Tathlina Lake

Lake Large Northwest Territories lake with diverse fish populations

Large lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories often accessed by floatplane for fly‑in fishing, canoeing and remote wildlife viewing in boreal and tundra landscapes.

Main image
Tathlina Lake
60.5501, -117.5348

How to Get to Tathlina Lake #

Access is primarily by air. Floatplanes and small aircraft from regional hubs (Yellowknife, Hay River) serve lakes and lodges in the Northwest Territories; charter services can land on Tathlina’s open water in summer or nearby airstrips in winter. Overland approaches require long gravel roads and local guidance.

Tips for Visiting Tathlina Lake #

  • Arrange floatplane or charter boat transport in advance - many outfitters in Yellowknife or Hay River can organize transfers and fishing packages.
  • Carry bear spray and know local protocols; parts of the Northwest Territories are active grizzly country.
  • If fishing, check licensing rules: territorial fishing permits are required and seasonal restrictions may apply.

Best Time to Visit Tathlina Lake #

Summer (June-August) provides the easiest access and longest days for exploring and fishing.

Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 5-20°C
Midnight sun and long days; best for fishing and boating, though mosquitoes can be fierce in June-July.
Autumn (September-October)
Sep-Oct · -5-10°C
Cooler, quieter, and a good window for clear air and fall colours as sedges and larches change.
Winter (November-April)
Nov-Apr · -30--5°C
Frozen solid; access shifts to ice roads and snowmachines and requires specialist guides and gear.

Weather & Climate near Tathlina Lake #

Climate

Tathlina Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -28°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -17°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-23°
Feels Like Freezing
-23°C
Temperature
-28° -17°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -25°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-25° -13°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-21° -6°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 49 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-16° -8°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-25° -15°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

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