Looking at taking my dad who will be 71, along with my brother on a Canada fishing trip. Looking for advice. Fly in or not? Suggestions of ones you have experience with. Dad is mobile, but needs a bed at night, cabin style lodging. Who has experience. What to avoid. What to expect? Cost for a week? Looking to book by end of January to get it scheduled.
Mike
kona77 raises a very good point in noting the importance of time of the year. Fishing the last week in May or the first week in June is totally different than fishing the same lake in late August or September. Things start to change in mid July. I have fish the same like at the end of May and again in July and it's like night and day. While reservations can be difficult to obtain for the end of May or beginning of June, certainly the period I would recommend.
Grace- The Clarks did amend their policy and allowed customers to use their old deposit money on new trips. Our collective group has dealt with over a dozen different outfitters over the years and I can just say the Clark's have provided some of our best trips. Lots of good outfitters and lakes to fish in Canada and I was just responding to the original post/question.
I have done fly-in's for 30+ years and there is not a better week for me. I agree with WINI and most outfitters can supply a marked up map with good fishing spots .I would also ask the outfitter for references for the lake you plan on fishing. Make sure the reference has fished the time period you are planning to go. Good fishing locations can vary greatly from May/June vs. the end of July-Aug. Some folks think they can just get dropped off on a Canadian lake and fish will jump in the boat all over the lake. Fishing moving water, wind blown shorelines, good structure is still key to catching fish (just like in WI).
Our group has used Clarks Resorts the last 8-9 years and have fished 5 of their lakes. Fishing has been good to outstanding at each location. Going back in May/2023
I would suggest a fly in. I have used Chimo lodge out of Red Lake for about 20 years. They have about a dozen cabins to pick from. Primarily walleye and northern fishing. The cost per week per person is approximately $1200. Everything included but you have to bring your own gear and food. Cabins are well-kept and some of them relatively new. The problem would be familiarity with the outpost you choose. How good are you at learning the lake quickly? I would suggest learning the identity of individuals who have gone to the lake you choose and getting a marked up map from them. There is nothing like having a lake totally for your group .If you need more information message me.
We have been to Winnipeg, eagle Lake and the Canadian side of lotw which all are good but what to expect way higher prices than in the US but the fishing definitely makes up for it if you know what your doing or you might need a guide we never took a guide and have caught alot of walleye and musky from these lakes. Also check the regs on what and how you can bring fish home or just ask at the resort you choose to stay at every resort we have stayed at was awesome the people running the resort are overly nice as well. I look to book asap as we booked all our trips a year in advance.
You never mentioned what species so that could make a big difference. Is this a trip of a lifetime or planning to go back year after year. If your planning on going back year after year find a drive in lake that meets your needs and if you want that wilderness experience many of the lodges will have boats on the surrounding portage lakes that might be a 10 min walk and you'll be on a roadless lake. Also alot of the fly in lakes are action lakes so if you want a shot at a trophy make sure the lake consistently produces them.
