Great Slave Lake: Consultations for commercial fishers 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is developing an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for Great Slave Lake. This plan will guide the sustainable use of the lake's fishery resources.

If you are currently working or have previously worked as a commercial fisher on Great Slave Lake, your experience is essential. DFO wants to hear your insights on the state of the fishery, the challenges you face, and opportunities for improvement.

Join in: How to participate

DFO will host in-person town hall meetings to gather input from past and present commercial fishers regarding the current state of the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake.

Feedback from these discussions will inform the development of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) for Great Slave Lake and support a review of existing management measures.

The meetings will feature a presentation to guide open dialogue on key topics, including:

• Operational updates — Current status of the commercial fishery, recent developments, and upcoming operational considerations for the 2026 season.
• Stock assessment information — Overview of the latest science advice for Lake Whitefish, Inconnu, and Lake Trout.
• Integrated Fisheries Management Plan update — Progress on the draft IFMP, next steps in the review and engagement process.

DFO Senior Fisheries Management Officers responsible for delivering fisheries management objectives on Great Slave Lake will lead the discussions.

Yellowknife - June 23, 2026

• Time: From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Elks Lodge #314, 4919 49 St, Yellowknife, NT X1A 1C4

Hay River - June 24, 2026

• Time: From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: The Royal Canadian Legion, 7 Nahanni Rd, Hay River, NT X0E 1G4

Who is the focus of this consultation

The Government of Canada will engage with:

• All past and present commercial fishers in the Great Slave Lake Fisheries Management Area
• Anyone located in or able to travel to Hay River or Yellowknife is welcome to attend the upcoming town hall meetings

Key questions for consideration

Your ideas and input are sought around these topics:

• Introduction to Integrated Fisheries Management Plans
• Discussion around priorities and objectives for the Great Slave Lake Fishery
• Discussion around management measures for the fishery and future management options

Related information

• Integrated Fisheries Management Plans

Contact us