Exploring Ontario’s Wilderness: A Journey Through Canada’s Premier Fishing Destinations
A Year of Adventure in Ontario
Over the past 12 months, we’ve logged thousands of miles crisscrossing Canadian fishing in search of unforgettable experiences, breathtaking scenery, and—of course—world-class fishing. With approximately 250,000 lakes spread across the province, each one with its own unique character and ecosystem, the opportunities for anglers are nearly endless. From the pristine wilderness of Sunset Country to remote fly-in lakes, Ontario delivers a fishing adventure like no other.
Springtime Smallmouth at Branch’s Seine River Lodge
Our first spring trip took us to one of our favorite destinations—Branch’s Seine River Lodge near Atikokan in Northwest Ontario. Nestled in one of the most biologically diverse regions of Sunset Country, this lodge provides access to countless fishing opportunities, including pike, muskie, walleye, crappie, and most notably, smallmouth bass.
When we spoke with lodge owners Lori and her husband about conditions, their enthusiasm was contagious. “We’re really catching a lot of smallmouth,” Lori reported—and that was all we needed to hear. The Seine River system, with its complex network of lakes, narrows, and moving water, creates the ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. And our timing was perfect. 
Launching the boat, we quickly rigged up with proven smallmouth lures, including tubes and the ever-reliable X-Rap. These two baits are staples in our smallmouth arsenal year-round. It didn’t take long to find success. Double-headers were common, and the action was fast and furious. The mix of fish species in the area meant you never knew what would strike next—pike, bass, or something in between.
The lodge’s central location between two dams gives anglers easy access in every direction. The scenic waters and abundant structure create ideal conditions for both exploration and consistent fishing. The combination of accessibility, habitat diversity, and fish population makes Branch’s Seine River Lodge a must-visit for anglers seeking both numbers and variety.
Trophy Walleyes at Manitoc Lodge, Peralta Lake
Another standout memory from our Canadian adventures was our trip to Manitoc Lodge on Peralta Lake. Located just north of the Minnesota border, Manitoc Lodge offers exceptional comfort and hospitality in a wilderness setting. Owners Steve, Christine, and Jeremiah make you feel like family, and the beautiful, well-kept log cabins feel more like a vacation retreat than a rustic camp.
Peralta Lake boasts nearly 50 miles of shoreline, and the lodge sits right in the middle, making it an ideal jumping-off point for anglers. With so much water to explore and a healthy population of walleye, every outing holds promise. Using electronics to find fish-holding structure, we covered water quickly and efficiently.
Once we located the right spots—typically in 15 to 25 feet of water—it was game on. Jigging Raps proved deadly on these deep-water fish, and the results were impressive. One walleye in particular may go down as one of the largest we’ve ever landed, a true trophy by any measure. Catching a fish of that caliber on just our second spot of the day was a testament to the quality of this fishery.
Fly-In Adventure at Brace Lake Outfitters
As the season progressed, one of our more unique trips brought us to Brace Lake Outfitters for a “fins and fur” adventure. My fishing partner Ty Sjodin had his heart set on bowhunting a black bear, while I focused on chasing walleyes and pike. According to lodge operator Kyle Pulaski, our odds of success on both fronts were excellent—and he wasn’t wrong.
Brace Lake is a dream for multi-species anglers. The pike were stacked in dense weed beds, while the walleyes could be found almost everywhere. With the help of portable sonar units, we quickly pinpointed productive areas, maximizing our time on the water. The lake’s natural beauty, combined with the abundance of fish, created a truly memorable experience.
One important aspect of fly-in trips like this is packing smart. With limited gear space on the bush planes, anglers need to travel light but effectively. By bringing versatile tackle that works across species and depth ranges, you can be ready for anything the lake throws at you.
Stay tuned for the next part of our Ontario fishing adventure, where we’ll share even more unforgettable moments, techniques, and destinations from our year on the water.
Jigging Success and the Importance of Electronics
As our Brace Lake adventure unfolded, the jigging wrap proved to be an unmatched tool for targeting deep-water walleyes. We were sitting in about 22 feet of water, just off a sunken hump, and it was loaded with fish. While I kept a few shallow-water baits ready—a shad dancer crankbait and a VMC Moon Eye jig paired with a Big Bite plastic—for this outing, the deep presentation dominated.
It wasn’t just about the lure, though. What made this pattern truly productive was pairing efficient presentation with the right electronics. I used a compact Humminbird Helix 5, typically reserved for ice fishing, rigged with a portable transducer bracket. It included a Zero Line card, giving me an outline of the lake’s shape even though detailed contour maps weren’t available.
That outline was essential because Brace Lake is part of a much larger system connected to Meta and Era Lakes. Mapping out humps, points, and fish marks with GPS coordinates helped us dial in precise spots. Many fish were stacked tightly in specific locations, and once identified, we could catch one nearly every drop.
Perch-colored jigging wraps were especially effective—hooking fish solidly and efficiently. And while catch-and-release was the name of the game, it was hard not to think about how good a shore lunch would be with a couple of those walleyes!
Hospitality and Wild Beauty at Brace Lake
A big part of what makes a fishing trip memorable is the people behind it—and Kyle and Terry at Brace Lake Outfitters are the heart of this operation. Somehow, they manage the entire camp top to bottom while raising a two-year-old—no small feat. Their dedication, warmth, and top-tier hospitality shine through, and it’s no wonder so many guests return year after year.
The food alone is worth the visit. From appetizers to dessert, the dining experience at Brace Lake is consistently five-star. Combine that with unspoiled wilderness in every direction, and it becomes clear: this is the Canadian dream in full color.
Fishing? Phenomenal. We caught walleyes and pike until our arms ached. And Ty? He landed the black bear he had been dreaming of. It was a trip that delivered everything we hoped for—and more.
The Bucket List Trip: Lac Seul Houseboat Adventure
Of all the trips that year, one stood out as a true “bucket list” experience: a five-day journey to Lac Seul aboard a floating lodge. If you’re unfamiliar with Lac Seul, it’s one of the crown jewels of Ontario’s fisheries, home to trophy-class muskie, northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
We partnered with Lac Seul Floating Lodges, and the setup was nothing short of incredible. These are not your average houseboats—they’re clean, roomy, fully equipped with modern amenities, and designed with anglers in mind. The beauty of this kind of setup is the mobility. You can tow your entire cabin to prime fishing grounds and stay right in the heart of the action.
And the fishing delivered. On one memorable morning, we hooked into a true muskie giant. The fight was heart-pounding—the fish diving under the boat, pulling drag, and refusing to give up. After a few tense moments and some expert net work, we landed her: an absolute beast and the fish of a lifetime. The kind of fish that reminds you why you do this.
If you’re seeking a full-immersion wilderness experience where the fishing is world-class and your basecamp floats with you, Lac Seul is the place.
