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Fishing in Canada
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Walleye at Oak Lake Lodge, Ontario, Canada.
22 Jun, 2023
Discover the ins and outs of fishing for walleye in Canada with a comprehensive article. Gain insights on the various seasons, baits, and techniques to make the most out of your fishing experience.
Printable Packing List for your fly-in fishing trip.
19 Aug, 2022
What should you bring on your fly-in fishing trip to Oak Lake Lodge?
18 Aug, 2022
The differences between The Outpost and The Lodge
A boy sitting up front with the pilot of the float plane.
18 Aug, 2022
What can you expect on your lodge fishing trip?
A yellow float plane docked at Oak Lake Lodge.
18 Aug, 2022
Trip Planning to Oak Lake
An aerial view of the English River System.
18 Aug, 2022
Catch and Release Oak Lake Lodge is a catch and release. However, we prepare your morning walleye catch for you to enjoy during our special shore lunch. The Shore Lunches are for lodge guests, as opposed to outpost guests.
Float Plane docked at Oak Lake Lodge lodge.
17 Aug, 2022
Getting to Oak Lake Lodge and Outpost
Fly-in fishing lodge, Oak Lake Lodge.
17 Aug, 2022
What is the experience of fly-in fishing at Oak Lake Lodge?
Aerial view of the English River system.
By Tricia Littlefield 03 May, 2020
Another excellent video!
A view of Oak lake Lodge.
By Tricia Littlefield 03 May, 2020
Excellent video!
Walleye fish held by fisherman on Oak Lake.
03 May, 2020
Walleye is a tasty freshwater fish found in the waters of Canada and North America. When anglers fish for walleye, the best bait is live minnows. However, live bait presents several problems such as the minnow may wiggle itself off the hook, or it may die. Several tips can help anglers avoid these issues.
02 May, 2020
Christmas is right around the corner, and many people are trying to figure out the best gifts to give their loved ones. But the thought of fighting traffic and the crowds at the mall is daunting, and you may return home feeling frustrated and unhappy with the gifts you found: Perhaps you want to do something more elaborate, more memorable this year for those special loved ones in your life. Now imagine their expressions as they unwrap…a beautiful sunset. Wildlife, like moose, bear and eagles. Incredible scenic vistas. Fantastic meals and comfortable accommodations. Phenomenal fishing. All in a remote location. You can give them all of this, and much more. If you’re looking for a unique gift for your spouse, significant other, or your entire family this year, you need think no further than Oak Lake Lodge. Think about the excitement that will build up during the long winter months as your loved ones look forward to an incredible vacation! Located in beautiful Ontario, Canada, Oak Lake Lodge offers the unique opportunity for you and your family to enjoy a top notch vacation in relative solitude. Because of our isolated setting, there are no roads in to Oak Lake, and since we are surrounded by stunning waterfalls, there is no water access to our lake either! We are a fly-in only location, which means you won’t be competing with local fishermen or lodges full of visitors for access to our fish: We are the only lodge on the lake as well. Our top capacity is 32 guests, so we can give our guests the personal attention they deserve. Vacations are all about creating memories. We recognize that your family vacations are always geared towards enjoying a special trip that will never be forgotten. And that journey starts the moment you board your float plane. Your family will enjoy an amazing journey over miles of astounding lakes, rivers and wilderness. Then, when you reach our lake, your pilot will touch down right on the water! Once you have settled in, imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces as they watch a soaring bald eagle suddenly plunge into the lake, emerging with a large fish clenched tightly in its talons! Moose are also frequent visitors to our lake, as the area is abundant with a variety of wildlife for you to enjoy. Bring your camera, because you will want to revisit the great times you shared together here on Oak Lake. We take pride in our beautiful wilderness lodge accommodations, providing you with plush bedding, optimal views and access to your own private cottage, complete with a screened in porch so your family can enjoy the evening while listening to the birds trilling in the distance. We are dedicated to provide you with the ultimate family vacation, so our cottages are fresh, clean and comfortable. In addition to our great lodging, if you choose Oak Lake Lodge as your family vacation destination, you can always expect great food as well. We drop coffee by your cottage in the morning and have a hot breakfast ready for you in our main dining room. We take the time to cater to you, preparing you a memorable lakeside fish fry. Take some time to relax, as our guides clean, filet and fry some of that fabulous walleye for you to enjoy before you head back out onto the lake. The evenings are capped off with a hardy home style meal, like prime rib or grilled chicken. Our dinner meals are complete with fabulous dessert as well. We provide our guests with fishing boats outfitted with new motors each season, so you can spend your time chasing the fish. And what fish! You can catch walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and muskie while you are here. If you’d like a local guide to assist you with fishing, we have access to the best guides available; we use the same guides every year, and they share our vision of providing the best experience possible so you will return home with great memories of the time you spent at Oak Lake Lodge. Our tuck shop can help you out with fresh bait, so you’ll be able to tempt the fish with whatever bait they are currently hitting on. Our fishing guides can show you more than the best fishing spots; they are well versed in the history of the area, and they can share numerous stories sure to entertain your group while you pull in the fish. They know where the eagles’ nest and they can point out our amazing trumpeter swans. Your days on the lake are sure to provide you with incredible sport fishing with some local history and wildlife viewing thrown in for good measure! After an exciting day of fishing, you’ll return home to a clean, freshly-turned room each evening. Our cottages are outfitted with hot and cold running water showers, several bedrooms, cathedral ceilings and a roomy living room where you can play games, chat and enjoy sharing time with your family. Plan on spending the nights sitting together on the screened-in porch, enjoying the calls of the wildlife and the lulling sound of waves gently lapping against the shore. If giving the gift of travel sounds like a great idea, you may want to take advantage of our special offer: we are extending our 2013 prices all the way through January 15, 2014. Consider giving the gift of a unique vacation to your loved ones. You will not regret it!
walleye
02 May, 2020
Bill with his 31" walleye, caught this summer at Oak Lake Lodge. Oak Lake Lodge Facebook
caught 3 walleye
02 May, 2020
If the idea of spending time in the Great Outdoors is appealing, yet you’d rather not rough it, a fly in fishing trip at Oak Lake Lodge could be just what you need. Located a float plane away from scenic Vermilion Bay, Ontario, our resort provides warm, comfortable accommodations in a remote setting that also allows you to enjoy nature at its finest.
Father and son with a walleye while fishing in Canada.
02 May, 2020
The idea of a fly in fishing vacation has perhaps never crossed your mind when wanting to truly get away from your life or work environment. It's not always easy to find vacation spots in North America taking you away to a place making you forget about your problems or where you're completely surrounded by nature. Even in the natural locations, tourists might be considerable, hence giving you more stress in the long run dealing with crowds. You can say the same about fishing spots if you deem fishing as the greatest and most peaceful pastime. Unfortunately, far too many unique fishing getaways aren't exclusive and end up being overly crowded. Perhaps you've been dreaming of a place where you can fish and still relax without excessive crowds and where others take care of things for you. Fly-in fishing is your answer, and you don't even need to love fishing to enjoy the atmosphere for the most relaxing vacation you'll find anywhere. Located a float plane ride away from Vermilion Bay, Ontario, Canada, our fly-in fishing excursion here at Oak Lake Lodge is one you'll remember forever and want to do again. What things will you find that help reduce stress and provide amazing relaxation without breaking the bank? We want you to keep us in mind for all your future vacations when you absolutely need to remove stress from your life.
Fisherman with a walleye caught on a fly-in fishing trip to Canada.
02 May, 2020
Living in the 21st century, our lives can move pretty fast and can become exceedingly hectic. Occasionally, it is necessary to take a break from it all and spend some time relaxing in the great outdoors. One of the best ways to enjoy all that nature has to offer is on a fishing trip. Fishing vacations can be quite relaxing as they allow one to get away from it all and find peace in the quiet and serenity of nature. If this image of tranquility is your idea of a perfect getaway, then you should consider a fly in fishing trip in Ontario, Canada. Fly-in fishing trips in Canada offer all the best aspects of a lakeside fishing trip, with the added amenities that only a secluded fishing lodge on a private lake can provide. Once you fly in, you will be disconnected from the outside world for the remainder of your trip, and will be left to enjoy time fishing, as well as enjoying recreational time with your family and/or friends. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider the unique experience a fly-in fishing trip can provide.
Man holding a walleye fish
02 May, 2020
The idea of going to a fly-in fishing resort can be daunting to the inexperienced. After all, it seems like only true fishing fanatics would go to such great lengths to enjoy a semi-private fishing hole! In reality, though, this is far from the case. Many people sign up for these packages even if they've done little or no fishing before. This is because there's more to a fly-in fishing resort than the fish. Our resort also offers relaxation, seclusion, and a truly natural environment. At Oak Lake Lodge, each guest's experience is perfectly tailored to meet that guest's desires. For example, many who are new to fishing are squeamish about handling bait or sharp hooks. Alternatively, they may not want to have to handle a wet, wiggling fish that has just been caught. These customers will appreciate our full-service packages in which our guides bait the hooks, unhook the catch, or both. This allows guests to focus on the most fun parts of the experience - enjoying the water, pulling up the fish, and of course, eating fish dinner. Those who enjoy all aspects of the fishing experience need not worry. Our guides will be happy to step back and let guests take care of all of the little details. Of course, our guides will still perform the essential service for those who know and love every part of fishing: finding the best spots! They'll also be glad to explain just what makes a spot good, so guests can find their own favourite fishing holes even after their stay here ends. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we know that there's far more to a fly-in fishing trip than the fishing itself. Therefore, we've put plenty of effort into ensuring that the rest of the trip will be relaxing and enjoyable. Our meals are one of the most important parts of the experience. Breakfast and dinner are cooked by our fine kitchen staff. You'll start your day of fishing or hunting with a big breakfast that will keep you going all the way until our shoreside lunch. This lunch includes fish that are prepared right on the spot - from cleaning to frying - along with appetizers and sides from our kitchen. Dinner is made in the kitchen and is an excellent end to the food offerings of the day. After dinner, you can go back out and fish more or simply take in the great woodsy atmosphere from the porch of your cabin. Of course, we know that it's not a proper vacation if you have to do the cleaning at your cabin. Therefore, we provide daily maid service to keep everything ship-shape. You'll never feel like you're roughing it! Getting to our fly in fishing location isn't as hard as one might expect. You simply need to get to Vermilion Bay, Ontario to start the journey. Most guests get there from the airport at International Falls . If you choose to take our van service, you won't have to do anything after arriving at the Falls - you'll have a ride to our private air service in the limo-van. Car rental service is also available for those who choose to drive to Vermilion Bay. Once you're at Vermilion Bay, our air service will take care of the next hop. You'll fly in a float plane which will take you to the resort. Upon arrival, you'll experience a soft, water landing before the pilot moves the plane to the dock. Disembarking is similar to getting off of a boat, so there's no need to worry about it being too hard. To learn more about our fly-in fishing or hunting vacations, just contact us. We'll be glad to answer all of your questions and book you in for a stay at Oak Lake Lodge.
02 May, 2020
The perfect fly in fishing vacation is about one thing, spending as much time as possible fishing. Any time that you spend traveling from your accommodations to the water, planning and cooking meals, and searching for ideal fishing locations is just wasting your time. That is valuable time, it's time you could be spending out on the water fishing. Life is short, and you only get so much time every year that you can devote solely to relaxing with friends or alone fishing. So, you need to make sure that the time you get to spend on fly-in fishing trips is well spent. Don't bother with budget vacation options that will lead to you spending your whole trip in a car or a grocery store. Instead, spend your time and your money well by visiting the number 1 rated fly-in fishing resort in Ontario, Canada, Oak Lake Lodge Oak Lake Lodge has a private lake that only lodge guests can access.
Big fish.
02 May, 2020
For many people living in urban and suburban areas, the idea of a week on a lake only accessible by plane is relegated to dreams and fantasy. This is why fly-in fishing has become an important part of people's planned vacations and getaways. While there are some limited locations in the American west to fly in and fish, there is an entire country to the north of the United States with vast tracts of sparsely populated land, ideal for the unique getaway. Canada has some of the best wilderness fishing and hunting on the planet, and resorts specifically catered towards explorers who desire to head out and explore while still enjoying a high-quality vacation.
Ernie holding a walleye for his fishing guests.
02 May, 2020
Perhaps you've recently heard from friends about fly-in fishing excursions and how peaceful they are as a major vacation getaway. The only thing that maybe kept you from doing the same as your friends is lack of experience fishing on your own. Still, you're possibly in dire need of a peaceful hideaway vacation. It's possible you've been on fishing expeditions before as a guest and know how relaxing and peaceful these vacations are in comparison to anything else. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we have the perfect escape for you when you want a peaceful vacation without hassles. What makes us unique is that if you don't know how to fish, or just need some guidance on what kind of fish to catch, superior fishing guides are available. While our fishing guides charge separately from the rest of the excursion, they're an investment well-spent for a variety of reasons. Much of it has to do with our guides becoming like a family friend to you rather than someone hired to go through the motions with tourists.
Fishermen fishing in a boat next to waterfalls.
02 May, 2020
A fly-in fishing vacation likely sounds appealing to you now if you had to work through spring vacation and haven't been away for over a year. It's easy to get caught up in excessive work when you're busy. It's also not easy to escape for even one-day fishing trips. How many times have you done brief fishing vacations to a local lake, only to realize it's over before really relaxing? Then you have more elaborate excursions with fishing adventures at sea. These might last a little longer, though they're usually quite hectic because of other tourists around you. You also might find the boats uncomfortable, if even sometimes lacking in security measures. When things go wrong on fishing excursions, it's a true nightmare. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we're aware of all the pitfalls of fishing trips and designed one that's much more peaceful and extremely safe. We're able to accomplish this thanks to our lodge location. We exist in one of the most untouched natural environments on earth. Here in Ontario, Canada, our lodge is in a place where you don't have to worry about the chaos of traffic, thousands of tourists, or even bustling cities or industries. Our lodge is miles away from such things, and the only way in is by plane. With that, you'll also discover one of the best ways to spend a fishing excursion: on your own boat. We loan out 16-foot Lund Rebel boats for your own personal use. We also send out 17.5-feet Lund Outfitter boats when you fish with a professional guide. No matter which fishing excursion you choose, we want you to know exactly what you'll discover and what safety measures are in place. Much of what you'll see is the result of thorough preparation and based on what we know our regular clients want.
Float plane.
02 May, 2020
The world can easily become a stressful place after a while, especially when it seems there's no secluded place available to find solace. If you live in a big city, it's hard to find a location where you're away from industries, crowds, or general stress. As a fix, you probably never considered a fly-in fishing vacation option as one of the few places left on earth for the ultimate in relaxation and peace. Here at Oak Lake Lodge , we cater to those who've been battered by the stresses of the world and can't find peace anywhere else. If you're one of those people, perhaps you've encountered just as much stress visiting supposed pristine tourist spots elsewhere. Places like public beaches and even pristine lakes are frequently marred by crowds during certain times of the year. In the above regard, you've perhaps had to vacation at home because you've had too many experiences of vacations being equally stressful as life. We'll change your mind about that here at Oak Lake Lodge. Let us show you some examples of how much serenity you'll experience staying in our lodge.
Fly-in fishing business trip group photo.
02 May, 2020
Now that spring is here, your team of employees in your company possibly feel overworked and need time away from their desks. Rather than have individual employees take time off for their own vacations, why not go together on a getaway business trip? If you've never heard of our fly-in fishing vacation package here at Oak Lake Lodge, you're in for the business trip discovery of your life. We're an exclusive vacation spot located around upper northwestern Ontario, Canada that's also one of the most pristine places on earth. With our lodge located along Oak Lake, you can only reach us by plane, which creates a great escape away from industry and crowded tourist spots. If you're a company that's grown tired of city bustle and pollution, visiting us as a communal business trip will make you think you've entered paradise. We've had many companies use our lodge for group business trips, and they've all cited their experience as the best time away they've ever had. Even those who've visited the greatest tourist locales in the world found the lack of crowds and industry here a wonder to behold. When you choose to have a business trip with us, you'll have experiences you won't find in other remote locations. Because we only allow 32 people in our lodge at a time, your entire staff can enjoy everything exclusively. What kind of fun will you have here together? If you're visiting to do some minimal work, the nature that surrounds you will make work a real pleasure.
Oak Lake Lodge
02 May, 2020
Our fly-in fishing vacation package here at Oak Lake Lodge is one that has more than the title suggests. While our vacations have benefits for those who want a unique fishing experience, we know not everyone along on the trip will necessarily want to fish. These are sometimes family members who only want to absorb the surroundings. Many of them frequently ask us if they'll have enough relaxing things to do while their partner is out catching amazing fish in Oak Lake. If you're soon planning to join your spouse or other family members on one of our trips, we want you to know you're still going to love the ambiance. Much of this comes in the other option of hiking in the great outdoors, plus living in one of our beautiful cottages. Our lodge is quite special compared to what you've probably experienced elsewhere. The reason is we put as much care into your living experience as we do in the boats available for the fishing excursions. We've recently written about our perfectionism in bringing convenience and safety to our boats. It's no different while staying in our cottages at the lodge. What kind of enjoyment can you expect to find at our Oak Lake Lodge? If you're not into fishing, you'll find a wonderful environment the entire time in your cottage where amenities are more than you'll expect.
Fishermen shaking hands in the dining room at Oak Lake Lodge.
02 May, 2020
Anyone who's enjoyed our Ontario fly-in fishing vacations here at Oak Lake Lodge knows we have a remarkable experience surrounded by the greatest nature in the world with superior accommodations. But we also know a perfect vacation is even better when you have those in control making continual improvements. It's the small things that matter in many vacations, and you don't usually get them in even the most luxurious getaways. We hear a lot of stories from others who've gone to amazing destinations around the world, only to end up having more trouble than they wanted. This is only because those in charge of the trip didn't think about doing little things to make the customer worry less. Yes, the old notion that you need a vacation from the vacation doesn't apply here. We have many people who attest to this who've experienced our beautiful cottages, a wondrous fishing excursion, plus hunting in invigorating nature not spoiled by industry. Within the last year (and over the last decade), we've taken the time to improve all the numerous details you'll find on your trip. We studied what people wanted, and with our recent improvements, your booked trip with us this spring will give you an even better experience than those who stayed here years ago had.
Living room in one of the cabins.
02 May, 2020
Sometimes, you just feel like getting away from it all. The intruding headlights beaming in through your window common of suburban life make you want to get as far away from the noise and commotion as possible. You want to relax and fish all day while your food and accommodation needs are met. This is where our Oak Lake fly-in fishing vacations can help. At Oak Lake, our guests must be flown in from the mainland as there is no driving or boating access to the area. Guests may also enter via private planes. They will be treated to excellent accommodations, delicious meals, and exclusive fishing rights in the area. Additionally, guests in September will have exclusive rights to bow-hunt for local black bear and moose.
Fish in the shallows of the lake.
02 May, 2020
If you've been seeking out a family vacation this summer that's not only peaceful but educational, a fly-in fishing excursion in Canadian waters is an experience you won't forget. Here at Oak Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada, we consider ourselves fortunate every day to welcome people from around the world looking for an escape from the stresses of life. One of our joys is seeing families taking the time to spend their vacation time with us. Part of that comes in seeing kids learning about nature while subsequently getting away from their own daily worries. Your family will definitely benefit vacationing with us thanks to our lodge and Oak Lake being miles away from any industry. Also, with our limitations on how many people visit us at a time, you could technically have the entire area for just your family. This is essential for you when you want a place devoid of tourists. Plus, when you want a vacation that also provides something educational for your kids (while also having fun), we have the best combination. The above comes in our fishing excursions where your kids can learn about the types of fish populating Oak Lake. Your kids will also learn about an important aspect to preserving nature: Using the fishing method of catch and release. Releasing what you catch preserves the ecosystem. This doesn't mean all fish require releasing. Regardless, the methods of releasing fish will be an important reminder of nature's fragility to your kids and to yourself.
02 May, 2020
When you vacation, finding access to food is always an issue, especially when you're traveling with a big family. Having many people along on your trip also means dealing with some picky eaters. When you ultimately can't find the food you want while traveling, it only makes your vacation more of a frustration than a relaxing experience. This is all the more reason why you should try our fly-in fishing vacation package here at Oak Lake Lodge. Meals are never a problem at our lodge because we prepare in advance to make your experience the best it can possibly be. You'll also appreciate our attention to something other vacation spots don't always do: Making sure you never go hungry while still making the food healthy. If the word "healthy" sounds like it shouldn't go on vacation, having a hearty meal already means eating well. You have to keep your energy level up to fully enjoy the pristine nature around you here at Oak Lake Lodge. While providing relaxation for you is our goal, you'll have the privacy of Oak Lake where all-day fishing excursions are available at your leisure. The same goes for archery hunting out in the wilderness that's untouched by excessive amounts of tourists or industries. Despite you vacationing in one of the most undisturbed natural locations on earth, being out in the great outdoors always works up an appetite. It's why we place special emphasis on creating meals we know you're going to love. This includes some of the amazing and large fish you'll catch in Oak Lake that you can enjoy as part of a shore lunch. Take a look at what kind of meals you'll experience for every meal of the day, including the ability to snack when you want to.
Northern Pike
02 May, 2020
If you've never considered a fly-in fishing trip before, you're already in for some surprises that you don't seldom see in very many vacation locations. No doubt you've already traveled the world and seen many of the greatest tourist attractions, despite fighting endless crowds. But how many unexpected pleasant surprises did you have in those places, especially when it comes to appreciating nature? Most likely, you've had too many unpleasant surprises during vacations, leading to the frequent problem of wanting vacation from the vacation. If you've had too much of that and want a place out of the ordinary where you can truly find the unexpected, our Oak Lake Lodge is there for you. Located in Ontario, Canada, we're in one of the most pristine vacation places left on earth. With few visitors allowed at a time, the natural environments here bring many different experiences for people. However, in order to enjoy them to the fullest, you should always prepare for specific occurrences. We always recommend preparing well before experiencing our vacations. This includes bringing items that make your trip more enjoyable and help you experience the sometimes unexpected elements nature brings.
02 May, 2020
The idea of a fly-in fishing trip might sound similar to the vacations you've had lately: An overly crowded tourist spot that only leads to headaches rather than relaxation. Especially when finding a place giving you the peace of nature, it sometimes gets corrupted by too many people not respecting the surroundings. You've perhaps had one too many disconcerting moments seeing natural environments looking abused due to the excessive public exposure. Here at Oak Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada, we shudder at this scenario ourselves. When we arrived here to run Oak Lake Lodge, we thought we entered heaven once we found out how isolated Oak Lake and the surroundings are. While the lodge has been here longer than we have, those before us, who ran the lodge, were always careful to preserve this rare pristine vacation spot. If some natural areas throughout Canada are still virtually untouched by the public, the wilderness around Oak Lake has had even less human contact. By tradition, we limit visitors to 32 people at a time so the area doesn't become a major tourist attraction. Also by tradition, we've avoided all temptation to sell any of the nearby land to industry or other resorts. When you fish on Oak Lake, you won't find other resorts, hotels, or any corporate industries for many miles. This leaves Oak Lake and the surroundings a private natural refuge for you and your family. What happens, though, if you don't really want to apply the fishing aspect to our fly-in fishing escape.
Walleye fishing in Canada. Man holding up a fish.
02 May, 2020
Are you bored with fishing the same old lakes with nothing but a sunburn to show for your trouble? And are you totally over trudging through the woods to more rarely fished lakes and suffering through a full immersion in the glories of nature? If so, you seriously just have to try the fly-in fishing we offer at Oak Lake Lodge. Our exclusive private lake can only be accessed by a plane and offers you an incredibly fun (and comfortable) fishing experience like no other!
David with a big fish.
02 May, 2020
Any fly-in fishing trip that's worth anything is the result of numerous people working hard to make sure things go right. You can equate it to an Oscar-caliber movie that wouldn't have prestige without contributions from everyone to the director to the caterers and grips. This comparison extends to vacation spots like us here at Oak Lake Lodge where our central goal is making sure you have the greatest vacation you've ever had. Fortunately, having pristine natural surroundings around us makes our job a little easier. But that doesn't mean vacations in nature aren't sometimes fraught with issues if you don't plan things well. You've likely had one too many vacations in your lifetime where things went far from what you expected. We have to admit that most vacations in top tourist destinations don't always go as planned. This is only due to lack of preparation and staff at local inns or lodges not taking extra steps to make your experience memorable. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we guarantee your experience with us is first-rate from your first day to the last. Much of this gets accomplished through our own superior staff that we want you to meet when you arrive. Every person is there to add a separate layer to your vacation experience so you have true peace and meaning to your stay.
David with a very big fish either a muskie or northern pike.
02 May, 2020
You're all set: your travel plans are booked; you're ready to go. Everything is on order. Now, all you have to do is pack for your fly-in fishing trip and make sure that everything is in order so that when you get there, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your stay.
big walleye caught by David  in Canada
02 May, 2020
The idea of a fly in fishing trip might sound good to you after dealing with chaotic vacations your whole life. After experiencing one too many getaways where tourists were overly obtrusive, you're possibly ready for a change. Or, perhaps you're still skeptical that you can really find a place on earth not overrun with the hustle and bustle of tourists and industry. With that type of cynicism, you're probably still lured to the same old vacation spots you've been going to for years. Without proof, we know skepticism is inevitable. However, we want to prove to you that our vacation spot here at Oak Lake Lodge is one of the rare places left in the world where you'll find peace and real relaxation. We want to do this by comparing the places you ordinarily stay with the experiences you'll have at our lodge. This even includes comparing vacation locations you've been to that tout being in pristine nature. You're going to see an amazing contrast when we show you how different we are from the places you've already been to countless times.
A fly-in fishing guide filleting walleye fish for the fish fry.
02 May, 2020
Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we continually promote our fly-in fishing vacation package as a chance to get away from the bustle of heavy crowds in other tourist locations. We've discovered with many of our visitors is that they may not discover all the great opportunities in the area without some guidance. It's one reason why we hired specialized guides so our visitors get the best possible experience. Our guides will make your trip more enjoyable. We want to explain why, with one strong reason being that our guides are truly familiar with nature compared to most other people.
September fly-in fishing trip. Group of men on dock.
02 May, 2020
Fly-in fishing is not "fly fishing", the method featured in the 1992 film with Brad Pitt, A River Runs Through It. Fly-in fishing just means you are flown to a lodge by a lake that offers quality fishing opportunities. This is extremely popular in Canada and especially in Northern Ontario, with countless lodges to choose from. Why choose us, Oak Lake Lodge? We believe we provide the most pristine, relaxing experience for you. We are able to guarantee this because we have accommodations for only 32 people. Lodgings are in separate cottages, so you don't have to worry about unwanted noise from thin hotel room walls. Yet, we provide all the comforts of home or better. This is not a camping trip fishing excursion. Comfortable beds, clean linens, hot and cold running water, flush toilets, dressers, a refrigerator, electricity from our generator, daily cleaning, and complimentary coffee left outside your door every morning are just some of the amenities. That’s just one of the reasons we’ve earned a five-star rating from Trip Advisor and the top ranking in Vermilion Bay. A separate living room provides couches, chairs, beverage refrigerator, a screened in front deck with lounge chairs, ceiling fans and lamps, and a wood stove provides a relaxing evening after a day of fishing. Whether you choose to sit indoors or outside, you have beautiful views of Oak Lake. The main lodge dining room hosts sumptuous meals including a full breakfast and waiter served dinners, which include prime rib, turkey, steak, lasagna, chicken kabob or grilled chicken, roast pork or tenderloin. Lunch includes an outdoor fish fry and shore lunch prepared by the Lodge guides. Catch a fish? We’ll cook it for you right by the shore. Accommodations sound great, you’re saying, but what about the fishing? We are the only lodge on the lake, maximizing your chances of nabbing something, if not more. The lake features walleye, smallmouth bass and pike. The Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass are catch and release fish. The last thing you need on a fishing trip is to have trouble starting the motor on the boat. We buy new motors every year. Guests use 16’ Lund Rebel boats, or they can take a guided trip on a 17.5’ Lund Outfitters. You’re ready to roll as soon as you get on the boat because we fill them up with gas, provide minnow buckets, life jackets, paddles, padded chairs, coolers and a live well to hold the fish. Catches have included a 56” Muskie, 31” walleye and 30+” Northern Pike. If fishing is not for you or you want to do something else one day, we offer black bear and moose archery hunting in September. Or if your idea of a great vacation is curling up with a book – or Kindle – you can’t beat the quiet atmosphere for that, too. It’s your vacation. We’re not forcing you to do anything. The testimonials about our vacations are effusive and sometimes the best testimonials are that we have guests from as far as Florida and Pennsylvania, as well as the Midwestern United States. “Oak Lake is the gold standard.” “Best fly in fishing.” “We could not stop catching Walleye. It was darn near every cast. This is a first class fishing spot and you get first class treatment.” "Great fishing - caught the biggest fish I've ever caught in my life.” “Oak Lake Lodge is a real class act. It couldn't have been better. Best place in the world.” “Best lodge in Canada.” What are you waiting for? Contact us, so we can get you started on your Canadian fishing vacation of a lifetime.
Sunset at Oak Lake Lodge
02 May, 2020
The term fly-in fishing might sound mystifying to you if you've never experienced a similar getaway before. One reason is perhaps because any body of water you've fished on in the past most likely wasn't accessible by car or even foot. It seems most lakes, rivers, and streams throughout North America get advertised as being pristine when easy access to tourists make any pristine promise considerably degraded. It's certainly disconcerting when you're searching for a private lake somewhere to fish, only to find out it's already been noticeably tainted by tourists and industry. We feel your pain about this here at Oak Lake Lodge, and it's a vital reason why we're so proud to run a lodge surrounded by true, pristine nature. The reason we call our vacation package a fly-in fishing excursion is because it's the only way to access the area where we're located within Ontario, Canada. We fly you in personally in a private plane that lands directly on Oak Lake. Then, we give you the royal treatment at our beautiful lodge. While we've written considerably about the beauty of our cottages and the amenities, the real focus is on Oak Lake itself. What makes it stand apart from any other lake you've spent time on within North America? Most likely, you'll find the comparisons quite striking when you think about what you've experienced on other lakes. The privacy level on Oak Lake is unlike most other bodies of water you'll find in the world that allow human visitation.
pelicans on the English river system.
02 May, 2020
Now that summer is about here, what have you planned in the way of a summer vacation? The concept of a fly-in fishing vacation probably never crossed your mind when all of the usual places seem to always go at the top of the list. This includes camping, spending time on a beach, or perhaps even going overseas to supposedly peaceful and quiet places. Yes, we know all of the above don't always turn out perfect. You perhaps still have nightmares about last summer's vacation when everything became more chaotic than you planned. While you probably tried to wipe out those realities to maintain a sense that you had a relaxing vacation, tourism is a big problem in most vacation spots. We're a whole other world away from any tourist chaos here at Oak Lake Lodge. Located within Ontario, Canada's remote wilderness, we're one of the supreme vacation destinations in the world when it comes to finding nature non-disturbed by humans. Considering we only let in about 32 people at a time in the area, you never have to experience excessive crowds. Ultimately, we're your better source for a truly peaceful summer vacation. In what ways are we better, though, than all of your standard vacation destinations? Let's take a look at why you should choose us over any other summer vacation plan you typically place first.
Beautiful lake view at fly-in fishing lodge in Ontario, Canada.
02 May, 2020
Nature is the central focus for our fly in fishing trips here at Oak Lake Lodge, and we continually try to make it clear that our nature hasn't been tainted. There aren't many natural places left on earth you could call pristine, especially if they're open year-round to the public. While many people do their best to preserve nature, excess tourism simply doesn't help in preservation. Since you can't always assume everyone respects nature either, some tourists may dump garbage within the surroundings without anyone noticing. You won't experience any natural harm here at Oak Lake Lodge, because we only let 32 people in at any given time. Those lucky few people get a chance to experience unprecedented nature and on a level they never forget. It's an experience we want you to experience yourself if you think there isn't a place left on earth where you can assimilate such things. We understand your pain if you live in a place where city lights obscure the ability to see the sky, or you're too far away to enjoy the sounds of undisturbed nature. The same goes if you live in a large city and can't experience other natural phenomena you'll enjoy here. Just take a look at some of the natural events our visitors experience regularly with photo proof. When you see the photo sections on our website, you'll see why we're the prime spot in Ontario, Canada to see the best of nature from the ground, water, and sky.
Oak Lake Lodge view of docks and cabins.
02 May, 2020
When you hear the term "fly-in fishing", no doubt you immediately picture thoughts of a hideaway vacation. While accurate, you've perhaps created a new definition of what a hideaway vacation is. You've possibly become overly cynical about the term because so many hideaway vacations your family visited in the past didn't live up to expectations. This was even more disappointing considering you paid a significant amount to commune with pristine nature and a promise of few tourists. In reality, there aren't any truly pristine tourist areas left in the world other than deserted islands and uninhabited jungles. Only a few places still exist on earth where you'll get some exceptions. We're fortunate to tell you that we provide exceptions here at Oak Lake Lodge thanks to long-standing stringent plans on limiting tourists. Here in Ontario, Canada, we still have some pristine natural environments left not invaded by excess tourism or industry. The land around our lodge received government approval to stay as pristine as you can get while still allowing limited visitors at a time. We only allow 32 people in every few weeks, so you're never experiencing excess tourists. You'll also find many other differences compared to other so-called hideaway vacations. Maybe you know about other secret locations where you can essentially get lost, at least in the off-season. Even if you can sometimes successfully escape crowds in those places, they don't offer the amenities we do. Let's take a look at some of those differences and why we frequently get singled out as one of the best vacation spots within Canada and the United States. We'll help you redefine what a hideaway vacation really is.
Scenic view of lake at Oak Lake Lodge
02 May, 2020
If you're just now discovering our fly-in fishing vacations here at Oak Lake Lodge, you've possibly already seen the glowing reviews on our site about the fishing experiences. However, we want to prove that our vacations go far beyond just fishing. We know not everyone who discovers our amazing natural environment for the first time is necessarily interested in spending time out on a fishing boat. We've written here before for those people, including those who just want to commune with peaceful nature or spend time out in the wilderness hunting. One thing you'll discover, though, is the relaxation you can experience staying in our beautiful cottages. Thanks to our constantly renewed attention to detail, we keep adding more things to our cottages so those who want to spend time there will find pure enjoyment. Just like in many other vacations, your spouse or kids may go off and do their own activities while you do something else. In your case, perhaps your husband or wife prefers doing the fishing with the kids. Maybe you're concerned, though, that you won't find the right environment for relaxing while staying behind in your cottage. If you want to just tune out and relax in your cottage, you have plenty there to give you luxury service equivalent to staying in a major hotel. Yet, the difference lies in not having to worry about having someone next door to you making noise or even listening in.
Oak Lake
02 May, 2020
Appreciating and preserving nature is the central focus of our fly-in fishing vacations here at Oak Lake Lodge . You could probably surmise this from our website where we try to pictorially show you the type of environment you'll experience. But you have to visit in person to really understand the purity and majesty of the unspoiled nature around you. Because we only let 32 people in at a time and are miles away from any other resorts or industries, it's a true paradise that's hard to find anywhere on the planet. While you'll have a fishing trip like no other and have chances to trek through pristine wilderness, we want you to appreciate this area like nobody else. It's easy to take it for granted and focus strictly on catching fish or meditating on the scenery. However, we want you to realize new perspectives on the nature here before you head home. You'll experience this partly through our guides who you can hire separately. They'll tell you entertaining stories and show you hidden aspects to the surrounding nature as a way to help you appreciate the surroundings even more than when you first arrived. Take a look at some things you'll learn that will likely inspire you to never take untainted nature for granted again.
Aerial view of the fly-in fishing lodge.
02 May, 2020
We put the "fly" (think float plane access) in fishing and here in Ontario, Canada, we have all the comforts of home but with Canadian style fishing. Why should you have to pack for your vacation when we can offer you all of the necessary equipment, living amenities, and prepared meals? All you need to bring is your clothes, bug spray, sunscreen, hygiene products, and camera and you can be on your way. We arrange your flight, offer a limo ride from the airport, and a float plane to our private lodge on Vermillion Bay. (See, What Can I Expect on My Trip ). It only takes a moment to get you settled into the lodge and on your way to the water to fish. Let us remove all stress of planning your vacation. Our experience and expertise allow us to plan the most educational and fun fishing trip of your life.
Float plane docked at fly-in fishing destination in Ontario, Canada.
02 May, 2020
Those of you who've never heard of a fly-in fishing vacation have a lot of new things to learn about how different it is from any other fishing trip you've experienced. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we call our vacations here a fly-in fishing trip because the only way to access our lodge is by float plane. Once you're here, you'll experience a fishing trip like no other thanks to the unique remoteness of our location. We want you to know that we're one of the last places in North America where you can find truly pristine nature unharmed by industry and excessive tourism. If you thought such a place didn't exist anymore, you'll be amazed at what you'll discover here. This includes not only unharmed wilderness, but also a private lake, otherwise known as Oak Lake. You can see why we only let 32 people in at any given time to enjoy our lodge and the surrounding nature. Part of this enjoyment comes in the private boats we provide for all visitors to use out on the lake. These have a design for the utmost in personal comfort and convenience so you can spend an entire day on the lake and have a blast. What things will you find in our private boats that enable you to have fun with your family and friends for an entire day? When you add a fishing guide to go along, you add another unexpected dimension to the fun.
Fly-in Fishing Honeymoon Trips
02 May, 2020
A fly-in fishing vacation probably sounds like an unusual choice for a honeymoon after being married. Yet, when you see what we offer here at Oak Lake Lodge, you might change your mind over visiting any other place in the world. The same could be said of any vacation you'll ever take based on three coveted concepts: Peace, quiet, and privacy. If you have no prior experience with honeymoon vacations, then you probably think you can still find a place with privacy and pure nature. Unfortunately, the reality is a huge wake-up call. All you have to do is ask friends or family about their own past honeymoons and they may tell some troublesome stories about running into situations they didn't expect. Many of those situations are encountering excessive tourists or overly thin walls in swanky resorts or hotels. Both of those are things that anyone on a honeymoon obviously don't want. Regardless, it's still tolerated by many married couples, especially in the summer when so many people are freshly married and on their honeymoon vacations. Unless you're a multimillionaire and can afford a deserted island to escape to (which isn't most of us), you probably wish for better options on your honeymoon. Let us show you why our Oak Lake Lodge is a perfect spot for you and your new spouse. You'll realize that one place still exists on earth where you can enjoy a vacation living up to expectations.
Fisherman holding a walleye on a fly-in fishing trip to Canada.
02 May, 2020
With summer here, it usually means the search for the perfect vacation spot, plus venues for family reunions. If you're planning a family reunion this summer, no doubt you're having trouble finding a perfect place where you can all meet with so many venues already booked for the next three months. You probably don't initially think a fly-in fishing vacation would be the perfect location to accommodate a large group like your family. We hope we'll change your mind here at Oak Lake Lodge. We're really the perfect place you can imagine for a family reunion because we're in a remote area of Ontario, Canada you probably didn't think existed. It's a place far away from tourists, industries, hotels, or resorts. We're also the best spot for groups to gather and have a level of privacy and peace they've never experienced. On top of it, we have superior nature, fishing, and hunting available to keep everyone entertained for days. No more do you have to worry about booking an overly crowded venue for your family reunion. The same goes for renting a facility that's too cramped for space when you possibly have dozens of people in your family who reunite every year or two. Take a look at how our lodge provides an excellent location for your summer family reunion to accommodate peace of mind and room to breathe.
Fishermen in Canada in a boat on a sunny day.
02 May, 2020
The idea of a fly in fishing trip in a remote area perhaps sounds obscure to you after years of fishing in overcrowded lakes, rivers, and streams. Also, the idea of catch and release maybe sounds overly green after years of always keeping and eating your caught fish. If this all sounds offbeat, they work in tandem with one another as part of preserving nature for your own benefit. Ultimately, if not for a catch and release policy on our Oak Lake here at Oak Lake Lodge, the pristine nature we provide for tourists could get thrown out of balance. We know our vacations are like no other, especially when you respect the idea that the type of nature here is extremely fragile. It's also very rare when you consider that we're miles away from any other homes, resorts, or corporate industries. As a result, we take extra care in preserving the surroundings so you and other tourists can continue to enjoy one of the most untainted places left on earth. Maintaining the species of fish in our Oak Lake is one of our top concerns. Keep in mind, though, that our catch and release policy only applies to certain species of fish. Specifically, it applies to Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, which frequently grow to large sizes, making them exciting catches. Walleye and Muskie are smaller and more plentiful, so you can save those and eat them. Regardless, certain provisions apply to the catch and release policy. It's why we recommend a fishing guide to accompany you on one of our private boats we provide. Not only will you have someone to entertain you with fascinating stories, you'll also have an expert to help catch fish properly and release them into the water correctly.
A family enjoying a fish fry shore lunch of walleye at a fly-in fishing lodge in Canada.
02 May, 2020
We don't blame you if you've told yourself that you've had it with hotels after being forced to stay in one everywhere you go for vacation. Even in remote areas of the world, you've likely had to stay in corporate-like hotels that mar the surroundings. This doesn't include the issues you have to deal with inside your hotel room that seem uniform in too many hotel franchises. With those unpleasant experiences fresh in your mind, a fly-in fishing vacation with us here at Oak Lake Lodge is a major means of escape. We're one of the rare places on earth where you can enjoy a pristine natural environment without a multi-story hotel standing on the grounds. It's unfortunate when you see a natural area with a hotel nearby and you realize that it's all about making money rather than protecting the surrounding area. We look at protecting nature in a much different light since we know how rare the wilderness is here in Ontario, Canada. Had we sold out and allowed contractors to build resorts or hotels on this land, none of the nature around us would have survived. Here, you can truly vacation in a place that's pure without other homes, industries, resorts, or hotels dotting the landscape. At the same time, we understand that people still want some of the amenities enjoyed in hotels. We've mended these seemingly disparate worlds into our beautiful cottages where you'll have both A-list service and rare nature around you. What aspects of hotel service are similar to our cottages, and which ones are very different?
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