Originally Published by Outdoor Canada, May 26, 2015
Where the owner of Whitehorse’s Headwaters 2 Ocean Troutfitter tackle shop goes for trophy arctic grayling, lakers, pike and bull trout
For 10 years, H20 has specialized in fly tackle, and guiding via jet and drift boat. Owner Steve Hahn is also a certified wilderness EMT and flight nurse, making him a handy guy in the backcountry. Even after fishing all over North America, Hahn says his favourite spots are in his own, far-north backyard.
More info: Headwaters 2 Ocean Troutfitter, (867) 633-2666, www.h2otroutfitter.com
BRAEBURN LAKE, YUKON
GPS: 61.463, -135.807
FISH: Arctic grayling, lake trout, northern pike, whitefish
HIGHLIGHT: Sight cast for monster pike and troll for lakers, among myriad islands
WHEN: June to September
COTTONWOOD RIVER, STIKINE REGION, B.C.
GPS: 59.082, -129.706
FISH: Arctic grayling, bull trout
HIGHLIGHT: A deserted river, where trophy fish take tiny dry flies
WHEN: July to October
EAST AISHIHIK RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.858, -137.064
FISH: Arctic grayling, rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Stand in the snow and catch early-season fish
WHEN: May to June
HIDDEN LAKES, YUKON
GPS: 60.691, -135.006
FISH: Kokanee, rainbow trout
HIGHLIGHT: Easy access to trophy rainbows; take a belly boat and hang on
WHEN: May to September
RANCHERIA RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.223, -129.141
FISH: Arctic grayling, bull trout
HIGHLIGHT: Drift through spectacular canyons, where trout have never seen a fly
WHEN: July to October
TAKHINI RIVER, YUKON
GPS: 60.862, -135.493
FISH: Arctic grayling, lake trout
HIGHLIGHT: A great beginner river near Whitehorse, with easy fishing and spectacular views
WHEN: June to September
Photo courtesy of Keith Williams
