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.

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Tathlina Lake at a Glance#

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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.

Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -28° - -17° -29° 18 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
February - -25° - -13° -25° 17 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
March - -21° - -6° -19° 22 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
April - -8° - 5° -5° 17 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
May - 0° - 13° 4° 28 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
June - 7° - 21° 14° 36 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
July - 10° - 23° 17° 49 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
August - 8° - 21° 15° 42 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
September - 3° - 14° 7° 33 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
October - -4° - 4° -3° 25 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
November - -16° - -8° -18° 25 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
December - -25° - -15° -26° 20 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -