Lake Fly Fishing
Trophy Lakes & Native Lakes
Guided Stillwater Fly Fishing is as good as it gets at Northern Lights Lodge. The remote lakes we access are home to some of the finest stillwater dry fly fishing in the world. Best value packages starting at $2100 USD in May & June
About the Trout
The trophy lakes we fish are stocked with multiple strains of rainbow trout. The one we spend most of our time chasing is the rare Horsefly strain — also known as the Yellowbelly. These fish are aggressive and love to eat dry flies. You don’t need to fish them with chironomids, though we do occasionally. During our spring stillwater season we focus almost entirely on getting fish to eat topside. These lakes produce big, hard-fighting rainbows that can put you into your backing in seconds. Fish up to 30 inches are possible and high 20s are common. We also have access to untouched lakes with native wild rainbow trout — non-GMO, natural stocks that eat dries as though their life depends on it. Native rainbows can get up to 20-plus inches depending on the lake, and we stick to waters with healthy populations. More than 20 fish to the net is not uncommon on these lakes. Some of our lakes also hold bull trout and lake trout. If targeting these species interests you, we can make it happen — just know the methods are different, involving deep sinking lines and big streamers.
What to Expect
Our stillwater trips are conducted from pontoon boats, allowing us to access true wilderness lakes where launching larger boats is difficult or impossible. Because these lakes see very little angling pressure, the trout are typically eager to eat dry flies — and these trips are suitable for any skill level, making them a great introduction to fly fishing. Dragon flies, damsels, travelling sedge, boatmen, and backswimmers are the bugs that define our fishery. The travelling sedge hatches in May and June produce some of the most exciting stillwater dry fly fishing you’ll find anywhere. Sitting quietly on a remote lake, you never quite know what might show up. Moose, black bears, grizzlies, wolves, caribou, loons, and birds of prey are all regulars in our area.
Adventure Fishing!
We go where others won’t. Our stillwater trips begin in May and can be added to any package through freeze-up. Spring and fall are the prime times to target trout on our lakes, when water temperatures are most favourable and fish are actively feeding. For those interested in fishing bigger water, we also offer lake trout, bull trout, and trophy rainbow trout outings on Quesnel Lake. These trips are outside our regular program — inquire for details and we’ll put something together for you.