Andrew Lake Lodge
Lynx Lake, Northwest Territories — Near Fort Smith, NT
Andrew Lake Lodge, operated by Dan and his team, has earned strong praise from guests who have visited for both fishing and hunting trips. The overall sentiment across reviews is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing it as one of the best lodges in northern Alberta and returning year after year — one reviewer noted it was their fifth trip with the outfitter. Dan and his staff are specifically called out for creating memorable, well-organized experiences in a remote fly-in setting.
Guests highlight the quality of the wilderness experience beyond just the activities themselves, including exceptional wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, and northern lights. The moose hunting in particular draws serious hunters, with one guest harvesting a 55-inch bull that ranked among the top Pope and Young bulls ever recorded in Alberta. The remote, fly-in nature of the operation appears to be a major draw, offering access to areas with genuine big-game populations and unspoiled scenery.
There are no recurring complaints across these reviews, though one hunter noted that nearly three-quarters of a 14-day hunt was spent sheltered due to extreme winds, which is worth noting as a reality of operating in northern Alberta's wilderness. Moose hunting success also requires hard work and some luck, as game is not guaranteed. Based on the reviews available, this destination appears best suited for serious hunters — particularly archery or trophy moose hunters — as well as anglers and outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with remote fly-in conditions and variable northern weather.
Lynx Lake is the largest of the three lakes in the operation and the last to ice out (typically June 18–25 at the lodge, larger areas a week later). Located on the edge of the NWT tree line and serving as the headwaters for the Thelon River, the lake offers spectacular lake trout fishing with many trophy fish landed. Arctic grayling are prolific in the rivers. Pike are fewer due to the colder water, but average size is impressive. Season runs late June to September. Also renowned for wildlife: resident muskox herds, migrating barren ground caribou, arctic wolves, and barren ground grizzly.
Other: Canoes available for guest use and multi-day Arctic canoe trips; custom flights for self-guided canoe trips on Elk, Taltson, Clarke, Hanbury rivers; wildlife viewing (muskox, caribou, arctic wolf, barren ground grizzly); aurora viewing; curated photography tours; life jackets and landing nets included; fish finders and downriggers available to rent ($15/day); beverage and grocery pre-order freight flight available; free overnight pre-trip accommodation in Fort Smith; free parking in Fort Smith; tundra runway available for some select flights
Return air charter flights (from Fort Smith or Yellowknife, or Edmonton), 2 nights/3 days private cabin accommodation, cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, fridge and freezer, BBQ, stove, dishes, unlimited boat use and fuel, life jackets and landing net, Starlink satellite wifi and telephone, fly-in camp checks, free beverage order flight, baggage allowance (100 lbs from Fort Smith/Yellowknife; 50 lbs free + $1.50/lb up to 100 lbs from Edmonton), free overnight pre-trip accommodation in Fort Smith, free parking in Fort Smith. Group of 6+ gets exclusive camp option.
Taxi between airport and floatplane base if required, sleeping bag and pillow, food and liquor, fishing gear and licenses, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, cups and utensils, GST
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Fort Smith (Reliance Airways floatplane base) or Yellowknife, NT
Flight Time: 120 minutes
Flight Distance: 255 miles
Season: Late June (ice out typically June 18–25) to September
Minimum Stay: 2 days
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