Northwest Territories hunting and fishing destination

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is where fishing dreams become reality. This vast northern territory is home to some of the largest, wildest freshwater lakes on Earth — including the legendary Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake — producing lake trout of mythical proportions. Arctic grayling, northern pike, and walleye thrive in pristine, low-pressure waters accessible only by float plane. For hunters, the NWT offers remote, traditional hunting experiences for barren-ground caribou, muskox, and the coveted Mackenzie Mountains Dall sheep.

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About Northwest Territories Hunting & Fishing

The Northwest Territories isn't for everyone — and that's exactly the point. This is remote, wild, authentic Canada at its most raw. Great Bear Lake holds the world record for lake trout (72 pounds) and continues to produce fish that defy belief. The Mackenzie Mountains in the territory's western reaches offer Dall sheep hunting that rivals anywhere in the world. Barren-ground caribou migrations are among the planet's greatest wildlife spectacles. The NWT demands more effort, more planning, and more investment than most destinations — but the rewards are proportional to the commitment.

Terrain: Vast and varied — Arctic tundra and barrenlands, boreal forest, the Mackenzie Mountains (alpine), massive lake systems (Great Slave and Great Bear lakes), and the Mackenzie River delta. The territory spans over 1.1 million square kilometers.

Terrain & Landscape

Vast and varied — Arctic tundra and barrenlands, boreal forest, the Mackenzie Mountains (alpine), massive lake systems (Great Slave and Great Bear lakes), and the Mackenzie River delta. The territory spans over 1.1 million square kilometers.

Popular Hunt Types

Dall sheepBarren-ground caribouMuskoxMooseWolf

Popular Fish Species

Lake troutArctic graylingNorthern pikeWalleyeArctic char

Best Known For

World-record lake trout on Great Bear Lake
Remote Arctic grayling fishing
Mackenzie Mountains Dall sheep
Barren-ground caribou migrations
True northern wilderness solitude

Wildlife & Fish of Northwest Territories

The species that make Northwest Territories a world-class hunting and fishing destination.

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Hunting Opportunities in Northwest Territories

Discover the premier hunting experiences that make Northwest Territories a bucket-list destination.

Mackenzie Mountains Dall Sheep

Mackenzie Mountains Dall Sheep

The Northwest Territories offers some of the finest Dall sheep hunting in the world. Remote horseback and backpack expeditions in the spectacular Mackenzie Mountains produce trophy rams in true wilderness settings. Physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.

Barren-Ground Caribou

Barren-Ground Caribou

The NWT is home to massive barren-ground caribou herds. These hunts offer a uniquely northern experience — traveling across the tundra on the migration routes with traditional guides who know the land intimately.

Muskox Hunting

Muskox Hunting

Hunt the shaggy ice-age survivor on the Arctic islands and mainland tundra. Muskox hunts are conducted with Inuit guides using traditional knowledge and modern equipment in extreme northern environments.

Fishing Adventures in Northwest Territories

World-class angling experiences from remote fly-in lakes to coastal charters.

Great Bear Lake Trout

Great Bear Lake Trout

The holy grail of lake trout fishing. Great Bear Lake holds the all-tackle world record at 72 pounds. Trophy lake trout over 40 pounds are caught regularly in these pristine, glacially cold waters. Fly-in only, exclusive lodges, limited anglers per season.

Great Slave Lake Fishing

Great Slave Lake Fishing

Massive lake trout, Arctic grayling in the tributaries, and hard-fighting northern pike. More accessible than Great Bear while still offering world-class fishing. Yellowknife-based lodges and fly-in outpost camps.

Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling

The NWT's countless rivers and streams hold Arctic grayling in abundance. These beautiful sail-finned fish rise eagerly to dry flies in stunning tundra and boreal settings.

Travel & Planning for Northwest Territories

Essential information to plan your Northwest Territories hunting or fishing trip.

Disclaimer: Hunting and fishing regulations in Northwest Territories are subject to change. Seasons, bag limits, licensing requirements, and firearm regulations may vary by year and wildlife management unit. Always verify current regulations with Northwest Territories wildlife authorities and the Canadian federal government before planning your trip. Canadian Hunting Trips provides this information as a resource only.

Regions of Northwest Territories

Explore the key hunting and fishing areas that define Northwest Territories's outdoor experience.

Mackenzie Mountains

Western NWT bordering Yukon

Spectacular alpine terrain on the Yukon border. This is Dall sheep country with world-class trophy potential and jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

Great Slave Lake Region

Central NWT around Yellowknife

Home to Yellowknife and the most accessible trophy lake trout fishing in the territory. Float plane access to countless surrounding lakes and rivers.

Great Bear Lake

Northwestern NWT

The ultimate trophy lake trout destination. Massive, remote, and incredibly productive. Limited access and exclusive lodges protect this world-class fishery.

Barrenlands

Northern NWT mainland and Arctic islands

Vast tundra north of the treeline. Home to migrating caribou herds, muskox, and a raw Arctic landscape unlike anything in the south.

Ready to Explore Northwest Territories?

Browse all 1 outfitters, guides, and lodges in Northwest Territories or search by species and trip type.

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