Inconnu Lodge

The Fishing

Inconnu Lodge is best known as a giant lake trout hotspot. The lodge record mackinaw went 63 pounds. Anglers see 40-pounders regularly. And they’re not isolated to the deepest depths; it’s common to witness 3-footers swimming shallow along shoals and creek mouths.

“Inconnu” means “unknown” in French. These mysterious fish give their eponymous lodge its name and reputation as one of the few destinations where anglers can reliably find this rare, bucket-list species that resides only in rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean. Also called sheefish and sometimes “Arctic tarpon,” they grow beyond 30 pounds and provide a great angling challenge.

Northern pike grow larger and fiercer in Canada’s far north. Forty-plus-inch fish are the expectation in prime lakes, and you’ll have to stretch toward 50 to really turn heads. True giants will often lurk around trying to eat the smaller pike on your line until you offer them something better. New personal-best northerns are a regular achievement here.

Brilliant and brutish bull trout are present in certain areas of the lodge’s territory–primarily lake outflows draining into the Liard Basin. These powerful fish in their dynamic environment make for an exciting experience on foot, swinging spoons or streamers with Spey rods.

Enormous Arctic grayling are so prevalent in this area as to be almost overlooked. Make sure to make some time for the best dry fly or ultralight spin session of your life! Nothing comes small in the Yukon Territory.

The Family

The LaFave Family trace their fishing lodge lineage back to the patriarch’s return from the trenches of World War I. Thomas LaFave spent years in a sanitarium recovering from mustard gas exposure before building the Agate Bay Lodge, British Columbia, in 1933. The family ran a procession of lodges until 1986 when Warren and Anita LaFave decided to build on McEvoy Lake, YT, 180 miles northeast of Whitehorse–the remotest location yet. Their sons, Shawn and Taylor, grew up at Inconnu, learned to fish and fly, and became the fourth generation in this legacy of fishing, flying, and hospitality. 

The Yukon Experience

Warren or Shawn will meet you at the Whitehorse Airport for a quick drive to the floatplane dock. You'll board one of their immaculate DeHavilland Beavers then fly 180 miles into the mountains. You're likely to spot a grizzly bear, moose, caribou, or stone sheep out the window. 

Anita and the wonderful staff will meet you at the dock on McEvoy Lake to whisk your bags to your private cabin--complete with full bathroom and shower, comfy beds, couches, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Food is certain to be ready soon.

Every morning, you'll rise for a hearty breakfast before a floatplane ride to one of 18 large lakes where the LaFaves keep boats. Strip streamers, crank plugs, jig plastics, or troll spoons to your heart's content before the propeller drone calls you home to a warm lodge and a hot, crafted meal fresh from Anita’s kitchen. After dinner, relax by the roaring fire, pour a cocktail at the bar, play pool or poker, and enjoy the kind of camaraderie only a wilderness lodge can provide.