Great Bear Lake, nestled on the edge of the Arctic tree line in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a legendary destination for anglers seeking unparalleled trophy fishing. As the fourth-largest lake in North America, it remains remarkably pristine and lightly fished, hosting only a fortunate few hundred anglers each year. Renowned for holding the All-Tackle World Records for both lake trout and Arctic grayling, Great Bear Lake promises an unforgettable fishing experience. This guide will navigate you through everything you need to know to plan your dream fishing trip to this extraordinary location, with a special focus on the renowned Plummer’s Arctic Lodges.
Discovering Great Bear Lake: A Trophy Fishery
Great Bear Lake is a haven for three premier species: trophy lake trout, Arctic grayling, and northern pike. The lake’s remote location and cold, clear waters create ideal conditions for these fish to grow to exceptional sizes.
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Lake Trout: Great Bear Lake is world-famous for its lake trout, often exceeding 20 pounds, with giants reaching over 50 and even 70 pounds. Plummer’s Arctic Lodges boasts an official IGFA Lake Trout record of 72 pounds caught at Great Bear Lake, with an unofficial record catch pending at an astonishing 78.85 pounds. These fish are not just large; they are abundant and aggressive, providing thrilling action for anglers of all skill levels.
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Arctic Grayling: For fly fishing enthusiasts, Great Bear Lake’s Arctic grayling offer a delicate yet exciting challenge. Known for their beautiful dorsal fins and willingness to take flies, grayling in this region are also of record size.
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Northern Pike: If explosive topwater action is what you crave, Great Bear Lake’s northern pike will not disappoint. These predatory fish are plentiful and aggressive, ready to smash lures and flies on the surface, providing exhilarating battles.
Plummer’s Arctic Lodges: Your Gateway to Great Bear Lake Fishing
For decades, Plummer’s Arctic Lodges have been synonymous with premier fishing adventures on Great Bear Lake. With four distinct lodges catering to different preferences and budgets, Plummer’s ensures a high-quality experience with expert guiding, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service.
Great Bear Lake Lodge: Classic Comfort and Accessibility
Great Bear Lake Lodge is Plummer’s flagship location, offering a blend of comfort and convenience. Accessible via a private 5,600 ft. airstrip serviced by Plummer’s turbine Otters, this lodge provides daily fly-out fishing options (at an additional fee), expanding your fishing territory and opportunities.
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Accommodations & Amenities: The lodge features private guest cabins with attached bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. Amenities include a Red Seal Chef (Canada’s highest culinary standard), a fully-stocked bar, a fireplace, a pool table, an onsite masseuse, a tackle shop, internet access, and satellite phone.
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Season & Rates (2025): Open from June 28 to August 30, 2025. A 7-night and 6.5-day guided fishing package is priced at $7,995.00 USD per person + 5% GST.
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Getting There: A 90-minute charter flight from Yellowknife to Great Bear Lake Lodge’s private airstrip, followed by a brief boat ride to the lodge.
Trophy Lodge: Luxury and World-Class Trout Fishing
Trophy Lodge, situated in Ford Bay on the Smith Arm of Great Bear Lake, lives up to its name by consistently producing some of the largest lake trout in the world. It’s also renowned for exceptional pike and grayling fishing.
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Accommodations & Amenities: This hotel-style lodge accommodates 22 guests and offers gourmet dining, a pool table, Wi-Fi, electricity, and conference rooms.
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Season & Rates (2025): Operating from June 29 to August 3, 2025. A 7-night and 6.5-day guided fishing package is priced at $7,995.00 USD per person + 5% GST.
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Getting There: A direct 90-minute flight from Yellowknife to Trophy Lodge’s private airstrip on Sunday mornings.
Arctic Circle Outpost Lodge: DIY Adventure in Untamed Wilderness
For anglers seeking a more independent and secluded experience, Arctic Circle Outpost Lodge offers a unique do-it-yourself fishing adventure. This is Plummer’s only unguided lodge, perfect for experienced anglers comfortable navigating and fishing independently.
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Features: Includes boats, 20-HP outboard motors, fish finders, Starlink Wi-Fi, breakfast and supper daily, and shore lunch provisions. Packages are designed for groups of 6 to 12.
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Season & Rates (2025): Open from June 28 to August 16, 2025. A 7-night and 6.5-day unguided fishing package is $5,995.00 USD per person, plus 5% GST.
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Getting There: Fly to Great Bear Lake Lodge from Yellowknife, enjoy lunch, then take a 40-minute floatplane to Arctic Circle Lodge. Return via floatplane to Great Bear Lake Lodge for an overnight stay before flying back to Yellowknife.
Great Slave Lake Lodge: Extended Season and Shorter Trips
While focused on Great Slave Lake, this lodge is part of the Plummer’s family and offers another exceptional fishing experience in the Northwest Territories, often chosen in combination with a Great Bear Lake trip. Great Slave Lake Lodge is unique for offering shorter 3 and 4-day trip options in addition to the standard 7-day package.
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Species: Trophy lake trout (up to 60 pounds), Arctic grayling, and northern pike, all readily accessible near the lodge.
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Season & Rates (2025): Open from June 23 to August 30, 2025. 4-night/4-day guided fishing is $3,995.00 USD per person, and 8-night/8-day guided fishing is $6,995.00 USD per person + 5% GST.
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Getting There: A short 30-minute charter flight from Yellowknife to Great Slave Lake Lodge.
Planning Your Great Bear Lake Fishing Trip: Essential Information
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Guides and Equipment: Plummer’s Lodges employ experienced guides (except at Arctic Circle Outpost). They provide 18 ft. Lund boats with 40-HP Mercury motors and GPS sonar. Spin and bait casting rods and reels are available for use (with a replacement fee for loss or breakage). Lures are not supplied, so bring your own tackle. Single barbless hooks are mandatory, and catch-and-release is practiced (except for shore lunches).
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Licenses: Canadian non-resident fishing licenses are required and cost approximately $100 CND (not included in package rates).
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Meals and Alcohol: Lodges offer a full meal plan, including hot breakfasts, shore lunches, and hearty dinners. Alcohol is available for purchase at the lodges (fully stocked bars at Great Slave and Great Bear Lake Lodges).
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What’s Included in the Packages: Round-trip airfare from Yellowknife to the lodge, accommodations, all meals at the lodge, daily maid service, Wi-Fi, and guided fishing (except Arctic Circle).
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What’s Not Included: Airfare to Yellowknife, Yellowknife hotel stays and meals, fishing licenses, lures, alcohol, soda, gratuities, shop purchases, 5% GST, Global Rescue, and travel insurance.
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Booking and Policies: A $800.00 USD deposit per person is required to book. Final balance is due by April 1, 2025. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
Ready for Your Trophy Fishing Adventure?
Great Bear Lake offers a fishing experience unlike any other. Whether you choose the guided luxury of Great Bear Lake Lodge or Trophy Lodge, or the independent spirit of Arctic Circle Outpost, Plummer’s Arctic Lodges are your ideal hosts for an unforgettable angling journey. Prepare for breathtaking scenery, thrilling fishing, and the chance to catch the lake trout or grayling of a lifetime.
