A Comprehensive Guide to Fly Fishing with Arctic Lodges

Fly fishing at Arctic Lodges is an unparalleled experience, offering anglers the chance to catch some of the most pristine and powerful fish in the world. From the stunning landscapes to the thrill of the catch, an adventure with Arctic Lodges provides memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your fly fishing trip in the Arctic.

Why Choose Arctic Lodges for Fly Fishing?

Arctic Lodges Reindeer Lake is home to some of the best fly fishing opportunities globally, with pristine waters that have remained untouched by human intervention. The remote locations ensure that fish populations are healthy and abundant, providing anglers with the chance to catch trophy-sized fish. The unique Arctic environment, especially places like Reindeer Lake, also means you’ll be fishing amidst breathtaking scenery, with vast tundras, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic wildlife.

The Fish You’ll Encounter

Northern Pike

Northern pike are widespread in Canada and the northern U.S., known for their striking appearance with light spots on a dark, greenish background. These voracious predators will attack almost anything, including small animals like muskrats and ducklings. Pike can consume prey up to two-thirds their size, including leeches, burbot, lake cisco, whitefish, lake trout, and smaller pike.

In Reindeer Lake, pike spawn in shallow, ice-free marshy areas in late May. The process lasts only a few days, and fertilized eggs hatch in one to two weeks. The pike feed on zooplankton and insect larvae before growing into large pike over decades. Pike at Reindeer Lake grow slowly due to cold, low-productivity waters. This is why Arctic Lodges remains a catch and release lodge. Catch and release is crucial to preserve these long-lived fish.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are among the strongest freshwater fish. Their deeply forked tails give them incredible speed and stamina, allowing them to catch prey like lake cisco, whitefish, and smaller trout. One of the key attractions of lake trout fishing is the diverse techniques and strategies it demands. These fish are primarily deep-water dwellers, often found at depths ranging from 50 to over 200 feet, especially during the warm summer months. Anglers typically employ trolling methods using downriggers to reach these depths, presenting large spoons, plugs, or live bait. In the spring and fall, lake trout can be found in shallower waters, making them more accessible for casting techniques. This is why catching a Lake Trout on the fly is such an exciting accomplishment among angles.

Walleye

Walleye are among the most sought-after freshwater fish in North America, prized for both their challenging catch and their delicious, flaky meat. Found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across Canada and the northern United States, these fish are known for their elusive nature and the skill required to catch them. Characterized by their distinctive golden-brown colour, large, glassy eyes, and sharp canine teeth, walleye are perfectly adapted to their preferred habitats of cool, deep, and often murky waters.

Arctic Grayling

A trip to Arctic Lodges isn’t complete without catching arctic grayling, known for their beauty and suitability for light tackle. Grayling thrive in the shallow river connections between lakes, free from larger predators like lake trout and pike. Grayling spawn in spring and primarily feed on insects, making them excellent targets for dry flies. They are active fish that often jump for flies, providing exciting fishing experiences. In colder conditions, nymphs may be necessary, but grayling on light tackle is always a delight.

 

Preparing for Your Trip

Gear and Equipment

Fly Rods: A 10-weight rod is ideal for pike (a 9 weight is also acceptable), while a 4 or 5-weight rod is perfect for grayling. For lake trout, your pike gear will suffice. Our suggestions:

• TFO Axiom II-X: This rod fires quickly with fast action and accuracy. It is ideal for elegant roll casts and single-handed spey-type casting.
• Orvis Helios 3D: Known for its exceptional accuracy and power, the Helios 3D is ideal for casting in windy conditions and for long-distance fishing. It’s perfect for targeting larger species like pike and lake trout.
• Sage R8 Core: This rod is versatile and fast-action, making it suitable for a variety of fishing environments. It provides excellent line control and accuracy, making it a favorite among many anglers.

Fly Reels: Choose sturdy reels that can handle at least 30lb test lines for pike and lake trout. Ensure your reels are compatible with the rod weights. Our suggestions:

• TFO NTR: This reel is durable enough to last in all forms of conditions, which is exactly what you need when on a lake like Reindeer. Renowned for their durability and smooth drag system, these reels are designed to handle the toughest fish and conditions.
• Orvis Hydros SL: This reel offers a powerful drag system and a large arbor design, ensuring quick line retrieval and minimal line memory. It’s a great choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
• Redington Behemoth: With one of the strongest drag systems available, the Behemoth is perfect for battling large, aggressive fish. It’s also budget-friendly without compromising on performance.

Fly Lines: Floating lines are suitable for most of the season. However, intermediate sinking lines are beneficial for pike and lake trout when the they are in deeper water mid to late summer. A sink-tip line can be advantageous in deeper waters or when pike are holding lower in the water column. Intermediate or floating line are both a solid choice depending on the time of the year you are visiting. 

Grayling are really fun to catch on the fly and can be caught with dry flies or wet flies.   A 4-5 weight fly rod with a floating line is what you need for grayling.  We do have equipment rentals up at the lodge if you don’t have the gear. Rod rentals are $25/day per rod type. Just let us know and we can have them ready for you when you arrive.

 Our suggestions:

• Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX: This versatile fly line is designed for a wide range of conditions and species. Its durability and smooth casting make it a top choice for many anglers.
• Rio Gold: Known for its versatility and excellent performance, the Rio Gold line provides exceptional loop stability at distance and is suitable for various fly fishing techniques.
• Cortland 444 Classic: A trusted line for decades, the Cortland 444 offers a supple feel and precise casting, making it ideal for delicate presentations.

Flies: For flies, we suggest bringing a variety of well tied streamers, bunny leaches, closer minnows and deceivers. (We wouldn’t worry about buying any of those extremely large fancy feathered flies that have a length of 12 to 14 inches.) We have had a lot of success on Reindeer Lake with the colour pink in the past, but of course red, black and white are favourites, along with chartreuse. Keep your selection simple yet effective. For pike, leech and baitfish patterns in black, red/white, or chartreuse are excellent. Lake trout respond well to Whistler and Deceiver patterns. For grayling, small dry flies like Adams, Royal Wulff, and Elk Hair Caddis work best.

Our suggestions:

• Clouser Minnow: Effective for a wide range of species, the Clouser Minnow mimics baitfish and is especially useful for pike and lake trout.
• Red Whistler:  pike fly 2-0, trout love this one as well
• Red/White Bunny: pike fly 2-0
• Black/Orange Bunny: pike fly 2-0
• Woolly Bugger: A versatile fly that can imitate nymphs, leeches, or baitfish, making it a staple in any angler’s fly box. It works well in various water conditions and for multiple species.
• Adams Dry Fly: Perfect for grayling and trout, the Adams is a classic dry fly that imitates a variety of mayflies, providing excellent surface action.
  

Pictured above: The New Fly Fisher’s Phil Rowley’s fly box. Check out Phil’s youtube channel and his visit at Arctic Lodges. We hold his expertise in the highest regard.

 

Leaders and Tippets: Leaders and tippets are crucial components in fly fishing, providing the necessary connection between the fly line and the fly, ensuring proper presentation, and increasing the chances of a successful catch. Here are our suggestions:

• Rio Powerflex Plus: Offering high knot strength and excellent abrasion resistance, this tippet material is suitable for a variety of fishing situations.
• Scientific Anglers Absolute Leader: These leaders are designed for optimal performance and turnover, ensuring your fly lands accurately and delicately.
• Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon: Known for its invisibility underwater and strength, this fluorocarbon tippet is ideal for clear water conditions and wary fish.

As for the size of your hook, we suggest #4 to #6 hooks for pike and trout, and small dry flies for grayling (nymph or caddis flies are great hook size 10 to 16). We carry a great assortment of flies up at the lodge as well if you end up having trouble finding some. 

Clothing

The Arctic climate demands proper clothing. Layering is crucial to stay warm and dry. Pack thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof outerwear, and accessories like gloves, hats, and neck gaiters.

Other Essentials

Polarized sunglasses are a must for reducing glare and spotting fish. A high-quality camera will help you capture the stunning landscapes and memorable catches. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent, as the Arctic sun can be intense, and mosquitoes can be plentiful.

The Arctic Lodges Experience

Staying at Arctic Lodges offers more than just fishing. Located in remote, breathtaking settings, our lodge provides a serene and peaceful environment. You’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the expertise of seasoned guides who know the local waters intimately.

Experienced guides enhance your fishing experience by taking you to the best spots, offering tips on techniques, and ensuring your safety. They can help you navigate the local waters, understand fish behaviour, and improve your casting skills.

Fly fishing in the Arctic is an extraordinary adventure that combines the thrill of the catch with the serenity of untouched wilderness. With proper preparation, respect for the environment, and the guidance of experienced professionals, your trip to an Arctic lodge will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re after the delicate grayling, the powerful pike, the delicious walleye, or the mighty lake trout, Reindeer Lake waters promise an exceptional fly fishing journey. Happy fishing!