NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO AWAITS

BY GLENN & KYLA MCDONALD

For those looking to plan a fishing vacation or destination trip to Sunset Country, January is the time to start thinking about summer. While most of Northwestern Ontario is ice fishing, lodge owners are busy filling their books with summer reservations.

Whether you are from the United States or Canada, winter is the time to start planning your fishing trip of a lifetime. Now is the time to visit Sunset Country. 2022 was amazing all over Northwestern Ontario, you don’t want to miss out!

Not All Trips Created Equal

The number one mistake I see people make when booking a trip to Northwestern Ontario is not understanding what they actually want out of a trip. Budget concerns and availability are certainly high on the list, however many forget what the goal of the trip really is.

Are you looking for a multi species trip, a high numbers, high action trip? Are you looking for that ‘one’ fish of a lifetime? Is this a family trip mixed with fishing and pleasure boating? The list can go on, the first thing to plan is the goal of your trip. It may be easy for a group of men to plan a fishing trip together, you pick a spot, grab a date and wait for the day to arrive. But did you really do the research? Does everyone in your group share the same passion for fishing as you? While you may be willing to battle mosquitoes until 11pm, they would rather enjoy a cocktail back at camp. Your 5 a.m. wake up call may not be for everyone.

Bring the wife and kids, Sunset Country is the perfect place for a family fishing trip. Do your homework, many lodges are located on beautiful beaches. How many families would say no to that summer vacation?

Set some goals of the trip up front and it will be much easier to plan a trip that can help you achieve them.

WHAT IS YOUR ENDGAME?

My friend, Kevin Wegner, a resident of Wisconsin fishes up in Canada a lot, on a variety of trips. He uses a weekly planner and plans his days around things like sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset. If he is on a canoe trip in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, he understands the mornings usually start with the least amount of wind, good time for paddling. The afternoons can be spent fishing in secluded bays. The evenings are spent relaxing with a campfire.

If he is on a musky trip on Eagle Lake and the moon rises a half hour ahead of sunset, he knows that is prime time to be on the water. That afternoon can be spent relaxing and having an early dinner to prepare for an exciting evening of casting.

The point is, maximize your time on the water and allow for rest periods. Kevin plans his meals around the best fishing times, not the other way around. Perhaps a storm is expected around noon, that’s the day to be out early and plan to have a late breakfast when you get off the water ahead of the storm.

Planning your time may not work for everyone, but being a father of three, I know you must plan your time to accom- modate the children. Anyone who brings their kids on a fishing trip can already see the benefit of scheduling ahead of time. Knowing what my endgame is on every trip helps me be more efficient every time I am on the water.

FAMILY AND FISHING JUST LIKE PB&J

Nothing is more exciting than watching your children catch fish, the pure joy they have reeling in a fish. It’s addicting to witness. Quite honestly, helping kids catch a musky is one of the greatest things I ever got to experience in a boat.

Family fishing trips are amazing, or could be amazing. Do not expect young kids, or even teenagers to sit in a boat for eight hours at a time. We learned this lesson long ago. Kids that are uninterested will end your fishing trip faster than a pike can bite off your jig. While musky fishing with our kids, we plan some time out of the boat. A lunch break on the beach, some swimming and snacks can rejuvenate a kid to finish out the day. Many lakes have cool landmarks you can check out, a creek, a waterfall, maybe a hiking trail. Spend some time with the kids doing something they love, and they will spend the time with you doing what you love.

Does your wife just want to relax while dad takes the kids fishing? Or maybe the kids want to hang out at camp while dad chases the same musky for the third day? Many resorts are tailor made for that vacation.

CHECK BOXES FOR FAMILY FUN!

Sunset Country Adventures, on Edward Lake is home to a beautiful beach, complete with water trampoline, water toys and kayaks. Sure to keep the kids entertained while the parents can relax on the lakeside patio. Owned and operated by Steve and Erin Smith, and their four children, this could be the ultimate family fishing destination. Walleye, perch, bass, trout, pike and musky will keep the angler busy for a week, while the relaxed camp atmosphere will keep the family entertained as well. https://sunsetcountryadventures.com/

It might be January… Even though it’s winter and you might not be thinking about summer, now is the time to plan for that fishing trip you have always wanted to take. Musky fishing never stops for me, even in the heart of winter I am already planning trips for the summer.

YOU WANT ACTION?

If you have never experienced a Canadian fly out fishing trip you are truly missing out. There is still something primal about being dropped off hundreds of miles away from civilization, even in 2023. No cell phones, no city lights. Just nature surrounding you, oh, and some of the best fishing you will ever experience in your life.

Fly North Outfitters, in Vermilion Bay, Ontario can provide the trip of a lifetime. Five amazing lakes to choose from, including the famous Vaughn Lake, part of the walleye factory that is Lac Seul. You want to catch hundreds of fish a day, every day? Walleye, perch, bass or pike, a fly out trip is like winning the fishing lottery. You owe it to yourself to book a fly out fishing trip. Chris and Nicole Rob will take care of everything. Long gone are the days of shoddy cabins, propane stoves and fridges. Today’s fly out includes Honda generators, on demand hot water and cabins that will make you wish you didn’t have to leave.

https://www.flynorth-outfitters.com/

Trophy Hunters Beware No More

Many anglers will tell you they would gladly spend a week chasing a trophy fish, at the expense of catching numbers. However, after a day or two of little to no action that can break down even the hardest of anglers. Musky anglers are notorious for being stubborn, casting and casting after that one good bite. But you know what, I’ve seen many fishermen do the same thing chasing pike and smallmouth bass. Why not go somewhere and have the best of both worlds? Numbers and trophy potential!

Are you looking for a multi species trip, a high numbers, high action trip? Are you looking for that ‘one’ fish of a lifetime? Is this a family trip mixed with fishing and pleasure boating? The list can go on, the first thing to plan is the goal of your trip.

The Best Of Both Worlds

Enter Cedar Lake Lodge. Owned and operated by Wade and Tracy Underhill, this quiet island paradise is right in the heart of giant country. 2022 was the best year in recent memory for fishing on the Cedar Lake/Perrault Lake system. Huge walleyes, amazing bass fishing, crappies and perch by the hundreds, and true trophy sized pike and musky. Cedar Lake has it all, easy to navigate, easy to fish and absolutely loaded with fish. It’s no secret that it is one of our favorite lakes in the whole region. Cedar Lake Lodge is only a short boat ride from highway 105, however you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away when you’re on the deck of your cabin. Cedar Lake might be the best lake to provide you with a chance at a fish of a lifetime, all while keeping you busy reeling in fish all day! https://sportfishin.com n