one of Canada’s six best pike lakes!
Brabant Lodge CanadaThe Mackenzie River, near Great Slave Lake, has long been considered “one of Canada’s six best waters for northern pike fishing.” Brabant Lodge, strategically located on the Mackenzie, takes full advantage of numerous great pike fishing areas.
Northern pike in the eight- to 12-pound class are typical, and nearly all lodge guests will tangle with a number of pike that exceed 15 pounds and quite a few guests succeed in landing pike 20 or more pounds. 25 pounders are possible season round. In addition to big fish,anglers are kept busy with lots of action: it’s not uncommon to land 50 pike in a day’s efforts.
More and more anglers are bringing their fly rods to Brabant. Shallow bays and abundant pike make this an ideal spot for those who enjoy the long rod, and the arm wrenching strike of a big pike. Several anglers have set fly rod IGFA records here in recent years. The late Peter Barrett, fishing editor of Field & Stream magazine, and PanAngling’s Jim Chapralis fished with a fly rod 90% of the time and their catches were amazing. Peter highly praised this fishing experience in Field and Stream.
Arctic grayling are also fairly plentiful. Although they are available throughout the day, many anglers like to fish for them in the evening, when they can gently drift down the Mackenzie’s soft currents, and cast a fly or small spinner. Most of the grayling are under three pounds, with an occasional fish approaching four.
After mid-July, the Mackenzie begins to offer consistent walleye fishing. In a river environment, the walleyes tend to move around extensively, so finding the fish here can be more of a challenge than catching them. While most will be in the two- to four-pound range a good number can exceed six pounds, which is a hefty walleye in any location.
One of Brabant’s strongest points is its staff. Simply you just won’t find a harder working or more attentive group. Fishing skiffs are washed out twice daily so guests always have a clean boat. Brabant’s fleet consist of 18-ft. Lunds powered by 30- to 55- hp outboards. All boats are outfitted with upholstered swivel seats, anchors, paddles, life jackets etc. “Among the best in Canada,” everyone echoes.
The main lodge features two lounge areas, tackle bar, an outside deck with a majestic,commanding view of the river, and a spacious dining room. Meals are always superb and hearty,and served with complimentary wine at dinner time.
Cabins hold two to four anglers each. All units have heat, electricity and full bathroom and shower facilities.
Trips to Brabant begin in Hay River, NWT. Jet service to Hay River operates 6 days a week from both Calgary and Edmonton. The standard package is 5 nights, though longer stays can be arranged upon request.
1995 RESULTS: 1995 was one of the best walleye seasons and more 20-lb. plus pike were caught than in previous years. The two largest pike were a 29-lb., 7 oz. pike caught by Terry Meier and Shannon Thompson’s 29 pounder.
