Awesome Ontario Fishing For Walleye And Northern Pike

What an incredible fishing adventure this was! Northern Ontario's Esnagami Wilderness Lodge, accessible only by float plane, is a pristine 18,000-acre paradise with 120 miles of shoreline and over 200 islands - and better yet, it's all exclusively yours to explore as the lake's only lodge. Sue and Eric Lund have been creating unforgettable fishing memories here for 30 years, treating every guest like family. From the moment you step off the de Havilland Otter float plane, you know you're somewhere special.

Let's talk about the awesome fishing! Walleye and northern pike are the main draw. The conservation practices established there have created an incredible fishery, with walleye pushing the 30-inch mark. Northern pike provide shallow water action throughout the season with fish reaching over the 40-inch range. Find the cabbage beds and weed edges, and you'll find the pike. Snap jigging swimbaits is one of my favourite ways to catch them up shallow. A 1/2-ounce VMC Boxer or Swimbait Jig paired with a CrushCity “The Mayor” or Big Bite Baits “Suicide Shad” offers a bite-sized snack for them. And the single hook makes for an easy release over. A strong and flexible 30- or 50-pound VMC Titanium leader allows for proper bait action when snap jigging compared to other leader styles. 

Early-season anglers book trips for the fantastic river fishing for brook trout, where seasoned guides, like Ethan Tupala, lead you on an unforgettable adventure down the famous Esnagami River and to crystal-clear spring-fed lakes known as "Wonderland." These pristine waters hold brookies from 1½ to 6 pounds. These sizes there are trophy catches prized by fly anglers. And on that subject, many guests during our stay were there specifically to catch walleye and pike on the fly - a unique challenge that's surprisingly common here in mid-summer.

A standout feature at Esnagami is their fleet of handcrafted 18' cedar strip boats from B. Giesler and Sons Boat Works of Ontario. Each one is thoughtfully equipped with padded seats, landing nets, live release cradles, and reliable Mercury outboards - perfect for exploring. These boats aren't just functional; they're works of art that add to the authentic Canadian fishing experience. And some of them are equipped with big casting decks, which is perfect for fly anglers. 

The fully furnished cabins feature all the modern amenities you'd expect - hot showers, flush toilets, electricity, and comfortable beds - plus scenic decks to relax in the morning or at night. The welcoming main lodge serves as a gathering spot with its WiFi, fireplace and camp store stocked with tackle, snacks, and lodge wear. You can choose between the full-service American Plan, where hearty breakfasts and dinners are served in the main lodge's dining room, or the self-catering Housekeeping Plan where well-equipped cabin kitchens and deck BBQs let you cook at your own pace.

Every trip up North requires a shore lunch, and Esnagami knows how to do it right! The guides and staff prepared a memorable one on a beautiful island with freshly caught walleye. Nothing like enjoying perfectly cooked fish while taking in views that no restaurant can match. It can get hot in Canada during the summer and having a Maluna cooler really is an important piece of gear for any trip. The 22-quart size is perfect for two people if you’re on a fly-in to keep your drinks and snacks cold all day long. 

Their commitment to conservation shines through their Trophy Club program, established in 1990, which has led to the release of over 10,000 trophy fish. The program rewards anglers who release qualifying fish (walleye 24"+, pike 30"+, or brook trout 18"+) with custom-designed shirts and entry into draws for free trips. The season's biggest walleye and pike each earn a chance at additional free trips, while the largest brook trout takes home a custom Esnagami Lodge fly box. And before I forget, there are picturesque portage lakes too…a lot of fishing options!

The surrounding wilderness teems with wildlife - wolves, moose, and bald eagles. Nothing beats ending the day sharing fishing stories on the deck of the main lodge or your comfortable cabin. Esnagami Wilderness Lodge offers that perfect blend of incredible fishing, first-class accommodations, and the kind of personal service that keeps anglers returning year after year. For more information about planning your own Esnagami adventure, visit the website by clicking here

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