Dear Salmon Junkies,
Salmon Junkies are moving boundaries – Ekaluk River
Two rods available week ONE (20 – 29 August) and ONE rod available week Two (27 August – 5 September)
The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters all across the northern hemisphere. It grows to an exceptionally large size and is especially abundant in northern Canada and in the clear and unpolluted waters of the Canadian Arctic. Nowhere does it grow to a larger size than in Nunavut’s Kitikmeot region of the Canadian Central Arctic. Superb fishing for Arctic char can be found throughout this vast region, but truly special among hundreds and hundreds of rivers and lakes is the little known Ekaluk River in the Cambridge Bay area of Victoria Island.
THE EKALUK RIVER – The Ekaluk originates from Ferguson Lake and empties into the Arctic Ocean in Wellington Bay. It is the principal migration route for Arctic Char returning from the ocean to inland spawning grounds in and around the lake. A medium-sized river with many rapids, runs and pools, the Ekaluk is fishable along its entire length and ideally suited for the true Salmon Junkie. Fishing the Ekaluk is now a yearly event and a guarded secret for a number of repeat guests from all over the world. To minimize environmental impact, to safeguard the well-being of the fish stock on the river and to provide for a pleasant and uncrowned fishing experience, the number of anglers per week on the Ekaluk river is limited to a maximum of only twelve rods.
THE FISHING
What can I expect to catch when fishing a river teeming with large and very aggressive sea run Arctic char? – The fish start to trickle in from the ocean by mid-August each year, and during a couple of weeks well in excess of 80.000 silver bright fish (DFO Statistics) in absolute prime condition enter the Ekaluk river. Landing two, three or even four big char per hour (yes, per hour) is “the norm”. The average char measures between twenty-seven to thirty inches in length and weighs in at around eight to ten/eleven pounds. A great number of char are between thirty and thirty-three inches in length. Be prepared to battle such twelve to fourteen pound char on a regular basis. Huge fish in excess of thirty-four/five inches in length, weighing sixteen/seventeen pounds or better are by no means uncommon and are landed every season.
CAMP EKALUK – Thirty minutes by float plane from Cambridge Bay and located on a bluff overlooking the river estuary, Camp Ekaluk is a true wilderness camp consisting of four 12 x 12 guest sleeping cabins plus staff/guide quarters, a separate mess hall/kitchen, hot shower and outhouse/pit toilet.
The camp location offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and beyond to the fabled Northwest Passage. From camp, guests are within walking distance of all river right fishing beats in the five miles between Lake Ferguson and the estuary.
The camp generates electricity and cabins are all wired with an overhead light and 110V outlet. For warmth, cabins are equipped with thermostat controlled propane heaters. (Propane supply limits use to evening prior to sleeping and morning after waking.)
Each cabin accommodates three guests and features three sleeping platforms with pads. Water for drinking and washing comes from the river and each cabin includes a water jug and washing dish. The mess hall/kitchen accommodates all guests and staff/guides in one sitting and serves as a social gathering place in between meals. A satellite telephone, as well as an HF radio provides reliable communication to the outside world, if needed.
Join us for a unique adventure and opportunity to test your experience and skills against the King of All Northern Game Fish – the Sea run Arctic char.
For more info contact Steffen Juhl – sj@salmonjunkies.com
“One cast can change your day…….Maybe your life”