Multi-Species Lakes in Ontario, Canada: 5-Day Trip

Species Diversity!

This isn’t talked about very much in fly fishing circles, but it’s a tremendous strength of our Ontario trip.  Frankly, more often than we would like to admit, fishing for a particular species is poor.  The tides are wrong, a cold front hits, fish go deep, water gets muddy.  The list of reasons for a bad bite is endless.  But when there is a wide array of very diverse species available it’s much more likely one of those fish are ready to rumble.  So having five other great species besides the mighty smallmouth bass just a cast away is really holding several aces in your hand.

In Praise of Largemouth

One of the most reliable Slippery Winds species is the beloved largemouth bass.  Three of our lakes have good populations of them.  In fact, two of the lakes have tremendous numbers of them.  And they are outstanding on the fly rod.  Good sized, very shallow in the spring, often surface oriented and they fight like tigers.  Sure there is a smallmouth on our Smallmouth Angler hat, but those power-packed North Country bigmouths are hard to distinguish from their small jawed cousins when it comes to battle power.

Mighty Muskies and Pike

We can’t fail to mention the mighty muskie.  They are never numerous anywhere, but in the main lake that we fish their numbers are impressive.  And when guests suddenly see 3 or 4 feet of fish following their fly right back to the boat they get a bad (good?) case of muskie fever.  And don’t forget the muskie’s cousin, the pike.  While not as large as pike in northern Canada, there are nevertheless  impressive pike in the lakes.  Just a couple years ago a guest battled and landed a heavy 40-incher while bass fishing.  You have never seen a more excited or happy fella.

Lake Trout, too!

How about shallow water lake trout on a fly rod?  Few fly folks have ever seen that, but guests on our trips have- many times.  Several lakes have lakers and in one, they concentrate in a couple shallow bays in the spring making them relatively easy targets.  And once you hook a 24-inch laker on your 8-wt you’ll become a fan of these minnow-eating trout.  Best of all, the six lakes we fish are catch-and-release to maintain a quality fisheries.

Catch the “Super Slam”– Six Species on a Single Trip

Great Accommodations

Slippery Winds Wilderness Resort offers fine accommodations and dining in a beautiful northwoods setting. Because it is a smaller lodge it can provide more personal service and do it for an excellent price. These special Smallmouth Angler hosted trips include 5 1/2  days of self-guided fishing, six nights of lodging, daily seminars, excellent meals, boats on all six lakes and a 30-minute float plane trip directly to the lodge from the Minnesota border.

Expert Host

This trip is hosted by Dan Johnson, a guide and angling instructor who has fished and explored northwest Ontario lakes and led trips there for 18 years. A recognized smallmouth bass expert, Dan has also caught numerous pike on the fly rod, plus muskie, largemouth, lake trout and walleye. You’ll get personal instruction and assistance from Dan during your trip.

Before the trip, you will also get unlimited pre-trip assistance from us at Smallmouth Angler. Dan Johnson can tell you what’s needed for a trip and what you should expect. He’ll be happy to answer all your questions and help you deal with whatever issues that may arise to make the trip a memorable experience you’ll really enjoy.

A Great Value

As you likely know, many fly fishing trips around the world are 3 to 4 times more expensive. This makes our Smallmouth Angler Canadian lodge trips a genuinely unique value. Uncrowded multi-species angling, a beautiful wilderness setting, friendly helpful staff and a highly experienced fly fishing host. And if you wish to use a guide some days, the lodge staff are available.

In addition to enjoying great fishing in a beautiful setting, you’ll have a perfect opportunity to learn all about angling’s latest frontier, lake fly fishing. We offer informative seminars each evening covering all aspects of lake fishing including: the best techniques, seasonal locations, rigging for pike and muskie, and fly pattern advice. Casting instruction is also available, along with an excellent selection of time-tested flies.

If you’re newer to lake fly fishing, these trips are an ideal introduction to this unique angling experience. If you’re a veteran lake angler, this is the perfect place to share this enjoyable fishing with like-minded folks.

Trip Package Details

May 21 – May 27, 2022

Group photo with float plane

• 5 1/2 Days of Fishing
• 6 Nights at the lodge
• Fly in from Fort Frances the first afternoon.
• Fly out after breakfast at the lodge the last day.

Package Price of $1,895. includes:

• float plane service directly to lodge
• comfortable accommodations and meals
• Boats on six different lakes
• Unlimited pre-trip advice, and individual assistance while at the lodge
• Informal seminars by each evening at the lodge. Topics include tackle, fly choices, casting instruction, warmwater fly tying and special lake fishing techniques.

Fort Frances, Ontario, is next door to International Falls Minnesota, an easy drive from Minneapolis and most Midwest locations.