Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime in Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories. This 5-day adventure with Res Delta Tours and Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge puts you in the driver's seat of your own wilderness experience. From the moment you touch down via air charter from Yellowknife, you'll be surrounded by pristine waters teeming with trophy northern pike, walleye, and lake trout. With 24/7 access to fully-equipped boats, you're free to fish from dawn 'til dusk - or whenever the bite is on!
This ain't your average guided fishing package, folks. We're talking a full 5 days of do-it-yourself angling bliss in some of Canada's most productive waters. You'll be staying at the rustic-yet-comfortable Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge, right on the shores of your fishing grounds. Wake up when you want, fish as long as you want - heck, night owls can even hit the water until 10 PM if the midnight sun's got you wired. Between casts, take some time to hike the surrounding wilderness or keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that calls this remote region home. All your meals are taken care of, so you can focus on what really matters: landing that monster pike you've been dreaming about.
Listen up, anglers - this is where the rubber meets the road. You'll be piloting your own fully-rigged fishing boat, decked out with all the essentials to put you on fish. We're talking reliable motors, fish finders, and enough deck space to work that big pike when it decides to take your lure for a ride. The waters around Fort Resolution are a mix of deep, clear lakes and winding river systems - perfect for a variety of fishing techniques. Troll the drop-offs for lake trout, pitch jigs into weed beds for walleye, or chuck big flashy lures along the shorelines for pike. The beauty of this non-guided trip is that you can switch it up whenever you want. Found a honey hole? Stick around all day if you like - you're the boss out here.
Let me tell you, once folks get a taste of the fishing up here, they're hooked (pun intended). It's not just about the size of the fish - though we've got plenty of trophies swimming around. It's the whole package. The solitude of being the only boat on a glassy lake as the sun rises. The heart-stopping moment when a pike the size of your leg follows your lure to the boat. The satisfaction of filleting your catch for a shore lunch you caught yourself. Our regulars rave about the flexibility this trip offers. No cookie-cutter itineraries here - if you want to focus on pike one day and switch to trout the next, go for it. It's your trip, your way.
Northern Pike: These toothy critters are the stars of the show up here. We're talking about fish that can top 40 inches and put up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking. Pike in these waters grow big and mean, thanks to the long, cold winters and abundance of food. They're ambush predators, so working lures along weed edges or over submerged timber can produce explosive strikes. Spring and early summer are prime times, but don't count out the fall bite when these giants fatten up for winter.
Walleye: Known as pickerel to some, these golden-eyed beauties are prized for both their fight and their taste. The walleye in Fort Resolution's waters can reach impressive sizes, with 5-8 pounders not uncommon. They love structure, so focus on rocky points, sunken islands, and current breaks. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are deadly, but don't overlook crawler harnesses if you're covering water. The low-light hours are often best, so plan for some early mornings or late evenings to maximize your chances.
Lake Trout: For those looking to tangle with a true freshwater giant, our lake trout won't disappoint. These deep-water denizens can top 20 pounds and put your gear to the test. Early in the season, you might find them in shallower water, but as summer heats up, they head deep. Downriggers and big spoons are the ticket here. Jigging in deep basins can also produce when you mark fish on the finder. The fall sees these fish move shallow again, offering some fantastic casting opportunities for trophy trout.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're serious about experiencing some of the best fishing Canada has to offer, you need to get this trip on your calendar. Remember, we're only open from May to October, and spots fill up fast. This 5-day, all-inclusive package takes care of everything from your flight from Yellowknife to your last meal at the lodge. All you need to do is grab your fishing license, pack your gear, and get ready for the angling adventure of a lifetime. Don't let another season slip by - those trophy fish are waiting, and trust me, the stories you'll bring back are worth their weight in gold. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. The fish are biting, and it's time you got in on the action!
Lake Trout are the true giants of our cold, deep lakes. These silver-grey char can top 40 pounds, though 5-15 pounders are more common. They stick to the chilly depths most of the year, often suspending over open water. Spring and fall are prime, when lakers move shallower to feed. Anglers target them by trolling big spoons or jigging heavy lures in 50-100 feet of water. It's a game of patience and electronics. When you hook up, be ready for a dogged fight as you winch them up from the depths. Lake Trout are prized for both their fight and their rich, orange meat. They're slow-growing fish, so practice selective harvest. Early ice-out can offer some shallow action before they retreat deep. Local tip: If you're marking fish but not getting bites, try "pounding" your jig. Let it fall, then rapidly jig it up a few feet. The erratic action often triggers strikes from otherwise lazy lakers.
Northern Pike are the bruisers of our local waters. These long, torpedo-shaped predators typically run 2-3 feet and can top 20 pounds. They hang out in weedy shallows and along drop-offs, ambushing anything that moves. Pike are most active in cooler months, making spring and fall prime time. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. To land one, try slow-rolling a big spoon or crankbait near weed edges. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking - they're no joke! Pike meat is bony but tasty if you know how to fillet it. For a real thrill, sight-cast to the big girls cruising the shallows on calm mornings. Nothing beats watching a pike track and smash your lure right in front of you. Local tip: Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, and don't be afraid to go big with your lures. These fish aren't picky eaters.
Walleye are the bread and butter of our northern lakes. These golden-eyed predators usually run 15-25 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around rocky points, sandbars, and weed edges, especially in 10-30 foot depths. They're most active at dawn and dusk, which is when the bite really heats up. Walleye are prized for their tasty white fillets, but they're also fun to catch. They've got a subtle bite, so stay alert. To hook into some, try drifting live minnows on a bottom bouncer rig, or jigging soft plastics near structure. Early summer and fall are peak seasons when fish stack up on classic spots. Anglers love the challenge of figuring out walleye patterns. Local tip: On sunny days, look for fish tucked tight to shady sides of structure or suspended over deeper water. A slow, vertical presentation often outperforms faster methods then.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 50