What to Do When You are Not Fishing
A huge shadow that turns into a huge Northern Pike darting across a crystal clear shallow bay to grab your lure boat side. The “I’m snagged” moment when a giant Lake Trout stops you dead in your tracks. Watching an Arctic Grayling sip your caddis from the surface in a wild northern rapid. The sights and sounds of fishing here at Scott Lake Lodge are incredible and leave a lasting impression on our visiting anglers. Chasing these three species of fish in the wilds of northern Canada with an experienced guide is memorable; actually, based on how many of our guests choose to return each year IT’S ADDICTING! 9 million acres of untouched wilderness bounding 2 million (yes!) acres of exclusive water is a breathtaking backdrop to live out your fishing dreams…but wait, there’s more…
Time spent at Scott Lake isn’t limited to fishing. Taking some time to bask in the flora and fauna of the north on a guided hike around the Tundra Trail is a great way to get a feel for this unique landscape. The trail follows an esker, a glacial formation, around a small lake with some amazing views of Scott Lake. About an hour circuit you will see the northern boreal forest, evidence of our local animals and maybe even glimpse a moose or marten. Ask owner and in house naturalist Tom Klein and he will make this just a genuinely cool experience.
Another way to get the blood pumping is our fitness center. A variety of cardio machines, free weights and a Smith machine appoint the best stocked gym on the 60th parallel. Loosen up for a day of fishing, keep up on your healthy lifestyle or make room for tomorrow’s shorelunch. A woodfired sauna in the fitness center is a guest favourite. Some water on the hot rocks and a good sweat will have you refreshed and ready for fishing. Are you up to a polar plunge? Out of the sauna and right into the lake. Your guide can radio ahead we will have the sauna hot for your return to the island. The hot tub on the Laker Lodge deck is another great place to relax and soak in the scenery. A hot tub under the northern lights? This August and September tradition is not one to miss.
Being in a near constant tug of war with the fish in Scott Lake and our 22 other flyouts lakes can take a toll. An easy way to keep in top fishing form is a visit to the Stone Haven Spa, where our onsite Massage Therapist will loosen up any fishing injuries you might accrue. Deep tissue, hot stone and Swedish techniques are all employed to help you stay limber and relaxed for the next day’s adventure.
Many of our guests relish their time on the water. There is a lot of it to see! If five full days of fishing isn’t enough, explore the coves and islands surrounding the lodge in our fleet of canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. A quiet way to enjoy the landscape and a great way to see wildlife.
Scott Lake Lodge sits right on the 60th parallel, we have trees but are at the northern limits of the forest in this part of the world. A short flight north you encounter the tundra, land of little sticks, a unique ecosystem that is incredible to visit. The Tundra Tour involves a day trip north started with a sightseeing flight across the landscape. Caribou and Muskox are frequently seen here as they make a living on lichens, moss, and dwarf willow. A picnic lunch on an esker with views for miles is followed by some of the best walk and wade Grayling fishing one could ask for. The Elk River as it flows from Rennie Lake offers incredibly scenery and grayling fishing to match. This experience is one to check off your bucket list!
What else can you do besides fishing? Ask your guide, ask Tom Klein or our General Manager Jason Hamilton. They are here and ready to make this trip YOURS. Want to learn to prepare shorelunch? Hike to the top of that hill? Learn to mix craft cocktails with our bartender? We are here to make your trip to Scott Lake Lodge the best experience it possibly can be. We hope the fish are the only thing hooked in your stay with us, the best testament to a job well done for our staff is you choosing to visit us again next year. Let’s make your trip of a lifetime into an annual affair!
As we note in Beyond Fishing, there are many activities to round out your trip or to give your weary arms a break from casting and landing fish. For more on our activities available to further enhance your stay at Scott Lake Lodge, click any of the following links.
What to do when you are not fishing is a great example of two of the Top 10 Reasons to Choose Scott. We are extremely proud of our Exceptional Customer Service and our First Class Facilities and we encourage you to take full advantage of what we have to offer.