Desbarats Basin

Saltwater
Bay

Desbarats Basin

Saltwater
Bay

Sq. miles: 852
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Desbarats Basin is a deep, expansive marine basin located in the High Arctic, specifically at the eastern terminus of Desbarats Strait. It lies along the eastern flank of Cameron Island, Nunavut, with its coordinates at approximately 76°40'N, 103°00'W. This is a remote, offshore saltwater environment characterized by profound depths, making it a destination for serious marine anglers targeting large, cold-water species. The basin's geography places it within the intricate network of waterways in the western Arctic, where navigation requires careful attention to charts and local conditions.

Nu licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Desbarats Basin and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Arctic Char

Salvelinus alpinus

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Desbarats Basin. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The most promising spots are likely along the bathymetric contours where the deep basin meets the underwater slopes of Cameron Island. Any significant underwater pinnacles or shoals rising from the abyssal plain would concentrate fish. The area in the north end of the basin, noted in sailing directions, could be a distinct spot worth prospecting. Depths vary dramatically, so careful use of a depth sounder to locate structure is critical.

Know where you can legally fish on Desbarats Basin

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Nu licenses and regulations

Nunavut Boating Regulations

This page explains what a Pleasure Craft License is, who needs one, how to apply for one, and how to keep your information up to date.

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Nunavut Fishing License

Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide — the authoritative source for who needs a sport fishing licence (resident, Canadian-resident, non-resident categories, age and Nunavut Agreement beneficiary exemptions) and where to obtain one. Licences are sold at lodges, sporting-goods and convenience stores, and some RCMP offices.

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Nunavut Fishing Regulations

DFO's recreational fishing regulations hub, with a dedicated Nunavut section linking the Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide. Nunavut sport fishing is currently regulated federally under the Northwest Territories Fishery Regulations; current catch limits, seasons and gear rules are in the Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide.

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Nunavut Stream Access Laws

Angler access in Nunavut is governed by the Nunavut Agreement land claim, which controls access to Inuit-Owned Lands and waters with Inuit harvesting rights; the Government of Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide is the closest official angler-facing resource on access.

Learn more

Take Desbarats Basin with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Desbarats Basin to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Desbarats Basin to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Desbarats Basin and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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