Across the province hundreds of fishing resorts, outposts, and lodges offer a variety of waters where you can catch any species of freshwater sportfish you desire.
Here are a few things you need to know before booking your trip.
Types of resorts
Accommodations vary, but these are the three most common options:
Full American Plan
Resorts are multi-day packages that include everything from fishing guides to meals to housekeeping in your room or cabin.
Basically, everything is covered during your stay. Higher end places typically run on an American plan.
Expect to be pampered at these resorts, eat chef-cooked meals, and fish out of nice boats.
The cost: A four-night, three-day trip to a high-end resort could run $2,000 per person or more.
Outpost Cabins
Remote, often fly-in only cabins.
Anglers rent only the cabin and are responsible for supplying their food, housekeeping, and fishing gear.
For anglers who like to look after themselves, this is a great way to go. You typically have the lake to yourself, can fish on your own schedule, and eat and relax on your own time.
I’ve taken several fly-in outpost trips with friends and we always have the best time.
The cost: Flying in can get expensive. Expect to pay from $200 to $600 per person, per day, but this includes your flights.
Housekeeping Plan
Cabins function like a hotel room, which could be anything from a single, old-school, seasonal room to a fully furnished, all-season cabin.
You basically do everything on your own, including feeding yourself, except for daily housekeeping.
Expect to be able to ask for fishing direction from the resort owner, or pay an additional fee to hire a guide.
The cost: Housekeeping plans typically run anywhere from $35 to $150 per person per night.
Things to know
Website
Any reputable outfit these days will have a website outlining what they offer and what guests can expect.
Guides
If you don’t go with an all-inclusive American plan, expect to pay $200 to $500 per day for a guide, bait, boat, and gas.
On a multi-day trip to a new body of water it’s not a bad idea to hire a guide for at least a day or two.
Deals
Most places have a minimum stay of at least two nights, more during the peak summer periods.
If you’re looking for deals, book early in the season, before most outfitters really get rolling, or in the late season.
Anglers can expect discounts on September trips at most places as the season winds down, and while the weather might not be as nice off-season, the fishing is often top notch.
Have a Chat
Calling or emailing resort owners when planning your trip is a great way to feel out the place.
Ask questions about the fishing, the accommodations, or even the shore lunch if that’s important to you.
Resort operators are used to inquiries and the good outfits will do whatever they can to accommodate you.
Just finished going through the exercise of booking a Housekeeping Cottage for our 32nd Annual trip. Booked this trip in Northeast Ontario as we like to visit a different place every year.
Even though you bring your own boat some operators include a boat & motor rental in your rate. So ask if they do. As well if an operator is was “too busy” to answer your e-mailed questions, moved on. Lastly don’t believe all the reviews you read on the web. Ask for personal references. Don’t let one bad apple spoil the basket. If the operator is reluctant to provide names to call then move on. Good luck & see you on the water!