The fish stocks of the ISR are an important subsistence food for the Inuvialuit, and seasonal fishing activities are an important part of Inuvialuit culture. As is the case with fish stocks throughout the world, some fisheries within the ISR may have been over-exploited and need special attention. For these reasons there may be additional rivers or lakes where the ISR community Hunters and Trappers Committees (HTCs) and the FJMC wish to restrict sport fishing.

There are different stipulations for fishing on Inuvialuit 7(1)(a) and 7(1)(b) private lands. Under federal legislation, entry onto 7(1)(a) lands for the purpose of fishing shall be granted at the sole discretion of the Inuvialuit. Failure to comply could be considered trespassing on private lands. Please ensure that you have registered your fishing plans about 1 month in advance, to allow time for the Hunters and Trappers Committees to meet and review your plans.

We also recommend that all sport fishers consult the current NWT Sport Fishing Regulations Guide before fishing, to ensure familiarity with water closures, gear restrictions (barbless hooks are mandatory), and catch and possession limits for each species.

The following waters are closed to sport fishing:

• The Big Fish River and its tributaries.

The following waters are catch and release only for the identified species:

• The Hornaday River and its tributaries, including Uyarsivik Lake, for Arctic char. 
• Waters within 500 meters of the centerline of the Inuvik-to-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, for Arctic Grayling, Burbot, Inconnu, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Whitefish, and Cisco species.

Sport fishing is discouraged in the following areas:

• The Kuujjua (Kuukyuak) River system from its mouth, up to and including Fish Lakes.
• The Hornaday River and its tributaries, including upstream of La Ronciere Falls.
• Husky Lakes and waters within 10 kilometers of the centerline of the Inuvik-to-Tuktoyaktuk highway, during the periods of April 10 to June 1 and August 15 to October 15. Outside of those dates, catch and release only fishing is suggested.

The Hunters and Trappers Committees may also have special considerations for the areas you plan to fish, to avoid any culturally or ecologically sensitive lakes or rivers.