nueltin each year for the chance to hook an absolute monster on the fly.
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Quebec
Camp Champdore
Located on Lac Champdoré, the headwaters of the Whale River, Camp Champdore is accessible by floatplane 90 miles northeast of Schefferville, Québec. Champdoré is known for its supreme fly-fishing and shallow-water angling areas.
You can find an abundant variety of fish, including Lake trout, Brook Trout, Ouananiche, and Northern Pike. If you’re planning on staying at Camp Champdore, expect to rough it out. Don’t bring that friend who considers staying at a lake house and watching Friends on TV camping.
If you stay at Camp Chamdore, expect that it is not a luxurious lodge or bug-free environment. You will probably need a lot of bug spray, some cheap hot dogs, and your finest brewery to get you through the weekend.
Suppose you don’t mind the close-to-nature environment. In that case, this body of water promises lake trout all summer long. It is primarily a fly-fishing camp for lakers and big brook trout, specializing in shallow-water opportunities. If you’ve never experienced lake trout coming up top for a fly, this is where you want to be.
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Ontario
Lake Superior
Image credit: https://fishingbooker.com/blog/fishing-on-lake-superior/
Don’t worry if you didn’t pay attention during geography class because we didn’t either. But a fun fact - Lake Superior is the largest expanse of fresh water on earth. As it’s the largest of the great lakes, Lake Superior offers unparalleled fishing opportunities.
Lake Superior is fed by more than 200 rivers and has a vast network of islands, making it the most exciting fishing area. You can find over 80 species of fish, including trout. Trout fishing on this giant beauty is nothing less than spectacular.
Fishing for Trout is practically synonymous with Lake Superior. Head out in May or June when fish tend to congregate closer to shore for the best yield. But even in the heat of August, it’s common to find common lake trout without going deeper than 55 feet.
Even if you just want a thrilling adventure, Lake Superior is the perfect place. The rivers, the islands, the wildlife, and the beautiful scenery promises heart-throbbing moments that will make for great campfire stories for years to come.
Best Lakes for Trout Fishing in Alberta
Lake Athabasca
Spanning over 7000 square kilometres, Lake Athabasca has some of the best aquatic environments for trophy lake trout. The world’s largest recorded lake trout came out of Lake Athabasca in 1961, weighing over 102lbs.
Colossal trout, rocking orange and yellow spawning colours, line up for their turn on the spawning reefs. They are easily visible in 6 to 10 feet of water, parting slowly as the boat passes overhead.
During the summer months -- early morning and evening -- lake trout are found at a depth of 50-65 feet deep all day long. Lake Athabasca is an all-time favourite for many anglers, claiming it to be their choice for the best lake-trout water on the planet.