A Fishing Journey to Mar Mac Lodge

Since starting So Fly in 2016, we’ve been lucky enough to explore Northern Ontario’s Algoma region and several of its fantastic fly-in fishing lodges—but our journey to Mar Mac Lodge on Esnagi Lake proved to be one of the most unforgettable wilderness experiences yet. 

It was always our goal and dream to be able to introduce more people to this wilderness. Early on in the spring of 2023, we got a call from our pal Demiesha, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World—an organization that aims to break down barriers for racialized women to get into the outdoors. Demiesha’s a pretty hardcore fly fisher and is no stranger to the north, but this would be her first flight on a float plane and first trip into a remote lodge. We were stoked to share that experience with her.

Breaking Barriers in the Outdoors: Brown Girl Outdoor World Joins the Adventure

In recent years, much like us, Demiesha’s been exploring and falling in love with the Algoma region. Not just for fly fishing but also for camping, birding, and a variety of winter sports. But, I mean, who are we kidding? We all love fly fishing, and we had pike to catch. So when she called us and asked if we’d like to tag along to Mar Mac Lodge, we were SO IN!

Exploring Algoma Country by Float Plane: The White River Air Experience

After driving up and staying the night in White River, we woke up before the sun at 6 am to some light rain and cooler temps. We snagged a quick coffee and were off to White River Air. I remember seeing my first float plane base and getting that feeling of adventure—it washes over you when you see the planes on the lake pointed in the direction of a seemingly endless forest. Seeing someone else experience that for the first time might be even better. Demiesha’s excitement while weighing the gear and loading the planes was electric. It also helps that White River Air’s planes are immaculately kept, and the staff is super friendly.

Fog kept us grounded for longer than we expected, but for good reason—you can’t fly blind. Luckily, White River Air has a wicked little waiting area in a log cabin with coffee, TV, and a pool table. Basically, we already felt like we were at a lodge before ever taking off. The weather finally cleared enough for us to fly, and we headed to Mar Mac. 

Mar Mac Lodge: Classic Northern Ontario Hospitality in a Remote Wilderness Setting

Mar Mac Lodge is located on Esnagi Lake and has been operating since the 70s. Current owner, Debbie, was raised onsite and oversees the entire operation with her wicked team of guides and hospitality pros. Soon, Mar Mac will be transferring ownership to the fourth generation of the family, which has to be an amazing feeling. Mar Mac is an incredibly well-kept lodge, and from the moment we stepped off the plane and onto the grounds, we knew it was something special. Cedar cabins are dotted all over the property, with the ability to sleep a few people or a very large group. Cabins have a full kitchen and baths, or you can purchase the full meal plan. Meals are enjoyed in the amazing main lodge. 

Why Esnagi Lake Is One of Northern Ontario’s Top Fisheries for Pike and Walleye

After a quick lunch, we met our guide Alex, who would spend the next few days showing us around. We’d be targeting pike and walleye. There is also a back lake that you can walk into for brook and lake trout, but we’d be fishing the main lake. Mar Mac has a fleet of beautiful cedar strip boats to fish and explore the lake from. These boats add to the experience and really make you feel like you’re in the north as you zip by dense Boreal forest lined with bald eagles.

Our last day was maybe my favourite. We spent the morning catching walleye in preparation for a shore lunch. Demiesha is originally from Jamaica, and this would be her first freshwater shore lunch, eating walleye. The sun was out, and it was a hot summer’s day as Alex prepared the fillets and all the fixings for a great shore lunch. We ate, laughed, and explored the island where we had lunch. After that, we headed to a giant weed bed to chase pike on the fly. We all caught pike and laughed away the afternoon until we headed back for dinner at Mar Mac. After dinner, we fished more, of course, and were treated to an amazing sunset and moonrise.

The three days flew by, and before we knew it, we were waiting for our flight back. A flock of 20 loons were diving, swimming, and fishing right in front of the dock in the rising mist off the lake. Esnagi Lake is a special wilderness full of big fish and maybe even bigger eagles. Debbie and her team are a special crew of stewards, and hopefully it won’t be long until we’re back.  

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