PPS Destinations Report
Arctic Heli-Fishing, Nunavut Territory, Canada
Date: July 20/2001
Reported by
Terrence Donovan, USC, CA, USA
I
recently returned from a very unique fishing trip that offers superb fishing
along with the experience of fishing Canada’s far north by modern helicopter.
The company that organizes these experiences is called Arctic Heli-fishing
Adventures and is managed by well-known outdoor photographer Roy Tanami and his
partner Martin Knutson. They offer 4 and 5 day trips in the spring (late June
early July) and the fall (late August). Participants fly commercially into the
Hamlet of Cambridge Bay in
Accommodations
are more than satisfactory with 2 guests assigned per room and each unit has
it’s own shower and toilet. A hot tub is available, and the food is superb as
they fly in their own chef from
Of
course, you are not there for the scenery, but it is difficult not to rave about
it. The fishing can be absolutely unbelievable! The primary sport fish in this
fishery is the sea-run arctic char and they are available in large numbers and
many run well over 20 pounds. There are also huge numbers of very big lake
trout, and it is common to sight cast to a 30-pound plus laker in 3 feet of
water. We dropped down to one unnamed river this spring and almost immediately 3
of us were simultaneously into lake trout, all over 20 pounds. Frequently when 1
fish was brought to shore 2 or more larger fish would be stalking the caught
fish and could easily be caught by simply dapping a suitable fly in the
vicinity. Arctic grayling are also available in the moving water and for those
who have never caught an Arctic grayling, it is a great experience. Easily one
of the most gorgeous fresh-water fish in
A
variety of fishing experiences are possible and we fished fast moving water,
inlets and outlets of lakes, still-water lakes and even sight cast to cruising
sea run lake trout and char in gin clear water adjacent to the
Weather
is always a concern this far north with the primary difficulty being wind and
its effect on fly-casting. This did not cause us any difficulties on this trip,
but we lost part of one day due to dense, low clouds, which resulted in zero
visibility. However, the good news is that it is daylight 24 hours/day, so when
the clouds finally lifted in the afternoon, we were still able to get in a good
day of fishing. I have to compliment both the owners and the pilot on their
joint concern for passenger safety and should mention that the helicopter pilot
made several short reconnaissance flights while we were shut in trying to find a
safe route to the fishing. Once he had determined it was safe to go, we were
gone in an instant.
As
far as equipment is concerned, they will provide anything that is needed for
spin casting. For fly fishing a #8 three or four piece rod is ideal, along with
a reel with plenty of backing for these big fish. I personally took along 3 #8
rods, along with #9 and #7 rods as
back-ups. I had 2 #8 rods rigged at all times, 1 with floating line and 1 with a
fast sink-tip. I primarily used the floating line, but did find the sink-tip
useful in some of the fast water.
Any number of flies can be successful. I used several
different colored Clouser minnows tied on a #2/0 hook and found they all worked
well. I also caught 3 lakers over 20 pounds on a huge Clouser with big chrome
eyes and a couple of equally big fish on a huge salt-water fly that resembled a
white sock after it was wet. One day when the fish were rising on a quiet lake,
we caught numerous fish on dry flies (#12 Elk Hair Caddis). Deceivers and other
saltwater flies work well. I might speculate that bright steelhead and Atlantic
salmon flies would also work well, especially on the char, but didn’t get to
test my theory.
I
think it is important for prospective fishermen to understand that this is a
developing fishery and it’s potential has only lightly been tapped. The number
of places that can be fished by helicopter is obviously limitless, however in
the relatively short time this area has been sport-fished, the number of proven
hot spots is limited. Each trip results in new spots being added to the menu, so
there is no danger of not being able to find great fishing. This is strictly a
catch and release operation, so those who want to fill their coolers with fish
need not consider it.
One
additional factor that must be mentioned is that Roy and Martin are sensational
hosts. They have bright, cheerful personalities and clearly love organizing this
kind of adventure. The lunches are superb with fresh hot soup, fine cheeses,
great sandwiches, beer and wine. They provide portable chairs, which allow you
to dine in comfort. It is really a first class operation in every respect.
Of
course, such remote access and first class service comes at a price. The current
cost of the trip is $6300 (USD) for the 4-day trip and $7500 (USD) for the
five-day trip. This is inclusive of everything (meals, lodging, license,
fishing, liquor, etc.) after getting to
Here are some more pics of TD's trip. Just click on the thumbnails for the photos. Don't forget to click the back button to get back to this page.
