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If you’re looking for big Lake Trout it makes sense to go where the world record was netted. If you’re looking for monster Northern Pike, it makes sense to go where the Canadian record was caught.
And if you’re looking for both - and maybe a 20+ inch Arctic Grayling, while you're at it - look no further: both the 102 pound world record Laker and the 42 pound Canadian record Northern were taken from the deep blue waters of beautfiul Lake Athabasca.
Co-owner Jeff Perala first realised the tremendous fishing potential here nearly thirty years ago, when he spent several summers canoeing around the lake, feasting on the abundant fish. Our original Johnston Island Lodge has been operating on Lake Athabasca for fifteen years. We opened our Spring Bay Lodge eight years ago. They are 35 miles apart, in starkly different terrain: Johnston Island is classic Canadian shield country, while Spring Bay Lodge is literally built on sand. Johnston lies in the heart of a group of islands, close to dozens of great little pike bays and a short boat drive to where the big lakers lurk. At Spring Bay there are two massive pike bays, filled with lush weed beds, and once again it's a short ride to some terrific lake trout fishing. Both lodges also offer some very good Arctic Grayling fishing, and at certain times our guides are able to provide a delicious Walleye shorelunch.
Field & Stream Magazine has called Lake Athabasca the Number One destination for Trophy Lakers in North America. (F&S writer Ken Schultz said it was the only place he'd been where the fishing was better than the brochure!). That's a pretty good endorsement!
Why is the fishing so good? There are several reasons: there are no roads to Lake Athabasca, for one, and very few lodges. It's off the beaten track. More than that, though, is the fact that two huge rivers - the mighty Peace and the Athabasca - both drain into this magnificent lake, in a confluence that creates one of the largest inland deltas on the planet. With their massive flow they bring rich nutrients that support vast numbers of fish - enough to support incredible numbers of trophy lake trout and northern pike.
Lake Athabasca is located just south of Canada’s Northwest Territories and runs across the Alberta-Saskatchewan borders. At 230 miles long it ranks as North America’s 9th largest lake – and the 19th largest in the world. It's part of a geological trinity which includes Great Bear and Great Slave, legendary lakes which together drain into the Arctic Ocean via the Mackenzie River system.
It is bordered on the north by the dramatic granite of the Canadian Shield, and on the south by the Athabasca Sand Dunes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fastest growing desert north of the 58th parallel.
The west end of the lake stretches into Alberta, but two-thirds of the lake is in Saskatchewan, where the waters are deep, cold and clean – perfect habitat for Lake Trout. Up to more than 400 deep in places, it provides unparalleled habitat for both species – not to mention Arctic Grayling and Walleye. Both our lodges offer superb opportunities to catch trophy Lakers and Northerns. And while our Spring Bay Lodge is known for its pike fishing, and our Johnston Island Lodge for its Lakers, the fact is that each offers excellent opportunities to catch big lake trout and northern pike.
I have fished both Great Bear and Great Slave several times, and Lakers has more big trout over 20 pounds than either of them. Your guides are a pleasure to be around and I truly appreciate the care they take in driving the boat in rough waters. I also caught my biggest three trout of my life, with a 31, 33, and 34. Warren McGaha
The best fishing trip of my life. We all caught multiple personal bests. Great food, great guides. We will be back to fish the greatest trout lake in the world! Harold B., Chicago, IL
Food was excellent. Guides were some of the best I have ever had, and so was the hospitality. Ending the trip with a 38# laker was the perfect ending. Thanks for everything, Herb G.
Cap'n Bruce Raises the Flag!
As our fishermen know, Bruce's Pirate Flag means a 30 pounder or better was boated - we've been seeing a lot of the flag this year!
Welcome to Lakers Unlimited!
Lakers Unlimited has been offering a unique fishing experience in Canada's north since 1995. World class lake trout and northern pike fishing, combined with well-trained, dedicated guides, excellent food, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, an emphasis on catch & release, and owner Jeff Perala's 30 years of experience on Lake Athabasca, make us an unbeatable destination for serious fishermen. 2010 is shaping up to be even better than last year, and we look forward to welcoming both those new to the lake and fishermen who have been with us since our first year.
Every year just seems to get better! Thanks for running such an outstanding camp. I look forward to returning to Lakers year after year. Sean B, Chicago, IL, July 2009
June 18, 2009: This was the week of my dreams. We have been chasing big pike for over fifteen years. Our benchmark has always been a moving target, starting at 20 lbs and moving to 30 lbs as our success materialized. 30 lbs has been the benchmark for a lot of years. The first day of our trip this year finally became the day of the big pike for our group. We have had two hookups at fish over 30 lbs just to lose them and frustrate us because you never know if you will get a second chance. I did, and luck shined on me and our team - 32 pounds worth, 49 inches and 21 & 3/4 girth. Special thanks to Dave Drobny and Ian Besse for all their help. Dwight Hottle
I was privileged to be a part of Dwight's success - I would be lying if I said I didn't covet that fish, but it was great to be there. My quest will continue but I feel this almost fulfills my dream. Dave Drobny
Contact information
Office: (780)428-8239 Cell: (780)974-6302 Email us year-round at lakers102@uniserve.com
Lakers Unlimited Inc. * #1004, 9909 - 104 St. * Edmonton, AB * T5K 2G5
Last Minute
Specials!!!
September 6-10:
Four Days of Unbeatable Fall Lake Trout Fishing For Only $2000!
Sept. 24 - Oct. 1:
Four to six spots open: $2500 pp for 7 Amazing Days!
Patrick Walsh, Editor of OUTDOOR CANADA Magazine, fished Spring Bay Lodge in June - check out his blog on the World Fishing Network website: http://www.wfn.tv/blog/Patrick/405448/
Lake Athabasca is undoubtedly the best pike and lake trout combo lake in the world. Our boat landed 30 pike over 40 inches and 27 lakers over 20 lbs; we caught approximately 500 fish in our week. We committed ourselves to flyfishing one day and landed 60 pike on the fly. Thanks to everyone at Lakers Unlimited. Ted Cawkwell, June 18, 2010
Myself and my partner had one of the best years we have ever had since 1999. Our catch included 13 pike over 20 pounds with a 26, 2 - 27s, and a 29 pounder being the largest. Had great company, what a week! Dave, Atlanta
Find out more:
lakers102@uniserve.com
Come Fish Lake Athabasca with Lakers Unlimited!
