While little is documented about the distribution and abundance of fish species in Tuktut Nogait, the park is known for its good fishing. Arctic char and lake trout are the primary species caught.

All fishers in the national park must possess a valid National Park Fishing Permit. Government of the Northwest Territory Fishing Licences are not valid in Tuktut Nogait National Park. Annual and daily National Park Fishing Permits are available from the Parks Canada Inuivik or Paulatuk offices. The annual fishing permit is valid for one year in the park for which it is sold.

Anyone under the age of 16 may fish in national parks without a permit if accompanied by a permit holder 16 years of age or older. However, their catch is then included within the permit holder's daily limit. They may also purchase their own permit and be entitled to the full catch limit.

Fishing Regulations

The daily catch and possession limit is 1 of any species (Arctic char, grayling, whitefish or lake trout).

Pursuant to subsection 35 (1) of the National Parks Fishing Regulations fishing in Tuktut Nogait National Park is restricted. When angling, it is unlawful to:

• Fish without a national park fishing permit;
• Fish with a barbed hook, fishers may use barbless single hooks only;
• Fish with or possess within 100 metres of park waters the following:
  • natural bait and chemical attractants;
  • any lead tackle (sinkers, jigs, lures and flies) under 50 grams;
  • lures with more than 2 gang hooks;
• a line capable of catching more than one fish at one time;
• Fish with more than one line at a time;
• Leave a fishing line unattended;
• Fish from 2 hours after sunset to one hour before sunrise;
• Allow your catch to spoil or to be wasted;
• Sell, trade or barter any fish caught;
• Place live fish or fish eggs in any park water or transfer them between bodies of water inside (or outside) the park;
• Place any food for fish in park waters;
• Fish closed waters. Closed to recreational fishing are: 
  • All waters downstream of La Ronciere Falls
  • Seven Island Lake and Alkuk Creek

  Definitions

  Natural bait ban : you can only use lures made of feathers, fibre, rubber, wood, metal or plastic. No edible material, scented lures or chemical attractants are permitted.

  Barbless Hook : this includes a hook the barbs of which are pressed against the shaft of the hook so that the barbs are not functional.

  Fly fishing only : means only artificial flies may be used.

  Artificial fly : this is a single or double hook on a common shank, dressed with silk, tinsel, wood, fur, feathers or other materials (no lead), or any combination thereof without a spinning device, whether attached to the hook or line.

  Tributary : any water course which flows into another body of water. This includes a tributary to a tributary. Lakes are excluded unless otherwise specified.

  Trout : for the purposes of this summary, the word trout includes char species.

   

  If you plan to fish on the privately-owned Inuvialuit lands adjacent to the park, you must register with the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee. Tel: (867) 580-3004.

  Winter travel

  

  Tuktut Nogait is rarely visited in the winter. The most suitable time for skiing or snowshoeing in the park is from late March until May. At this time of year, the days are longer and the temperatures are usually warmer than in the early winter. However, it can still be extremely cold with temperatures as low as -35 °C. Winter-like conditions occur from October until May.

  Winter access

  Winter access to the park is possible by aircraft equipped with skis, or by snow machine - although snow machines are only permitted as far as the park boundary. The truly adventurous may consider skiing to Tuktut Nogait from Paulatuk. Please contact the Park Office for more information on winter travel in the park.