Fly Fishing in Algoma: A Complete Guide

Discover a wealth of fly fishing opportunities—plus places to stay and how to get there—in this spectacular scenic region of Ontario, Canada.

The Algoma region in Northern Ontario is a dream location for fly anglers looking for adventure targeting multi-species. With seemingly countless bodies of water, be they rivers, streams, lakes, ponds or tiny creeks, fly fishers in Algoma have the luxury of finding unpressured pristine waters throughout the region. Sure sometimes, you have to go exploring, but efforts will be rewarded. 

TNFF-brook trout
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Fly fishing in Algoma Country is growing. With the technology afforded to fly anglers now, anything with fins is wet and eats can be targeted on the fly. From small panfish such as sunfish and perch to the province’s apex predators, musky and pike, all can be successfully caught and released. 

Visit us here for a video library of the species, techniques, and locations to help you plan your Algoma adventure.

Algoma Country is a great region for all ability of anglers. From people who have never even held a fly rod to those who consider themselves lifelong enthusiasts, there are lodges, outfitters and guides in the region that are dialed in to most sportfish species to satisfy. 

So What Species Can You Catch On the Fly in Algoma Country?

Some of the more popular species to target include:

  • Smallmouth Bass

  • Largemouth Bass

  • Brook Trout

  • Rainbow Trout

  • Salmon

  • Steelhead

  • Northern Pike

  • Musky

  • Walleye

  • Panfish (perch, sunfish, rock bass)

TNFF brooktrout
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Where Can I Stay in Algoma Country? 

There are a variety of places to stay in Algoma Country—places that will satisfy almost every angler’s needs and budget. From family-friendly full-service resorts to off-the-grid do-it-yourself outpost adventures, anglers can find exactly what they are looking for here.

TNFF aerial lodge
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

DIY Outpost Camps

These adventure opportunities are great for those looking to get away from it all. Often a cabin in the woods, these outpost camps generally are the only cabin on the lake allowing the fishing pressure to be extremely low. You and your party are there on your own so you need to prepare as such. Often outpost camps will be outfitted with the basics such as cutlery, boat fuel, tableware and a propane fridge or freezer. Anglers experiencing an outpost camp will be responsible for everything else including (but not limited to) bedding, bug spray, all food and water, linens and sometimes even toilet paper. Some outpost camps have solar power for lights and wifi, while some are run solely on kerosene lamps. You may want to consider a communication device like a satellite phone, GPS locator or some other type of comm. Communicate with the outpost owner to get a clear picture of what you will and will not need to bring along with you.

Housekeeping Lodges / Outfitters

Housekeeping outfits are a step above a DIY outpost camp in that there will be a manager on-site to ensure everything goes along smoothly during your stay. Often there will be other anglers in camp. Generally, these outfits are on a larger body of water. The managers are there to ensure boats are running properly, the camp is clean and everyone is comfortable. At a housekeeping lodge, you will still be able to come and go as you please, and you will still be responsible for all your cooking and cleaning. Linens are sometimes supplied, but just like an outpost camp, you need to communicate with the lodge owner or manager to ensure you bring what you need for your adventure.

American Plan Resorts

American plan outfitters are for anglers who don’t want to worry about a thing except for the fun of catching fish. Full meals are prepared—breakfast, often a shore lunch (or bagged lunch), and dinner are provided for anglers throughout their stay. Guides are often available to guests and housekeeping staff ensure your cabin or room are cleaned and detailed every day. As a guest of an American plan outfit, you will be asked to be back at the lodge for set times for breakfast and dinner based on the lodge’s schedule.

TNFF cedarfleet dock
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

How Do You Get to Algoma Country Outfitters? 

There are a number of ways to access all three styles of adventure for fly anglers in Algoma Country. They are fun, exciting and all very different.

Drive-To

Many anglers love the flexibility of driving to their fishing adventure. It gives you the ability to head into town or do some extra sightseeing once in camp. Many DIY outpost camps are not vehicle accessible although many housekeeping, guided and American plan options are! We always recommend giving yourself a lot of time to get to your final destination as Algoma Country is a spectacularly visual region of northern Ontario! There is a LOT to see and do along your journey! 

TNFF northern lights
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Train-In

One of the more unique methods of transportation in Algoma Country is to take the rail into lodges along the train route. Departing from White River Ontario, you have the opportunity to travel in comfort and style to a variety of lodges along the route. Travelling the rails affords views and access to areas generally accessible only by float plane. It’s a very different and completely unique way to access your adventure!

Fly-in

The quintessential travel option in Ontario’s north is to access remote locations, far away from the last roads built via float plane. Labelled the “workhorse of the north”, there are still safe and reliable de Havilland Beaver’s and Otter’s in operation delivering everything from food, building supplies, fuel and of course, anglers to near-impossible adventure locations in the north. These iconic float planes are a staple and a must-experience mode of transport in the north!

TNFF-bass
(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

No matter the species, no matter the service level and no matter how you decide to get there, when it comes to fly fishing in Algoma Country, you and your adventure party are covered! Safe, reliable, comfortable and adventurous, so much of the fun of angling in Algoma is the planning of your vacation. Visit www.algomacountry.com—it has you covered to get things started for your next fly fishing adventure. The fishing is incredible from spring right through autumn and there is something for everyone in Algoma Country! 

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

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