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

An Angler’s Perspective on Northern Ontario

Find Your Favourite Fishing Adventure in the North.

Piecing Together the Muskie Puzzle

How looking for loons can lead us to the big fish!

Ice Shelter Saviours

3 Essential Tips For Maintaining Your Shelter This Ice Fishing Season

Cedar Lake Showdown

Cedar Lake, like so many other Ontario waters, is loaded with muskies.

Multi-Species Fly-Fishing

The Top 5 Flies to Have in Your Fly Box.

Beaverland Bass on Marten River

In search of smallmouth bass at a traditional Northern Ontario fishing camp.

Equipment that's NOT Fly Fishing Related

Here are the (often forgotten) items anglers should have in their kit to ensure maximum success.

The Best of Ontario

Home to World-Class Fishing & Hunting

Hit The Hard Rock Cafe

Ice fishing for jumbo perch and crappies in Northern Ontario.

Against the Grain

Smallmouth fishing in the heart of walleye country.

Experiencing Prince Edward County - The Angler’s Way

Walleye fishing on the world-famous Bay of Quinte.

Fishing Northern Ontario

Hitting The Road With Fish TV

Dog Lake Walleye

This lake has it all, but the incredible walleye fishing is what brought us back

Dogtooth Lake Resort Smallmouth

A drive-in smallmouth bass trip to remember

Oles Adventure Resort

Quality smallmouth bass fishing on Whitefish Lake

Speed is Key When Fishing for Muskie in Northern Ontario

Anglers need to balance the size of their lure with the speed of their retrieve.

Smallmouth Bass Destinations

From rivers to lakes, smallmouth bass are found throughout Ontario.

Bass Love the Grass

Northern Ontario is home to incredible fishing for both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

The Muskie: A Lean Mean Fighting Machine

Ontario is the number one Muskie destination on the planet.

The Best Brook Trout Fishing

Discover world class fishing in Northern Ontario—home of the world record brook trout!