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

A Walleye Fly-in

Fly-in to Remote Northern Ontario With Hearst Air

Five Star Fishing

Birch Island Resort in Sunset Country is a beautiful resort offering world-class fishing.

Wilderness Walleye

Bad Weather didn't stop the Walleye from biting on Mattagami Lake.

Fly-In Smallmouth

A Northern Ontario fishing trip to Hastie Lake.

Big Water Fall Walleye

Find out why Fall Walleye are a favourite for this Ontario fishing blogger.

Fishing: the Common Language

Four Anglers Find Ways to Go Beyond Words on Lake of the Woods

Goulais River Muskie

A Hidden Gem for Ontario Muskie

Soo Guides

Three guides will help you tackle that trophy fish.

Troutfly Lake Outpost

Everything You Need to Know about Your Trip to Troutfly

Landing Lake Trout at Camp Quetico

Choose from 40+ lakes in the heart of Quetico Provincial Park

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

Catching Bucket List Walleyes at Dogtooth Lake Resort

The Ontario Experience visits Dogtooth Lake in Sunset Country

Reid's Birch Island Resort

Drive-to Fishing in a Remote Setting

Terrific Topwater Bass of Lake Onaping

Lake Onaping Lodge in Northeastern Ontario.

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

An Epic Fly-in Experience for Trophy Pike.

A Fitting Final Fling

First days of spring present us with some of the best fishing.

Go Shallow For More Walleye

Walleye anglers think the fish are always in at least ten-foot or deeper. They're wrong!

Terrific Temagami Bass

Northland Paradise Lodge offers year-round outdoor adventures

High Water on the Woods

When fishing in high water, there are a few ways to navigate them and land your trophy muskie.

Beasts of the Musky East

Eastern Ontario is a hotspot for musky anglers with big waters that hold giant muskies.