Rutledge Lake Lodge

Beaumont, Northwest Territories

A self-catering fly-in lodge on Rutledge Lake in the Northwest Territories, with limited reservations and catch and release fishing for lake trout and pike.

1 Lodge

Locations 1

Max Guests 6

Species lake trout, pike

Access fly-in

Only cabin/lodge Yes

Pricing $$$$$

Overview

Rutledge Lake Lodge is a remote fishing lodge on the west shore of Rutledge Lake in the Northwest Territories. It sits in the Precambrian Shield, about 130 miles southeast of Yellowknife. A lease was secured in 1977 by Bob McMeekin, and the lodge was built that year.

The outfitter runs a single lodge and no outposts. It hosts a limited number of guests, who have exclusive use of the lodge and its amenities. The lodge describes itself as eco-friendly, and the only way in is by float plane.

The trip is a fly-in fishing week aimed at lake trout and northern pike. Many guests return year after year.

Established: 1977

Best for: Anglers who want a small, self-catering fly-in trip for lake trout and trophy pike, in a group that has the lodge to itself.

Best time: June has the longest daylight, an average of 19 hours 42 minutes, so anglers can fish late into the evening around the summer solstice.

Highlights

Single lodge with exclusive guest use

Float plane access from Yellowknife

About 90 minute flight from Yellowknife

Lake of 150 to 170 square miles

Pike of 40 to 46 inches common

Mandatory catch and release of trophy fish

Barbless hooks required

Limited reservations each season

The Fishing

Rutledge Lake covers about 150 to 170 square miles. It has countless islands, bays, rocky reefs and drop-offs, and the lodge targets two species: lake trout and northern pike. Lightly fished water, many spots have never seen a lure.

Pike are found in shallow bays, channels and protected islands, and later in the season around developing weed beds. Pike of 40 to 46 inches are common, and tackle to entice these voracious predators includes large spoons, crankbaits, top water lures and buzz baits. For lake trout, the preferred baits include teasers, frozen bait, spoons and jigs.

The lodge limits the number of reservations each season. It requires catch and release of all trophy fish and the use of barbless hooks.

Accommodations

Guests stay in cabins on the west shore of Rutledge Lake. The lodge lists two guest cabins and a guide cabin, and each guest cabin sleeps four to six people. The lodge takes a limited number of guests at a time, and they have exclusive use of the lodge and its amenities.

The operation is self-catering on a housekeeping meal plan. The lodge describes itself as eco-friendly.

Fish Species

lake trout pike

What They Offer

Amenities available at one or more of this outfitter's properties.

Meal plans

Boats included

Gas included

Fish cleaning

Fish freezer

Getting There

Guests fly to Yellowknife, where a number of carriers provide daily jet service. A cab ride of about 15 minutes leads to the charter base, and it is suggested to buy any last minute items on the way. Flights also run from Fort Smith.

The lodge is reached by float plane only. The flight from Yellowknife takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and follows the shore of Great Slave Lake. Flight times depend on weather, and the lodge recommends booking a departure from Yellowknife no earlier than 5:00pm.

Access:

fly-in

Air service:

Yellowknife Airbase

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