Arctic Recreational Fisheries

Regulations, variation orders for Northwest Territories

Recreational fishing - Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories hold many opportunities for recreational fishers. From Trout to Arctic Grayling, there is something for any angler. The rivers and lakes of this territory are famous for their exceptional fishing.

Be sure to check the Northwest Territories Sport Fishing Guide (PDF 4.6 MB) for a complete list of licence information; gear restrictions; fishing limits; and, closure dates and times.

Please contact your local DFO office and ask to speak to a Fishery Officer for additional information regarding recreational fishing regulations or to report a violation.

Yellowknife 
Telephone: 867-669-4900

Hay River
Telephone: 867-875-5300

Updates Northwest Territories Recreational Fisheries Variation Orders

Variation orders update the Northwest Territories Fishery Regulations to meet immediate needs, including changes to daily catch and possession limits. These orders are law and supersede the Regulations until the order is revoked.

• October 16, 2024 -  Arctic Region Variation Order 2024-013
• August 29, 2024 -  Archived - Arctic Region Variation Order 2024-010
• April 4, 2024 -  Archived - Arctic Region Variation Order 2024-004
• October 23, 2023 – Archived - Arctic Region Variation Order 2023-009
• September 5, 2023 – Archived - Arctic Region Variation Order 2023-008
• August 9, 2023 – Archived - Arctic Region Variation Order 2023-005
• June 20, 2023 – Archived - VO 2023-003 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• April 1, 2023 – Archived - VO 2023-002 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• November 1, 2022 – Archived – VO 2022-006 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• September 1, 2022 – Archived – VO 2022-005 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• August 15, 2022 – Archived – VO 2022-004 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• June 7, 2022 – Archived – VO 2022-003 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• April 1, 2022 – Archived – VO 2022-002 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• November 1, 2021 – Archived – VO 2021-006 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• September 1, 2021 – Archived – VO 2021-005 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• August 15, 2021 – Archived – VO 2021-004 Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• June 7, 2021 - Archived – VO 2021-003  Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories
• April 1, 2021 – Archived – VO 2021-002  Order varying the sport fishing daily catch and possession limits for certain species in certain waters of the Northwest Territories