Best Bass Baits for Lodge Trips

Sure-fire baits and techniques that have resulted in success at Northern Ontario fishing lodges

So, this is the year you’re finally making the journey to Northern Ontario to experience the world-class bass fishing everyone else is raving about. You have heard about our pristine wilderness lakes and rivers that inhabit both numbers and trophy-sized bass that sometimes never see a lure pass their nose all year long!

The same lakes that countless bald eagles soar and glide above, the same lakes that the mighty moose and whitetail deer quench their thirst, the same lakes black bear and lynx swim across and offer bass anglers jaw-dropping photography opportunities.

Kalonka-Lures-01

Northern Ontario bass fishing experiences are filled with memory-making moments that inspire visitors to return year after year.

The incredible bass fishing is only part of the entire adventure.

There is so much to discover in Ontario’s north country for the travelling bass angler, yet the task of preparing for a trip can be a little overwhelming in deciding on which artificial baits and lures to bring.

Which techniques and tactics catch the most bass?

What baits catch the biggest bass?

Here is a quick rundown of some of the sure-fire baits and techniques that have resulted in success on each trip to a Northern Ontario fishing lodge.

Kalonka-Lures-02

Due to the earlier open season opportunities in these areas, it is best to check local regulations before booking your bass adventure and ensure each location you consider has the earlier open season you wish to experience prior to putting down the deposit for your vacation.

Some of our most successful bass fishing road trips to Northern Ontario have taken place in either late spring from mid-May to late June and again in early September to late October when some of the biggest bass of the year are caught with regularity.

Kalonka-Lures-03

Baits of choice would include noisy topwater hard baits like poppers, prop baits, and walking-style baits that provoke bass to strike on just about any lake you wish to fish. Suspended jerk baits and tight wobbling crankbaits find bass fast. Soft-bodied shad baits twitched below the surface are absolutely lethal in northern Ontario. Throw in some tube jigs, three to four-inch soft-bodied minnow baits, and imitation crawfish baits rigged on small jig heads and you have the arsenal to dominate just about anywhere you decide to vacation.

Kalonka-Lures-04

Kalonka-Lures-05

You do not have to bring the entire kitchen sink of bass baits that could weigh you down if flying into a remote location for world-class trophy smallmouth bass. Stocking up instead on the aforementioned baits in some of the colours that give you confidence will catch bass.

Kalonka-Lures-06

Some of our favourite tones include browns, greens, and baitfish tones like perch or silvers.

Keep it simple.

Keep it light.

And, you will be well-armed to catch bass from sunrise to sunset on your Ontario vacation.

About Karl Kalonka

It's possible Karl's love for fishing began as early as the age of five. His parents took the kids on weekend trips across Ontario fishing for panfish, catfish, and bass. "I started with a bobber and worm from the time I was five years old," says Karl. These days, he has the enviable task of doing what he loves for a living, travelling across Ontario fishing, filming and producing two outdoor series, Extreme Angler and Crappie Angler TV.

Recommended Articles

Fat Finesse Worm Bass

Learn a Go-To Technique for Fishing Bass

Slow Death Revisited

This technique is used to slow down the walleye bite transitioning from spring to summer.

Guardian Eagle Resort

A Fly-in, Full-Service Resort in Ontario's Sunset Country

10 Tips For Ice Fishing Safety

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe day on the hard water

Summer Fishing Patterns for Multi-Species

Bob Izumi discusses tips for different species and how to catch them when summer temperatures soar.

Epic Ice in Northwestern Ontario

An ice fishing report from the Northwest shows it could shape up to be one of the best ice fishing seasons ever.

Multi-Species Magic

Cedar Point Resort on Cedar Lake is a drive-in camp with the fabulous fishing of a remote fly-in.

Fishing for Muskie on the French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Ghost River Lodges

Remote, Boat-in Fishing on Marchington Lake

The Lake of Many Bays

Fly-in Fishing at Pine Portage Lodge

Trophy Pike & Ribs

Fishing at Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Big Smallmouth Bass

Fly Fishing at Branch's Seine River Lodge

Go Junk Fishing

Can't Find the Pattern? Do This Instead!

Walleye Fishing at Waterfalls Lodge

Waterfalls Lodge offers a wide variety of angling opportunities.

Lady Evelyn Lake

Get to Know This Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

Fish'n Canada heads to Lake Temiskaming to tackle Ontario Walleye.

Indian Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits Ontario's Sunset Country for large active musky

Easy Pickin's for Northern Ontario Panfish

Ice fishing for crappies on a lake in Northwestern Ontario.

5 Things to Know When Buying Your First Fly Rod

Learn a few tips and tricks when purchasing a fly fishing rod.

River Lake Trout Techniques

Some techniques to help you catch Lake Trout in the untraditional river setting across Ontario.