Hunting and fishing opportunities abound in and around Chesterfield Inlet.

FISHING

Fish in an arctic river, troll on the waters of Hudson Bay, go ice fishing, or cast from the shore. Expect to catch throughout the year arctic grayling, lake trout, white fish and cod.

Char fishing is best done through frozen lakes in April or May, or along the coast in August. Fishing trips can take one or more days. Sea-run char are formidable fish, reaching weights of 25 pounds and waging a powerful fight when hooked. It's not unusual for one to catapult from the water several times. But the fish "lose steam" after they've been in the stream for a long period of time.

An easy ride by all-terrain vehicle will take you to several excellent fishing spots. For char and lake trout, local people travel to First, Second and Third lakes, all within 25 kilometres of the settlement.

Char fishing is best done through frozen lakes in April or May, or along the coast in August. Fishing trips can take one or more days. While on your fishing trip be sure to take in the Guided Walking tour of Chesterfield Inlet. Sample their unique northern culture, and go away with photos of the landscape which are truly breath taking. Between October and November, make camp alongside native Inuit for the fall arctic char run.

Outfitters are available to take you on package tour to the best fishing grounds in the North. In summer, you can travel by boat to fish for lake trout or arctic char. Many visitors also explore this area by canoe. Small planes and helicopters are available for charter in summer and fall. Weather changes quickly and without warning. In summer months, arm yourself against mosquitoes. Fishing licenses must be obtained from the Conservation Officer at the Department of Environment. Telephone (867) 898-9130 or Fax (867) 898-9135 for more information.

Due to the slow rate of growth of arctic fish, catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for sport fishermen, although you are certainly allowed to keep and eat your catch, within limits.

 
HUNTING

Chesterfield Inlet is home to a large, healthy herd of Barren Ground Caribou. There is a great opportunity for a successful hunt to be added to the "Record-Book of Trophy's". The Out-post camps are generally located in different areas along the coast. These camps are accessible by boat travel around Chesterfield Inlet depending upon the location of caribou sport hunt guides, tourism outfitters/operators. Enjoy the vast scenery of the beautiful tundra landscape and experience the Inuit culture of Chesterfield Inlet.

Caribou tags must be issued by the Conservation Officer for licensed big game guides, tourism outfitters or tour operators in caribou sport hunts. Big game hunting licenses must be obtained from the Conservation Officer. The Caribou Sport Hunts begins August 15th and ends on June 30th of every season.

For information relating to Big Game Outfitter License, Travel or Tourism Outfitter License, contact the local Conservation Officer, Department of Environment - Kivalliq Region, Government of Nunavut. Telephone: (867) 898-9130 or Fax: (867) 898-9135

 
 
OUTFITTERS AND TOUR OPERATORS

For information relating to 'Big Game Outfitter License, Travel or Tourism Outfitter License, contact the local Conservation Officer at the Department of Environment - Kivalliq Region, Government of Nunavut. Telephone: (867) 898-9130 or Fax: (867) 898-9135.

To assist you in finding a reputable tour operator, we suggest you contact the general manager of the Tangmavik hotel in Chesterfield Inlet at (867) 898-9975 or the Community Economic Development Officer at (867) 898-9206. Another resource is the Aqigiq Hunters and Trappers Organization. Telephone: (867) 898-9063 or Fax: (867) 898-9079.

 
ACCOMMODATIONS

The Tangmavik hotel in Chesterfield Inlet is part of the "Inns North" chain of northern hotels. They take VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club/enRoute and can be reached at:

• Telephone (867) 898-9975
• Fax: (867) 898-9056