Frontier Lodge

Guest sentiment toward Frontier Lodge is overwhelmingly positive. Nearly every review gives 5 out of 5 stars, and many come from repeat guests, including some on their second, fourth or fifth trip, or returning after years away. The lodge is on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, near Lutsel K'e at the mouth of the Stark River. Guests reach it by a flight of about 50 minutes to an hour from Yellowknife. Several reviewers call it the best fishing trip they have taken. The one critical review (2 out of 5 stars) is an outlier, and a few of the positive reviews also mention minor drawbacks.

Guests most consistently praise the fishing, especially for lake trout. Reviewers report very high catch counts, such as over 100 fish in about 3 days, 155 in three days, and 240 or more in 2.5 days. Fish sizes mentioned include lake trout of roughly 19 to 32 pounds, and one blog writer estimated a lake trout at more than 40 pounds. Pike over 40 inches are mentioned, mainly in early-season trips. Arctic grayling fishing on the Stark River, a short walk from the lodge, is a frequent highlight, particularly for fly anglers, and some guests fished it on their own after guided hours. Guides are described as hardworking, knowledgeable and good with beginners, and several are named. Shore lunches of fresh fish are called a daily highlight. Reviewers also like the food, including fresh cinnamon buns and muffins, lake trout chowder and family-style dinners. The staff and management (Corey, Wayne and Debbie, and others) are described as friendly and responsive. The cabins are described as clean, comfortable, warm and rustic, with a wood-fired sauna and a lounge mentioned. Some guests also saw the northern lights and muskox, and several reported few or no bugs.

Recurring cautions are modest. Several reviewers describe the lodge as basic or rustic rather than luxurious, with one noting tired furniture and finishing and another saying the beds could use replacement. Several also say the trip is expensive, though they felt it was worth the cost. Weather can be cold, with reports of 4C on Canada Day and 50-65°F in early September, and one guest had a day cut short by lightning. The 2-star reviewer was disappointed that the trip included little pike fishing despite the website's claims, and said there are few pike locations and a short window for them. That reviewer also found the lake trout good but not especially numerous or large, and described long boat rides and short fishing days, along with a guide who put in subpar effort. Other reviewers suggest timing: late June to early July for pike, and late July to early August for trophy lake trout. Most of the praise is for lake trout and grayling. The lodge suits lake trout anglers, fly fishers who want grayling, and anglers who are comfortable with basic accommodations. It also works for groups of friends, father-son and multigenerational trips, couples, and first-time fly-in guests, including novices. Pike-focused anglers should book early in the season and check expectations in advance.