The Mackenzie Delta is the vast area in which the Mackenzie River in Canada empties into the Beaufort Sea – which is part of the Arctic Ocean. Fish are present in the many lakes, streams and coastal waters that make up the delta, making it one of the best areas for angling in all of Canada.
Below is an overview of four common types of fish you can catch here.
Inconnu
Inconnu are large members of the whitefish family. They can reach weights of up to 22 pounds and are known for a good fight. For this reason, catching inconnu will definitely not be easy.
Inconnu feed mainly on other fish, with the adults being voracious predators. You should keep this in mind when preparing your bait.
The best time to bag an inconnu is around August or September when the water is low in the Mackenzie River.
Lake Trout
Lake trout, a member of the char family, is prized both as a food and game fish. The average size of a lake trout is 24 to 36 inches in length and 15 to 40 pounds in weight.
The best time to catch lake trout in the Mackenzie Delta is during the brief period after the ice melts. You can find them feeding in the shallow waters. This usually occurs between early May and early June.
You can try a spincast reel as hauling in a lake trout requires light lures or baits. A steady hand is also helpful, as the larger ones will make short runs and turns once hooked.
Northern Pike (pictured)
Northern pike is a popular choice for many anglers when fishing in the Mackenzie Delta. These fish can grow to be relatively large in size, reaching average lengths of 28 to 47 inches.
Very common and easy to catch, if you learn to properly clean them they can make for a great meal. Northern pike are commonly fished using medium to large spoons and spinners.
A good place to try and catch a northern pike is near the edges of weed beds. This is a common hiding spot for pike as they wait to ambush their prey.
Remember to be careful when removing the hooks. Northern pike have very sharp teeth.
Whitefish
Other than the aforementioned inconnu, there are two other types of whitefish you can catch in the Mackenzie delta. These are the lake and broad whitefish.
They are both much smaller than the inconnu, with an average weight of around two pounds. However, specimens in the five to seven pound range are not uncommon.
During the summer months, whitefish are found in shallow sand and mud flats. Keep an eye for their fins breaking the water. You can also find them below rapids and at the mouths of tributaries. Due to their small size, small spinners, spoons and light jigs will work fine.
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