The Best Fishing Spots in Yukon
The Yukon offers expansive recreational fishing across clear rivers, glacial lakes and remote wilderness waters, with anglers commonly targeting native species like Arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout and Arctic char, while coastal and river systems also host migrating salmon (including Chinook and coho). Popular approaches include fly-fishing for trout and grayling, casting for pike from shore or boat, float trips into backcountry lakes for trophy lake trout, and ice fishing in winter, all set against dramatic scenery and long summer daylight that favor long days on the water.
Top Cities For Fishing
River Fishing
Yukon River
Alsek River
Stewart River
Liard River
Other
Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Bennett Lake
At the edge of Carcross , Bennett Lake offers reliable lake trout trolling along steep shorelines and drop-offs, plus lively Arctic grayling at inlets and the outlet; shore access near town sites and beaches complements small-boat runs when winds are calm.
Big Salmon River
Joining the Yukon River near Carmacks , the Big Salmon River is a well-known canoe route with plentiful Arctic grayling and backwater northern pike; shore anglers target riffles and confluences, while float trips unlock long stretches of classic runs and pools.
Dezadeash Lake
Just off the Haines Highway near Haines Junction , Dezadeash Lake mixes shallow bays and deeper basins for northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish; boats explore broad flats and edges, while shore anglers find action at river mouths, points, and day-use areas.
Fish Lake
A short drive from Whitehorse , Fish Lake provides consistent action for lake trout and energetic Arctic grayling; paddle or motor to work drop-offs and wind lanes, or cast spoons and flies from shoreline pullouts and creek inflows during low-light periods.
Fox Lake
Visible from the Klondike Highway north of Whitehorse , Fox Lake offers weedline northern pike, mid-depth lake trout, and schooling whitefish; small boats and canoes work sheltered bays, while road-access pullouts allow productive shore casting.
Kathleen Lake
In the shadow of Kluane peaks near Haines Junction , Kathleen Lake is clear and cold with excellent lake trout and willing grayling at inlets; troll along steep contours by boat, or cast from campgrounds, dock areas, and accessible shorelines for roaming fish.
Klondike River
Flowing into the Yukon near Dawson City , the Klondike River offers strong Arctic grayling fishing in riffles and tailouts, plus occasional northern pike in side channels; shore access near road crossings is excellent, and short drifts help cover multiple productive seams.
Kluane Lake
Dominating the landscape near Haines Junction , Kluane Lake holds trophy-class lake trout and plentiful whitefish; troll deep breaks and current-influenced areas by boat, or work accessible points and river mouths from shore when baitfish stack along the edge.
Kusawa Lake
A deep, fjord-like lake west of Whitehorse , Kusawa is famed for strong lake trout and large whitefish; boats excel trolling contours and wind lanes, while shore anglers target creek mouths, boat launches, and rocky headlands when fish move shallow at dawn and dusk.
Lake Laberge
A broad reach of the Yukon River north of Whitehorse , Lake Laberge is renowned for deep-water lake trout, hefty northern pike in weedy bays, and abundant lake whitefish; troll spoons or plugs along drop-offs by boat, or target inlets, points, and marinas from shore when baitfish concentrate.
Little Atlin Lake
South of Whitehorse , Little Atlin Lake is a reliable producer of northern pike along reed beds and lake trout on deeper breaks; paddlecraft and small boats shine in calm conditions, and there are several roadside pull-ins for convenient shore fishing.
Marsh Lake
Close to Whitehorse with multiple launches and day-use areas, Marsh Lake produces quality lake trout, weed-bed northern pike, and schooling whitefish; work the river mouths and mid-depth flats by boat, or cast spoons and streamers from accessible beaches and points when wind pushes forage in.
Pelly River
A major Yukon tributary passing Pelly Crossing and Faro , the Pelly River provides steady action for Arctic grayling and northern pike in slower margins; cast from bridges, bar edges, and pullouts, or drift long glides to cover scattered pods of fish.
Schwatka Lake
Formed on the Yukon River at Whitehorse , Schwatka Lake offers convenient urban access to lake trout, Arctic grayling near the inlet/outlet, and whitefish; launch small boats to troll breaks or fish from docks, parks, and shoreline trails when fish push shallow.
Stewart River
Near Mayo , the Stewart River’s broad runs and confluences concentrate Arctic grayling with chances at northern pike; work current breaks, islands, and creek mouths from shore, or use small boats to hop between expansive gravel bars and eddies.
Tagish Lake
Spanning scenic arms near Tagish and Carcross , Tagish Lake is a classic destination for trolling lake trout and picking up lake whitefish on light gear; boats cover structure efficiently, while shore anglers find action at creek mouths, docks, and rocky points during early and late season.
Takhini River
A classic wade-and-drift river near Whitehorse , the Takhini features riffles and glides that hold eager Arctic grayling and occasional northern pike in slower backwaters; fish dry flies and small spinners from shore, or float sections by canoe for expansive coverage.
Teslin Lake
A long, productive lake near Teslin , Teslin Lake rewards anglers with solid lake trout, aggressive northern pike in bays, and roaming whitefish; boats cover expansive structure, while shore access at community areas, launches, and creek mouths provides reliable casting spots.
Wheaton River
Accessible from the South Klondike corridor between Whitehorse and Carcross , the Wheaton River is prized for clear-water Arctic grayling in riffle-run-pool sequences; wade with light flies or spinners, or float short stretches in small craft to reach less-pressured bends.
Yukon River
Flowing past Whitehorse and Dawson City , the Yukon River offers accessible fishing for Arctic grayling, northern pike, and seasonal salmon, with long gravel bars and eddies ideal for shore casting and gentle drifts that suit small boats; try swinging flies or small spoons at current seams and back-eddies near bridges, boat launches, and day-use pullouts for consistent action.