GATEWAY NORTH OUTFITTERS
CANADIAN FLY-IN FISHING OUTPOSTS IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO, CANADA
2026 Canadian Fly In Fishing Reports
9 Remote Canadian Fly In Fishing Outposts
Enjoy fishing on a pristine lake in Northwestern Ontario, Canada and staying in our fly-in outpost cabins. Remote Canadian fishing vacations for walleye, northern pike, muskie, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. 8 of our 9 remote fly-in outpost cabins are the only cabin on the lake. Our floatplane base is located 1 hour from the US border and a short 30 minute flight will have you fishing in no time. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 7/25-8/1/2026
Group Name: Topham
Guest Comments: As always the service, accommodations, and fishing was way beyond expectations. We have been to this lake many times and found fish at our normal spots and also found a few new “go to” places. Definitely return.
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 7/23-7/28/2026
Group Name: Shipman
Guest Comments: What an incredible week at Jones Lake! Mother Nature treated us well with warm summer days and a few nighttime thunderstorms that seemed to recharge the lake, and the fish certainly approved. The fishing was nothing short of outstanding. We caught more smallmouth bass and walleyes than we could keep track of. Smallmouth were consistently aggressive, with numerous fish in the impressive 18–20 inch range. The walleyes were equally cooperative and downright impressive in size. We landed two trophies measuring just over 28 inches, along with countless others between 19 and 25 inches. The smallmouth couldn't resist topwater presentations, crushing jerk baits and poppers with explosive strikes that kept everyone grinning. Walleyes were caught primarily on jigs and Lindy rigs. Light-colored presentations produced the best results, especially combinations of silver, red, and gold. Both leeches and night crawlers worked exceptionally well. It honestly didn't seem to matter which live bait was on the hook because the fish were hungry. The fishing wasn't the only highlight of the trip. Jones Lake delivered an unforgettable wilderness experience. Throughout the week we were treated to sightings of moose, black bears, bald eagles, and plenty of ducks, making every day on the water feel like something out of a nature documentary. The outpost camp was in excellent condition. The cabins were clean and comfortable, and everything from the boats and motors to the generator performed flawlessly all week. Jones Lake is a special place that offers outstanding fishing, incredible scenery, and memories that last long after the trip is over. We're already counting down the days until we're back next year!
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 7/20-7/25/2026
Group Name: Knous
Guest Comments: Our trip was July 20th - 25th. 6 guys in total went. We caught on average of 20-30 fish a piece a day. We didn't fish real hard. Mostly in the morning and evenings with a few adventures during the day. Our fishing species target was smallmouth. We caught a large amount of numbers between the 15inch and 18 inch. With 18 being the largest and weighed slightly over 3#'s. Wind played a heavy factor in our fishing as it was quite breezy most of the time we were there.
A few of the guys elected to troll as slow as possible down the bank casting crankbaits and top waters. It didn't seem to matter which crankbait as they caught fish on a variety of them. If I were to rank colors of crankbaits, white would have a slight lead over any other colors. Top water baits also were popular with the whopper popper leading in numbers of fish.
Another group focused on shallow bays with weeds. These guys caught quite a few pike with crankbaits, top waters, and spinnerbaits. The size of fish in these shallow waters was a bit smaller, but quantities were good.
I elected deeper waters, off points and islands. Due to the wind it was difficult to hold the boat and cast towards the structure/land. I opted for resting against the bank at casting out. Bait of choice was watermelon tube on the lightest jig head I could use while keeping good feeling of the bait. Heavier tubes were likely to snag on the large amount of rocks on the bottom. Fish caught with this technique seemed to be larger. Did use drop shot with senko as well when the wind would allow. Tubes remained the number one bait and caught the larger fish.
As far as location on the lake. It really didn't matter. We caught fish literally every where we tried.
Largest Pike was caught on a creek chub crankbait trolling it at about 4 mph. behind the boat. This was a 30 inch fish. We only did this technique for about an hour all week. Several were caught on top waters and crankbaits throughout the week with the largest on that technique being 29 inches.
One walleye caught on a crankbait and two on the watermelon tube jigs. We didn't focus on this species. We didn't use the first live bait to fish at all.
One lake trout 25 inches was caught trolling in deep water with a larger deep water crankbait, white in color. Two more got off at the boat. Location for these was the deep stretch right in front of the cabin.
All-in-all we couldn't have asked for a better fishing experience. We were more about quantities than a trophy and this was the perfect lake for that. Lots of actions at all hours of the day. It didn't matter if you were the first out in the morning or the last ones' outta bed. Both caught fish.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 7/19-7/25/2026
Group Name: Woodcock
Guest Comments: We had a great time and coughed lots of fish. As always the accommodations were excellent. Some of our group had a personal best. Thanks for your attention to details!
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 7/21-7/25/2026
Group Name: Chaeney
Guest Comments: As usual Lucas and Nicole were great to work with. Everything up front was an easy process. We arrived at the headquarters and were surprised to see most of the old cabins were gone and replaced with two brand new units. The next morning we flew out on the Walleye Wagon to Highrock Lake. I have been to Canada fishing a few times, the last two with Gateway North. Last time Jones, this time Highrock. Both were excellent set ups. Great cabins and equipment. The lake at Jones was massive! Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, no way you could fish it all! So if exploration and fishing a new spot daily is your deal then you can't go wrong with Jones! Highrock is geographically interesting, and still plenty big. It has numerous islands, necks, points, etc. The first day I though it may be hard to find my way back lol! Now fishing, I suggest you read all the reports on the lakes. If you do you will notice one constant, they change week to week! Yes the lakes are full of fish but just like where you are from the bite changes. So put less weight on reports and more on the species you're after and the lake and cabin that looks like it will fit your needs! We always have a blast being outdoors and away from it all with great friends, catching fish is a bonus! With that said the departing group reported it was slow, they were right! The first two days we didn't catch near what we were used to. However, Day 3, I prob caught more walleye in a single day than any other day/trip in Canada! Day 4 was good and then on our fly out day three of us got up and drifted out from the dock and caught 18 walleye in about an hour. Quality was great. We caught over 10 walleye larger than 24" with the largest being 27". Small mouth were surprisingly elusive but the ones we caught were all trophy size. Largest 20". Pike 32". Couple of suggestions, once the heat arrives (July) just like home you gotta get up with the sunrise for the best bite! Also I had enough tackle for any scenario, but caught all but 1 fish on a jig head or lindy rig with live bait!
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 7/14-7/19/2026
Group Name: Makens
Guest Comments: We were a group of 8 that fished for five days. We exclusively fished with artificial lures. While we were mainly targeting walleye and smallmouth, we always found some pike along the way.
We all found decent success on Day 1 and ran around trying different spots and different lures.
By day 2, we began dialing in a few key patterns. We found success fishing the corners of any cuts or creeks. We also found a few bites pretty much at every beaver hut. We also began locating schools of bass and walleye in grass at 7'+ deep.
By day 3, we had established the most productive pattern: 7'+ deep with cover and current. Combine that pattern with fishing the cuts and it made for very busybdays catching fish. Current was key. We could pick up some fish in slacker water and some fish in shallower water, but the best bites were with current, grass and some depth. We kept on that pattern and it held up well for the whole trip.
We did a couple of forays into the big lake to the south without much success. It was a bit shallow in a lot of places and there's grass everywhere. We were able to pick up the odd bite here or there but had nowhere near the success that we did in the river.
The biggest pike went 37". The biggest walleye went 23" and we had numerous 20"+ smallmouth.
We had the most success throwing the following:
Watermelon and green pumpkin plastics (other colors worked but the bite was less consistent). Texas rigged, wacky rigged, weightless all worked. Senkos and crawfish/creature baits were winners.
Ned rigs in green pumpkin were deadly.
Jigs in green/blue with a watermelon/green pumpkin or similar was also very successful.
Chatterbaits were less successful overall but we found a really good bite throwing the same colors mentioned above along the river edges in current.
Some success jigging plastic swimbaits.
Limited success fishing spinner baits and crankbaits.
The one we should have thrown more: spook topwaters. Tried it late in the week and what a blast. Bass and pike absolutely smoked that lure. Full body launches out of the water and very productive.
We started our fishing days mid-morning and went at it until dusk with most boats taking a break for an hour or two mid/late afternoon.
If you fished the patterns that worked best, you could easily boat 50+ fish a day. Not too shabby for a group of old dudes that slept in all week.
If you liked to explore different patterns and different lures, or just liked throwing your favorite spinnerbait all day, you would still hit double digits every day.
All in all, our crew had a great trip.
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 7/9-7/14/2026
Group Name: Malcolm
Guest Comments: Fantastic time was had by all. We caught lots of walleye, enough for two nights fish fry's. Multiple 4 lb smallmouth bass and more pike than you could count. Eagles, bull moose, otters, and beavers. Truly memories that will last a lifetime. Until next year! Great owners and family run operation that is second to none.
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 7/1-7/9/2026
Group Name: Sluppick
Guest Comments: Our trip with GNO was wonderful. Our overnight stay in the new facility was great. Very, very nice. The short flight was smooth and Trevor was very helpful upon arrival.
The additional help from your daughters was much appreciated. The cabin was comfortable and all equipment worked well during our 8 day stay.
The fishing was awesome. We caught 260 Small Mouth Bass almost 50 Northerns and a half of dozen big Walleye.
Fished leaches, crawlers minnows and spinners. Fished single hook for bass and walleye and barbless artificial baits for the Northerns. Did our best to protect the resource. GNO is a wonderful and concerned outfitter.
Thanks so much for a Great Time.
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 7/2-7/7/2026
Group Name: Betker
Guest Comments: Fishing was excellent for walleye. The weather was stable (upper 70s with light winds). We found the most fish in the rocky points, shorelines, and around islands in 6 to 14 feet of water. All sizes but the majority were between 17 and 22 inches. Several in the 22-23 inch range and a few in the 25-27 range. The largest fish (25-27) were found mainly trolling night crawler harnesses just off the rocky areas in 15-18 feet of water. Most fish were caught using jigs and live bait. Leeches were the best but all live bait worked well. Caught several northern in the 25 to 32 inch range mixed in with the walleyes. We caught a few smallmouth (biggest 22) but didn't target them much.
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 6/30-7/5/2026
Group Name: Elkei
Guest Comments: We had a great week at Highrock. No rain for five days and alternating days of sun and clouds. We caught many walleye, northern, and smallmouth (even a few big perch) in many different spots. Lindy rigs killed the walleyes in and on the edge of weed beds (7-12 feet). Northern were everywhere, as were the smallies. We used minnows, leeches, and crawlers, and all of them worked.
Biggest fish:
Walleye - 30" (from the dock with a floating jig and minnow)
Northern - 34"
Smallmouth - 19"
What a great week of fishing, and the cabin and facilities were fantastic! We'll be back.
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 6/28-7/2/2026
Group Name: Pearson
Guest Comments: Several larger smallmouth bass 16-20"
Tons of small pike 14-22", some larger up to 35"
Lots of walleye 14-20" slower bite in the mornings
Great time had by all and look forward to returning again
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 6/26-7/1/2026
Group Name: Holman
Guest Comments: A great time had by everyone. It was a great experience being the only people on the lake and the floatplane ride was great! We had never done a trip like this and it did not disappoint. We caught over 400 smallmouth per boat, fair number of pike, and enough walleye to eat, but they were scattered and nothing consistent. It was great to be disconnected with no cell phones or internet, just good old fashion conversations and making memories in the outdoors.
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 6/27-6/30/2026
Group Name: Bisarek
Guest Comments: Gateway North Outfitters provided excellent service for our experience on Highrock Lake this year. Their attention to detail is second to none. Great lodging the night before we flew out, an excellent pilot, and well-prepared and maintained cabin/boats/docks all made for a great trip.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 6/25-6/29/2026
Group Name: Aaberg
Guest Comments: Another great fishing trip with GNO! The walleye fishing was above and beyond expectations. Larger fish on average and sometimes hard finding fish to eat. Northern fishing was great! Smallmouth were larger in size, 19-20". Caught fish in all areas marked on the map and found some others. Fantastic customer service from the entire GNO crew! We will be back next year!
Largest walleye - 27"
Largest bass - 20"
Largest northern - 34"
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 6/22-6/27/2026
Group Name: Randall
Guest Comments: Dad, Tyler, and I had a blast as we always do and Sam loved every second of it! As for the fishing report, we caught a plentiful number of bass and northern (in the usually spots) but struggled finding the walleye.
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 6/20-6/26/2026
Group Name: Pilgrim
Guest Comments: What a great time we had. You and your staff go above and beyond expectations. From the overnight cabins to the final flight out. Everything was amazing. The overnight cabins are a must. Get your groceries stay the night and you are off. Sakwite lake had everything we needed. Fishing was better than any place I have been in numbers. Thirty to fifty bass a day plus walleye and pike. I only fish for bass but caught the other two. We ate pike , walleye, and trout on three nights. One in our group fished for all four species and caught them in numbers. We even got an extra visit from the guys when they had to stop because of weather. What great conversation we had. Hunter likes breakfast burritos. Trevor is a great pilot. Smooth takeoffs and landings. Loading and unloading at the docks was a breeze. You guys take care of everything. All in our group will return in the future.
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 6/18-6/24/2026
Group Name: Castle
Guest Comments: Lake trout good all week even a few in shallower water. Largest 29 ". Smallmouth also good all week with a 20 and lots of 19+. Didn't target walleye too much but still caught quite a few. Couple 25s. Pike pretty average with not many big ones until last day when boated a really fat 42" right before calling it quits for week. Good way to end it! Cabin and service was excellent as usual! Lucas and Nicole take great care of everything and pilots Trevor and Hunter are pros. Had some weather delays but everything was communicated well and everyone was great to deal with.
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 6/17-6/22/2026
Group Name: Sieling
Guest Comments: Great walleye action. Largest 28. 12 over 20. Did not target smalleys. Largest 18. Largest Pike 31.
Great facilities and hosts. Top rated operation! Thanks to Nichole, Lucas, and staff!!
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 6/18-6/22/2026
Group Name: Wilcox
Guest Comments: Great walleye fishing! Several 20"+ walleye. 28" caught off the dock! 26.5" & 27" walleye also. Several great eaters. Many northern - largest a super thick and fat 32". Smallmouth started biting the last day, 20" was largest smallmouth. Great times and great fishing. GNO does an excellent job!
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 6/14-6/22/2026
Group Name: Secrist
Guest Comments: Great week! Walleye were tough around 10-12' - bay behind the cabin was the best walleye. Bass all over the lake. Top notch accommodations as always.
Lake: Grant Lake
Dates: 6/14-6/21/2026
Group Name: Clark
Guest Comments: Weather started cool and windy. Conditions improved, fishing was tuff early, but improved as Weather improved. Gateway North Outfitters provided wonderful opportunity for great week of fishing. We caught plenty and enjoyed our week. Already signed up for next year.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 6/17-6/21/2026
Group Name: Dawkins
Guest Comments: Good walleyes at 8-12 feet. Jigged crawlers, leeches, Gulp minnows and twisters with equal success.
Hammer handle pike everywhere (12-24"). Smallmouth action great in the morning and late afternoon on shorelines (both rocky and vegetated). Top water with foam poppers, wigglers, (black and white) , and deer hair flies. White and white/yellow streamers. Casting whopper ploppers also very productive. 30# fluoro or wire tippet a must! Overall, a great productive lake.
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 6/15-6/20/2026
Group Name: Reid
Guest Comments: Great time at Jones Lake! Tons of fish and great memories. Largest fish were 37" Northern (Caught by my 9-year-old son), 25" Walleye, and 22" Smallmouth.)
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 6/12-6/18/2026
Group Name: Plutz
Guest Comments: Always an adventure!!! Wind, rain, more wind but a helluva’ lot of fish over seven days. Off lake was pike frenzy as always. Otukamamoan was magnificent. Massive, deep, secret filled - she is a saucy mistress. Marked spots were good but others not marked proved productive. Six days of bent rods and pounding hearts.
Biggest green carp (smallie) 19.5”
Biggest lake trout 26”
Biggest water wolf (pike)maybe 28”
Biggest walleye 25”
Week capped by a wolf sighting and spectacular rainbow… do yourself a favor and book The ‘Moan.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 6/13-6/17/2026
Group Name: Videen
Guest Comments: Our trip to Eric Lake was another great experience and our second time there, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
The weather could have been better, as we dealt with cooler temperatures, rain, occasional storms, and even a bug hatch. Despite that, the fishing was solid. We caught a good number of walleyes, with the largest coming in at 27". We also landed a couple of bigger northern pike, measuring 39" and 41", which made for some exciting moments on the water.
As always, the cabin and amenities were outstanding. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Lucas, Nicole, and the entire team continue to do an amazing job making sure guests have a great experience.
We even had a loon that seemed to follow us around during the trip, which added a fun and memorable touch to the time on the lake.
There was a bit of initial skepticism about the Blackstone grill, but it ended up being a big hit with the group and got plenty of use throughout the stay.
All in all, another fantastic trip to Eric Lake. We’re already looking forward to coming back again.
Videen Crew!
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 6/13-6/17/2026
Group Name: Laker
Guest Comments: Smallmouth bass were plentiful. Most in the 2-3 lb range. Biggest northern was 34". Caught plenty in the weed beds and rocky points. Trolling for lake trout and caught 2, biggest was 25". Walleye bite was tough. Caught 3 walleye trolling but nothing on artificial bait. Great cabin location and was a great trip despite the wind!
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 6/10-6/15/2026
Group Name: Hinton
Guest Comments: Another great trip with GNO! We fought high wind for four days and stayed on the river and Jones for most of the trip. Went to Eltrut one day, but it was too rough. Caught fish below the falls and in the river above the cabin mostly. Not too many in the river below. Walleye were spotty, but we managed to get enough to eat. Bass were biting good and we saw no beds. Got them on jigs, cranks, and top water. All in all a good trip. Biggest pike 35 inches. Biggest bass 21 inches, 5 pounds! Biggest walleye 19 inches. Caught a silver pike (or some kind of hybrid) below the falls. All the equipment worked great and the large cabin was perfect with more than enough room. Highly recommend GNO!
Lake: Grant Lake
Dates: 6/8-6/14/2026
Group Name: Troup
Guest Comments: We had a great time at Grant Lake. It was our 7th trip to this lake. Weather was rain and wind most days, but the days we could fish we did real well. GNO provided excellent service as usual. Thank you! Caught 3 muskie and a lot of pike. Numerous large smallmouth bass over 3#. We are all excited to come back. PS - Lake trout were excellent this year.
Lake: Dogfly Lake
Dates: 6/10-6/14/2026
Group Name: Lyle
Guest Comments: Caught all types, lake trout, pike, and smallmouth bass. Trolling crankbaits for lake trout and pike. Pike and bass on topwater in the shallows. Flyfishing for bass on the banks with poppers and bait fish immitations.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 6/8-6/13/2026
Group Name: Perrault
Guest Comments: Amazing week of fishing, lots of every species. Total of over 500 fish roughly per boat. Largest smallmouth bass 21", many 19-20" and were on the beds. Pike up to 34", too many to count and everywhere on the lake. Walleye were easy to catch once you found them. Largest was 23". As great as the fishing was, Lucas, Nicole, and the whole organization were even better. Someone in our party had a bag lost in transit, they flew it out 2 days later when it arrived. They made the trip of a lifetime even better, and hoping to return again one day soon.
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 6/7-6/13/2026
Group Name: Mathews
Guest Comments: It was good to be back. The weather could have been a lot better. Hot the first day, then cooled off and wind blew lots. Hard to hold boat position. Fishing was slower than we were hoping for, our group caught just over 1200 fish for the stay. Largest walleye was 25", largest smallmouth bass was 19+", and a 25" lake trout. Cabin and equipment was good other than 1 motor was shifting hard.
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 6/6-6/12/2026
Group Name: Baner
Guest Comments: Great week as always. Cabins, flights, and service is second to none. Big smallmouth bass 19.5", Big walleye 27", Big northern 34". The second to last day we had the best walleye fishing on any Canada trip. Already looking forward to 2027!
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 6/6-6/12/2026
Group Name: Sather
Guest Comments: Caught many 24-26" walleyes. Lake trout really good. Northerns very good. Smallmouth was good
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 6/5-6/10/2026
Group Name: Thompson
Guest Comments: Another good trip with Gateway North Outfitters. Fished a new lake this trip, excellent smallmouth bass. Walleye were slower and scattered first couple of days and picked up after. Our best fishing was on Eltrut for walleye. Largest fish - walleye 28", smallmouth bass 22", pike 40 3/4". Multiple smallmouth in the 20" range. We will be returning same time next year.
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 6/5-6/10/2026
Group Name: Davis
Guest Comments: Great smallmouth bass fishing on the main lake. Walleye on portage and the upper bay behind the cabin. Bass hit a lot on Ned rigs. Biggest smallmouth was 18" and biggest walleye was 28". Biggest pike was 28".
Lake: Dogfly Lake
Dates: 6/5-6/10/2026
Group Name: Morgan
Guest Comments: First class outfitter. Cabin, boats, motors, and flights were all good. Fishing was tough and fish were scattered and moving. Did not catch any big fish this trip. We will be back again.
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 6/3-6/8/2026
Group Name: Dahl
Guest Comments: The Gateway team once again provided us with excellent service. The camp was well maintained with the addition of the blackstone griddle that got plenty of use. Our fishing priority was centered around smallies . We caught them just about every where on fly rod and spinning gear. A simple senko or skitter pop was all you needed. We did not keep an official count but my guess is the 4 of us caught over 50 smallies each per day . We found enough walleyes for a fish fry. The falls provided the biggest fish with several smallies over 18.
Dont forget to fish off the dock we caught smallies, pike and walleye . Our weather was sunny and warm enough for a dip in the lake.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 6/3-6/8/2026
Group Name: Cole
Guest Comments: 44" pike, 21" smallmouth bass, 27" walleye. Lots and lots. Minnows,and leeches on jigs. North end and warm water. As many fish as you want to catch. 450+ fish
Lake: Grant Lake
Dates: 6/1-6/8/2026
Group Name: Rose
Guest Comments: Caught all 4 species. The bite increased over the week. An abundance of smallmouth bass, 2 muskies - largest 39", 1 lake trout, and many pike. Great weather and warm, smallies were leaving the beds.
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 5/31-6/7/2026
Group Name: McCallum
Guest Comments: This was the first time this group had been to Highrock. The weather was quite warm over all, especially at the beginning of the week. The cabin was extremely nice and everything worked well. We caught mostly pike in the 12-20" range a handful over 30". The biggest was 34". We caught several smallmouth bass, mostly in the 13-15" range. The largest caught was 19". It took a couple of days to figure out the walleye, but multiples in the 12-20" range with the largest being a 28 and 30". Only artificial bait was used. We also several beaver, several eagles, and a moose! We will be back!
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 6/1-6/6/2026
Group Name: Lud
Guest Comments: Thank you again for another chapter in the memory book…. Cabin and amenities were perfect as always. Weather was great. Fished in tee shirts mainly. Topwater Smallmouth bite were in full force. Lots of Pike (38.5” was the biggest, but was really fat like the one who caught him), and plenty of Walleye to eat. I’d give this an 11 out of 10. Can’t wait until next year!!
Oh yeah, also saw Moose and a Black Bear!!!
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 5/31-6/6/2026
Group Name: Lorde
Guest Comments: I had a wonderful time! Joe Couillard
Cabin, boats, and all equipment in good working condition
20" bass
27" walleye
36" northern
All caught on a leech
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 5/31-6/5/2026
Group Name: Henry
Guest Comments: Fantastic trip. Bass fishing was excellent, with many large fish was excellent, with many large fish caught all over the lake. Walleye fishing was ok, did not have any problems getting enough fish for dinner. Many thanks to Lucas, Nicole, and their family for another great trip. Great flight in and out with Trevor. Already rebooked for next year.
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 5/30-6/5/2026
Group Name: Burroughs
Guest Comments: Slow bass 1st day - hot weather. Fishing improved as the week progressed. Top water bass on Whopper Ploppers, poppers. Walleyes on trolled Rapalas, spinners, and crayfish plugs. A few large pike on spoons and plugs.
Lake: Dogfly Lake
Dates: 5/29-6/5/2026
Group Name: Springer
Guest Comments: Twenty fifth year with Gateway North. That should say something. Lucas and Nicole are the best outfitters in Canada. They do everything they can to make your trip enjoyable! The cabin is outstanding! Comfortable and cozy. All the equipment works perfectly. Smooth flight in with Trevor at the controls. He’s the best! Caught a lot of big fish both smallies and northerns and just enjoyed being in the Canadian Wilderness. Booked for next year.
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 5/30-6/3/2026
Group Name: Higgins
Guest Comments: Cabin was beautiful and had everything we needed. The screened porch was a lovely treat. Great location right by the water. The boats were in great shape and we had plenty of gas and extra supplies.
We caught plenty of fish! Lots of pike that we threw back. And plenty of walleye that we ate. We got our fill and enjoyed catching and releasing when we met our quota. The staff/owners were polite, efficient and on time. Can not think of a single negative thing to say! Wonderful trip!
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 5/30-6/3/2026
Group Name: Mainini
Guest Comments: Tremendous fishing - smallmouth bass, pike, and walleye were biting more than the mosquitos.........wonderful time! Definitely will be back. Weather was great! Boats were perfect!
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 5/28-6/1/2026
Group Name: Hinderliter
Guest Comments: Thanks so much again for another great trip. We had 3 first timers this year, they all had a blast.
Fishing was below average in my 5 years experience with Canada. But still good. All species were caught by the group.
I was still unable to catch a lake trout this year lol
Bass were tough, transitioning to shallow, saw 3 confirmed beds in all our adventures. I'm sure this week that will change. They were a 1 hit wonder and if you did not get them they would not give a second chance and you had to move spots. Lots of 18" and 1 close to "20
Below the falls was our best by far. All other normal walleye spots did not produce.
No big pike but we caught a lot unintentionally!
Only a few Lakers but collectively did not troll much
Lake: Grant Lake
Dates: 5/25-6/1/2026
Group Name: Lingan
Guest Comments: Caught tons of Smallmouth with many in the 17"-19" range. Caught a bunch of pike with the biggest being 37" and 40". Caught 5 musky and lost 3. All in the mid 30 inch range. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s but overall great weather. Had a blast and cant wait to go back.
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 5/27-5/31/2026
Group Name: Toivonen
Guest Comments: Thank you again for the excellent service. Great trip! Great bass fishing again. Beautiful weather! Walleye were spotty at times but numbers improved over time on the lake.
Biggest northern - 38"
Biggest walleye - 27"
Biggest smallmouth bass - 21"
Lake: Kinewan Lake
Dates: 5/26-5/31/2026
Group Name: Dehart
Guest Comments: Weather was mid 80's and mid 50's. Water temp was 72. Bass are located on chunk rock banks and biting on top water, jerk baits, white and fire tiger are good colors. Pike are located in shallow coves in grass and weeds. They are biting on Mepps, spinner baits, and top water. Walleye are points and reefs that are wind blown. Biggest fish - 40" pike, 20.5" 5# smallmouth bass, 28" walleye. Great trip!
Lake: Eric Lake
Dates: 5/25-5/30/2026
Group Name: Gordon
Guest Comments: Nice cabin and well supplied. Fishing was good. Walleyes were slow but always had enough for lunch or dinner. Northerns were found throughout the lake and caught whether you fished for them or not. Largest was 38" and was caught on a jig and leech. Largest walleye was caught was 25" but several over 20". Bass were good near the rocks and rocky points around the lake and were very aggressive. 20.5" lots of different waterfowl. Great trip!
Lake: Fishtrap Lake
Dates: 5/23-5/30/2026
Group Name: Patton
Guest Comments: Water temps 50-54
Bass - 2-4 lbs - top water & Husky Jerks and Whopper Ploppers
Pike - 20-36" - Husky Jerk, Leeches, and spinners
Walleye - 15-24" - Husky Jerk and Leeches
Lake: Dogfly Lake
Dates: 5/22-5/29/2026
Group Name: Tullidge
Guest Comments:
Our trip to Dogfly lake was outstanding! The weather was delightful with temps in the 70’s and 80’s for the week.
We caught our share of smallmouth, Pike, and Lake trout. Fish were not on the beds but the rock reefs and the lay down timber held a lot of fish. Neds and dingers were the ticket!
We greatly appreciate Lucas and Nicole. Gateway North is the Best!
Steve, James, Henry and Robert
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 5/22-5/28/2026
Group Name: Todd
Guest Comments: Walleye’s were in the river and on windy points and wind swept islands 12’- 20’. Hair jig and minnow. Be patient they are there. Small mouth moving shallow as water warms up. Back of coves on shelf rocks. Swim baits and hair jig and minnow. Lake trout mainly trolling in 25- 40’ water flicker shad did catch them on swim baits early morning at sunrise. Caught a few northern but never was our target fish. Average size of all species of fish ran really nice. We will post pictures later.
Lake: Jones Lake
Dates: 5/22-5/27/2026
Group Name: Videen
Guest Comments:
What a week! Jones Lake managed to pack just about every season into a single trip. We kicked things off with cold, rainy conditions, powered through a day of on-and-off storms, and wrapped it all up with two beautiful days pushing 85+ degrees. Mother Nature clearly wanted to keep us on our toes.
Fishing followed suit. It started out slow, but as the weather warmed up, so did the bite. No true monsters this week, but plenty of solid action:
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Bass were active in the shallows, with many coming in the 18–22" range.
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Northerns liked the points in 5–12 feet, mostly smaller fish, though the biggest topped out at 35".
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Walleye played hard to get and were scattered, but we always managed to catch enough for a good meal—even if there were no trophies to brag about this time.
As always, the accommodations were absolutely top‑notch. Lucas, Nicole, and the entire family consistently go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome and taken care of, and we’re honestly spoiled with how great we’re treated every time.
One of the highlights of the trip was the Blackstone grill, which somehow managed to steal the spotlight from both the weather and the fish.
Some of us are heading back for round two in a couple of weeks and even have our 2027 trip booked.
We
Lake: Grant Lake
Dates: 5/19-5/25/2026
Group Name: Seitter
Guest Comments:
Biggest Muskie: 40" caught on muskie killer in shallow water on NE side of lake near the narrow entering what we named Trout Lake
Biggest Pike: 36" caught on blue and silver spoon casting off main lake point
Biggest Lake Trout: 30" caught on blue and silver spoon in narrow on NE side of lake entering the bowl (Trout Lake)
Biggest Smallmouth: 20" caught on stick bait in 15" of water SW side of lake entering SW Trout Lake
Trout: Caught a dozen or so trout all between 24-30" in shallow water (for trout). Most of the trout were caught on blue and silver Cabela's spoon or rattle trap trolling. Two were caught casting with Rapala stick bait. 5-20ft of water in narrows on either end of lake entering the trout lake bowls. Catching lake trout shallow was a ton of fun and big bonus. We kept one under 25" for dinner and it was full of eggs. Trout are obviously spawning or near spawning. They are fighters and a bucket list species to catch
Muskie: 3 muskie caught between 35-40" on either spoon or muskie killer all in shallow water rounding main lake point or entering narrows.
Pike: Pike were caught trolling crank baits or spoons on main lake points or in narrows. Lot of short pike in the 20s with many in the 30-36" range
Smallmouth: smallmouth were caught deep in 15-20" of water trolling hot-n-tots, rattle traps or stick baits or if casting, we caught a lot in shallow water on islands that have rocky outcroppings and along rocky shore in NE trout lake. First island heading to SW end of lake from cabin was hotspot. We would cast jigs or small crank baits/stick baits several times a day around this island and would catch smallmouth every stop. Catch 10-12 then back off and let them regroup then hit again later in the day or the next day and catch 10-12 every stop. Portage lake held plenty of smallmouth and we caught several each day in deep pool right at inlet.
Cabin was great and beds were most comfortable of any outfitter we have used. Bear or some animal stole the gas tank from portage lake ferry boat or we would have fished the top lake more. Could have just oared the ferry boat, but we were catching enough fish on Grant we didn't tackle that adventure.
Great trip and looking forward to planning something in 2027!
Lake: Sakwite Lake
Dates: 5/17-5/24/2026
Group Name: Demers
Guest Comments:
Lures that worked best for us:
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Crawfish-style creatures in dark red
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Tiger Stripe crankbaits in chartreuse, red, and green
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Yellow jig heads paired with white and chartreuse soft plastics flat-tail worm, or a combination of both colors
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Jig Head with black plastic Leeches with some success.
We caught the majority of our bass, along with a few pike and trout, around the two rock structures directly across the lake from the front dock using the creatures and jig heads.
Evening shoreline trolling with crankbaits was also very productive (bass, pike & trout) in all the colors listed above . Other successful fishing spots included the north falls (bass, pike, and trout) and the areas where the water flows into the lake on both sides of the lake leading up to the falls.
We caught one walleye for the week on a Jig Head and white plastic flat tail worm. Then nothing...!
We threw a lot of stuff but consitally this was the lure of choice. We also trolled the deepest part of the lake with no success. Fish finder had the fish stacked at 45' to 50' deep.
Lake: Trout Lake
Dates: 5/18-5/22/2026
Group Name: Schaefer
Guest Comments: We had a good week at our first trip to Trout Lake, but the weather gods were definitely against us the first few days - rain, sleet, snow, and wind. The cabin was very comfortable and well supplied. The GNO staff, as usual, were always helpful and responsive to our needs. Fishing was marginal at best. We caught a few good size lake trout and several small pike. On the last 2 days we got into some nice smallmouths, but we never caught a walleye the entire week. The fish finder saw a few big schools but they weren’t interested in what we had to offer.
Lake: Highrock Lake
Dates: 5/16-5/22/2026
Group Name: Lenz
Guest Comments: Quality smallmouth in numbers and size. Smaller walleye, slow to average action. Lots of small pike. High quality camp. Weather was up and down, cold snow, sun, and wind.