Sportfishing in the Yukon, Canada

The Yukon is known as Canada’s “land of the midnight sun”. In June and July, you’ll experience round-the-clock daylight, which means round-the-clock fishing opportunities. Later in the summer and into the fall you will be treated to the most beautiful light show on earth: the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. From rugged mountains, hills covered in thick forest to crystal clear lakes and raging rivers full of fish, this piece of paradise is an angler’s dream.

According to Environment Yukon, the region has one of the highest rates of participation in sportfishing in Canada. Whether you’re looking for a productive fishing hole along the highway or treating yourself to a Yukon fly-in fishing vacation to the territory’s more remote areas, you’re going to love fishing here!

The Yukon River is the longest river in the Yukon and Alaska and is the third longest in North America. Its water system is massive and includes many fish-rich tributaries and lakes, surrounded by pristine wilderness. The river is one of the most important salmon-spawning rivers in the world and each year it supports an incredible return of Chinook (King) salmon, among other salmon species. In fact, the Yukon River basin is home to the longest salmon runs in history. Expect to find an abundance of Chinook, Coho (Silver) and Chum salmon.

The best time to fish for Chinook salmon is June and July. Sockeye (red) salmon starts to run in early June and can be caught through September. Coho salmon is most abundant in the late summer and early fall.

Your Yukon fishing lodge will offer access to some of the most remote lakes and rivers in the territory. Fish for salmon, lake and rainbow trout, arctic grayling, northern pike, lake whitefish, kokanee and burbot. Apart from salmon, all of these species are generally available from late May through early October, but populations of kokanee will thin after July. June to September is the best time to fish for lake trout and Dolly Varden.