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Regional Report for the Canadian North - Duane Radford
Originally Published in
August / October 2007 Issue
If you’re interested in a one-stop
fly fishing adventure in Canada’s North Country for several
kinds of fish out of one lodge, look no farther than the
Dalton Trail Lodge (http://www.daltontrail.com/),
which is located in the Yukon Territory. The lodge is a couple
of hours drive north of Whitehorse, the territory capital, a
short drive south of Haines Junction beside the road to
Haines, Alaska.
I’ve visited
the Dalton Trail Lodge three times and have come away more and
more impressed each time. In fact, I’ve barely tapped all the
fishing adventures that are available there - even after my
most recent week-long fly fishing trip with my son, Myles. I’d
suggested this lodge to Myles, who had never fly fished North
of 60, because he would have an opportunity to fly fish for
several different species.
The Dalton
Trail Lodge is located on the shore of Dezadeash Lake, a large
lake on the flanks of the towering St. Elias Mountains and
provides both day trips and overnight trips to dozens of
nearby lakes and streams. It’s a convenient staging centre in
the heart of the Yukon wilderness.
Most of the
time, clients travel to the local hotspots from the lodge by
vehicle, but there are some trips where quads or helicopters
are used. You can also fish right off the doorstep of your
cabin in Dezadeash Lake for both lake trout and Arctic
grayling. Sixmile, at the lake’s outlet, which is also
accessible by quads, is a quintessential pike fisherman’s
dream.
In addition
to fly fishing opportunities for lake trout, guests can enjoy
non-stop action for Arctic grayling on several local streams,
one within walking distance of the lodge.
We spent a
day on the Kathleen River in search of its legendary rainbow
trout (one of the few places in the Yukon where rainbows are
present) – arguably one of the greatest fly fishing rivers in
Canada. The Kathleen is also home to Arctic grayling, some of
which can top 18 inches.
Then there’s
nearby Stella Lake, a short hike off theHaines highway, where
I’ve had excellent and delighted in fly fishing for abundant
Dolly Varden, which enthusiastically take a great variety of
streamers fished with a sink tip line. A note of caution,
however. Grizzly and black bears are not uncommon along this
highway.
For the
experienced fly fishers, there are lots of places to fish
without a guide and which are within a couple of hours drive
of the lodge. If you have any amount of bush savvy, you really
don’t need a guide all the time. The best plan is to book at
least two or three guided day trips for the first day or two
to help you get the feel of the place before venturing out on
your own.
On my last
trip to the lodge, we successfully fly fished for lake trout,
Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, northern pike, rainbow trout,
despite having a rather cold spell with strong, steady
winds—not an unusual occurrence in the mountains.
Air North
flies out of Calgary and Edmonton, as well as Vancouver, into
Whitehorse while Air Canada flies out of Vancouver into
Whitehorse. The lodge will make arrangements to pick you up at
Whitehorse and drop you off at the airport for your return
flight, or you can rent a vehicle in Whitehorse and travel on
your own to and from the lodge. Rental cars are also available
at the lodge. Alternatively, you can take also take the 2070km
drive up the Alaska Highway from Edmonton to Whitehorse.
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