Ontario Smallmouth Fishing in Sunset Country is a top destination for bass anglers. Watch Al Lindner and Gary McEnelly catch bass in what Al has coined in the Smallmouth Capital of Ontario.
In Ontario, the Atikokan region—often referred to as the “smallmouth capital of the world”—should be at the top of your list if you’re an avid fisherman seeking the best smallmouth bass fishing experience.
Al Lindner and Gary McEnelly went off on a three-day Ontario smallmouth fishing trip in the Atikokan region, which is a portion of Ontario’s well-known Sunset Country. With numerous large catches, skillful tactics, and stunning landscape, their vacation was nothing short of amazing. 
This is the journey for you if you’ve ever wanted to fish for tough smallmouth bass in pristine backcountry lakes. Their experience, fishing advice, and the reasons you should think about making this your next trip are all broken down here.
Ontario Smallmouth Fishing Paradise
When it comes to smallmouth bass fishing, Atikokan is a hidden gem. Unspoiled nature, pristine lakes, and some of the world’s best bass fishing can be found in this isolated area.
Nim Lake, the entry point to a chain of monster smallmouth bass lakes, is where Mac and Al began their journey. They had the ideal start to their trip when they caught a gorgeous smallmouth on topwater inside the first ten minutes of fishing.
“There’s absolutely nothing better than smallmouth on topwater!” Al
Their strategy was straightforward: visit different lakes every day, try out new methods, and pursue the enormous football-shaped bass that Atikokan is famous for.
Tested Strategies for Smallmouth Achievement
Understanding fish behavior and adjusting to shifting conditions were key components of Mac and Al’s smallmouth bass fishing strategy.
These are a few of their main conclusions:
1. The smallmouth Admire the Sunlight
Smallmouth bass flourish in direct sunlight, in contrast to certain species that favor shade. Why? Crawfish are drawn to rocky shorelines and weed borders by sunlight, which then attracts hungry bass.
2. It Matters Where You Fish
During the journey, they discovered that the most fish were found in island saddles, inside weed lines, and shallow rock formations.
“We decided to try some of these rocks and shallow inside weed lines, and it worked! Inside edges are what these fish adore. Mac
3. The Influence of Skillful Fishing
Although smallmouth can be aggressive, the finest results are frequently obtained through finesse fishing.
Among their best methods were:
• Using a Marabou Jig to stimulate trailing smallmouth into hitting;
• Jigging with a VMC Halfmoon Jig and soft plastics (Big Bite Baits Sensation Smasher).
• Using topwater baits for explosive hits, such as the X-Rap Pop and Skitter Prop
Among the trip’s most awesome moments? a double hook-up with skillful methods. Mac saw three more fish after Al as he pulled in a nice bass. He demonstrated the effectiveness of finesse methods in these lakes by hooking one of them after dropping his bait rapidly.
Crucial Equipment for Canadian Smallmouth Fishing
To catch these strong bass, Mac and Al needed a specific tackle. These essential pieces of equipment are suggested if you’re organizing a trip:• Rod: 7’3″ Medium-Light, Extra Fast Action St. Croix Legend Tournament BassSufix 832 (10 lb braided) with an 8 lb fluorocarbon leader; reel: Daiwa Tatula MQLT 3000; top lures:◦ Jigs: Marabou Jig, VMC Halfmoon Jig◦ Soft Plastics: Sensation Smasher Big Bite BaitsSkitter Prop and X-Rap Pop are topwater baits; Rapala X-Rap is a jerkbait; and VMC Redline Series is a spinnerbait.
Fishing at Isolated Lakes in the Wilderness
Navigating unfamiliar territory is one of the most difficult tasks in Atikokan’s isolated waters. Most lakes here aren’t mapped, meaning anglers have to create their own charts.
Humminbird AutoChart Live can help with that. Mac and Al gained a significant advantage by using this program to map out reefs, drop-offs, and structure.
“We turned on AutoChart Live as soon as we left the dock, so we could start mapping the area while we fished.” Mac
If you’re heading to a remote lake, having a good sonar system with mapping capability is a game-changer.
Why You Need to Visit Atikokan
Beyond the fishing, Atikokan offers an unmatched wilderness experience. Jeremy’s Outfitting Service, located in the area, offers fly-in fishing excursions and fully furnished outpost camps.✔ Canoe trips in Quetico Park
✔ Trophy smallmouth, walleye, pike, and lake trout fishing
“We host anglers from across the U.S. and even Europe. Many of them rebook the same week every year!” – Jeremy
Whether you prefer casting from a boat or paddling through pristine backcountry waters, this region is a bucket-list destination for any serious angler.
Plan Your Trip Today!
Mac and Al’s Atikokan fishing adventure was filled with non-stop action, massive smallmouth bass, and unforgettable moments.
If you love bass fishing, this is the place to be. The combination of remote wilderness, trophy-sized smallmouth, and breathtaking scenery makes it an absolute dream for anglers.
📍 Ready to book your trip? Contact Jeremy’s Outfitting Service and start planning your trip of a lifetime.
🎣 Have you fished Atikokan or another top smallmouth destination? Share your experiences in the comments!
