Discovering the Wild Beauty of Fishing Sunset Country
Over the past year, our team logged thousands of miles fishing in Sunset Country — an unforgettable journey filled with stunning scenery, friendly faces, and, of course, world-class fishing. This province is home to approximately 250,000 lakes, each with its own unique story to tell. As we reflect on our experiences, a few special trips stand out as highlights in a season packed with memorable moments.
Smallmouth Bass Bonanza at Branch’s Seine River Lodge
One of the standout adventures from the past year took place in the spring when Al and I headed north to Branch’s Seine River Lodge in the Atikokan region of northwest Ontario, nestled in the heart of Sunset Country. Known for its incredible biodiversity and fish-filled waters, the area around Atikokan offers something for every angler. Our mission this time? Smallmouth bass.
With rods rigged for everything from muskie to crappie, we zeroed in on smallmouth and hit the water. This region’s diversity is what keeps us coming back year after year. Each trip includes visits to familiar haunts and a few brand-new lakes. On this occasion, we were greeted with a promising report: the smallmouth bite was on fire.
As soon as we launched the boat, the action started. Tubes, a must-have bait for smallmouth, proved their worth once again. Whether you’re fishing early spring, mid-summer, or fall, a tube is a consistent producer. That, along with a trusty Rapala X-Rap, is a deadly one-two punch for bass throughout the year.
The Seine River system is ideal for exploration. The lodge sits strategically between two dams and is surrounded by interconnected lakes and narrows rich in current and structure—perfect smallmouth habitat. We hadn’t been on this particular lake before, but within minutes we were doubled up on bass and even mixed in a few northern pike. Big brown swirlers surfaced in a classic Canadian doubleheader, each angler wondering who had the bigger fish. This kind of fishing—fun, fast, and full of surprises—is what makes Ontario so special.
Trophy Walleyes at Manitoc Lodge on Perrault Lake
Another unforgettable experience came at Manitoc Lodge on Perrault Lake, located just a short drive north of the Minnesota border. With nearly 50 miles of pristine shoreline, Perrault Lake offers easy access to endless fishing opportunities—and the lodge itself is far from rustic. Steve, Christine, and Jeremiah welcome guests like family, and the facilities, including beautifully maintained log cabins, make for a comfortable stay.
We were there for walleye, and the lake didn’t disappoint. Using electronics to target deep structures in the 15 to 25-foot range, we quickly found fish. Our technique of choice was the Jigging Rap, a high-efficiency presentation perfect for covering water and triggering aggressive bites. In no time, we had multiple hook-ups and located large schools of fish using sonar before dropping a line.
Then came the moment every angler dreams of—a giant walleye that rivaled any we’d seen in years. It was so big that our standard net wasn’t enough. We pulled out our largest “King Kong” net to secure the fish. The battle was worth it; the walleye was possibly the biggest I’ve ever caught. That fish alone is enough reason to put Manotak Lodge on any angler’s must-visit list.
Fins and Fur at Brace Lake Outfitters
When it comes to combining fishing and hunting, few destinations rival Brace Lake Outfitters in Ontario. In one of our most exciting adventures, Ty Sjodin and I flew into the remote lodge with two goals: chase trophy walleyes and northern pike, and for Ty, harvest a big black bear with a bow. According to lodge operator Kyle Pulaski, our chances were high—and he was right.
Brace Lake delivered fast and furious multi-species action. Pike were stacked in the weed beds, and walleyes could be found nearly everywhere. We used portable electronics to shorten our search time dramatically. It wasn’t long before we were into fish. Depth finders lit up with activity, guiding us to thick schools of walleye.
Packing light was essential. When flying into remote Canadian lodges, every piece of gear must serve multiple purposes. We brought setups that could handle everything from shallow weedline pike to deep-structure walleye. That flexibility proved key to a successful trip.
Jigging Deep for Ontario Gold
As our adventure at Brace Lake continued, the pattern became clearer. The walleyes were stacked on deeper structure—sunken humps in 22 feet of water—and they were biting. Jigging Raps in perch color were the ticket, ripping through the water column and triggering vicious strikes. While finesse baits like jigs with soft plastics and shallow-diving crankbaits had their place, the Jigging Rap proved to be the most efficient tool for the job in deep water.
The electronics made all the difference. Using a portable Humminbird Helix 5, typically reserved for ice fishing, we were able to quickly map the lake’s perimeter and mark key fish-holding structures with the help of a Zero Lines card. Even though the lake didn’t have detailed contour maps, having the basic shape was invaluable. With each pass over a hump or drop-off, we marked fish and dropped GPS waypoints, creating a digital treasure map of feeding zones.
Brace Lake is part of a larger system, combining Meadow, Arrow, and Brace lakes—an interconnected wilderness rich in walleye. And the average size of the fish? Simply outstanding. Catch after catch of chunky, aggressive walleyes kept us smiling.
World-Class Hospitality in the Heart of the Wilderness
One of the most impressive aspects of Brace Lake Outfitters wasn’t just the fishing—it was the people. Kyle and Terry, the husband-and-wife team running the lodge, did it all. From managing meals and cabins to guiding and raising a toddler, their dedication was nothing short of inspiring.
Guests were treated to gourmet meals in the middle of the wilderness, with five-star service that included everything from handcrafted appetizers to delicious desserts. It’s no wonder the lodge draws loyal guests year after year. Combine that hospitality with stunning natural beauty and world-class angling, and it’s easy to understand why Brace Lake stands out.
By the end of the trip, I was sore from catching so many walleyes and pike. And my buddy Ty? He achieved his goal with a magnificent black bear taken by bow. It was a storybook adventure made possible by the tireless efforts of our gracious hosts.
Chasing Giants on Lac Seul: Houseboat Heaven
Of all our trips across Ontario, none captured our imagination quite like Lac Seul. This expansive, muskie-rich fishery is a dream destination—and there’s no better way to experience it than from a floating lodge. We partnered with Lac Seul Floating Lodges, setting up base on a luxurious houseboat that offered all the comforts of home with the mobility to stay on top of the bite.
This setup was the ultimate way to fish a massive body of water. Spacious, fully equipped, and floating in the heart of prime muskie, walleye, and pike territory, the houseboat allowed us to maximize our time on the water and minimize travel.
Then came the moment we had been waiting for—a true Lac Seul giant. The rod loaded up heavy as a massive muskie surged beneath the boat. The fight was intense. The adrenaline? Off the charts. After a series of tense runs and careful netting maneuvers, the beast slid into the bag. It was a fish of a lifetime, a dream realized on one of Canada’s most iconic lakes.
