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Take control of the day with a self-guided half-day boat rental at Yellow Dog Lodge on Graham and Duncan lakes. Target trophy lake trout, aggressive northern pike and wily grayling while running your own route through channels and bays.
Take control of the day with a self-guided half-day boat rental at Yellow Dog Lodge on Graham and Duncan lakes. Target trophy lake trout, aggressive northern pike and wily grayling while running your own route through channels and bays.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Yellow Dog Lodge · Fort Smith, Unorganized, Northwest Territories
At Yellow Dog Lodge, on the remote waters of Graham and Duncan lakes near Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, a self-guided half-day boat rental turns an ordinary morning into a focused northern fishing mission. This experience—booked as Snowmobile - Half (1/2) Day on some calendars—actually outfits you with a 16-foot aluminum boat, a 15 or 20 hp outboard, fuel, safety gear and spinning rods so you can explore channels, bays and river mouths at your own pace.
These cold, glacial lakes host thick populations of lake trout, northern pike, walleye and Arctic grayling. Rock-strewn shallows and willow-lined bays give way to deep shoals and the channel between the two lakes; anglers may watch trout staging in September or see grayling in the rocky runs of the McRae River. Yellow Dog Lodge’s catch-and-release policy has helped grow bigger fish—regular catches include pike to 50 inches, grayling to 22 inches and lake trout into the tens of pounds; the lodge record is a 47-pound lake trout taken in July 2002.
The half-day rental is straightforward: breakfast and a short orientation, a map review with suggested hotspots, then two to five hours on the water. Boats are typically sonar-equipped and carry PFDs, marine two-way radios and safety equipment; group size is limited to three per boat. Guides can be added for an extra fee if you prefer local expertise to read the sonar, locate holding fish and teach region-specific tactics—bookable at the lodge when available.
Early summer, just after ice-out and the spawn, is prime for aggressive pike action in shallow bays; in late summer and fall lake trout move deeper and provide heavy, technical fights. Walleye are plentiful and approachable with rubber-tail jigs or minnow rigs, while grayling reward light rods and a sight-fishing approach. Bring layered clothing, polarized sunglasses, a quality rain suit, and a dry bag; the weather changes fast on open water.
Yellow Dog Lodge sits within a rugged northern landscape where tundra gives way to boreal shoreline and where traditional fishing knowledge still matters. Respect local rules, pack out waste, and follow the lodge’s conservation ethic—release extras and use the on-site smoker only for shore-lunch fish you intend to eat. For anglers seeking big fish, quiet water, and the control of a self-guided day, this trip delivers a clean, efficient route into some of Canada’s most productive cold-water fisheries.
Plan to carry vital medications, passports if crossing into or out of Canada, insect repellent and sunscreen, plus waterproof footwear and wool socks. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and are exempt from fishing licenses; seniors over 65 who live in Canada may also be exempt. Expect variable winds and dress in layers. Bring binoculars, too.
moderate.
2–5 hours.
Moderate fitness; comfortable moving in a small boat, handling gear and landing heavy fish.
A 16-foot aluminum boat with a 15 or 20 hp outboard, fuel, PFDs, safety gear, marine radio, and spinning rods; sonar on most boats.
Yes—guides are available for an additional $190 per half day, bookable at the lodge and subject to availability.
Yes, except children under 16 and Canadian residents over 65 as specified; license cost varies by jurisdiction and season.
Group size is limited to 1 to 3 people per boat for safety and capacity reasons.
Expect lake trout, northern pike, walleye and Arctic grayling; daily catches of multiple fish are common on good days.
Minimum age is 16 to rent; all under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared for rough water and have reasonable mobility.
Yellow Dog Lodge introduced catch-and-release policies which over time have led to larger and more abundant sport fish in the lakes.
The lodge emphasizes catch-and-release, pack-in pack-out practices, and limited shore-lunch harvest to protect the fishery and shoreline habitat.
Yellow Dog Lodge is a remote wilderness lodge offering cabin and room stays with included meals and seasonal outdoor activities. Guests choose from Standard Private Cabin, Deluxe Executive Cabin, or Standard Room accommodations. The Standard Private Cabin and Standard Room options include all meals and snacks and provide access to paddling in the fall and skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, with convenient charter flights from Yellowknife to the Lodge. The Deluxe Executive Cabin adds a private bathroom, a laundry room, and a galley kitchen, and features a large deck with lake views, a wood stove and a sunroom; it accommodates up to six guests, making it suitable for families. The lodge packages emphasize easy access by air, inclusive meal service, and rustic yet comfortable lodging. Activities change with the seasons and focus on paddle-based exploration in warmer months and tracked winter sports in colder months. Yellow Dog Lodge presents clear, descriptive accommodation options so travelers can select a cabin or room that suits group size and comfort needs. Safety and logistics are supported by charter flights arranged from Yellowknife, reducing travel complexity for remote access. For lodging that combines simple wilderness comfort with seasonally appropriate outdoor activities, Yellow Dog Lodge provides a straightforward choice. Advertising the three main stays and listing their amenities helps visitors compare options quickly. Prospective guests should review trip summaries and inquire about specific travel logistics, dates, and availability before booking to ensure the selected cabin or room meets expectations. Contact details available on request.
Book with Yellow Dog Lodge