Cracking the Code on Wakomata Lake: Finding Trophy Smallmouth at Snowshoe Camp Resort

From cozy lakefront cabins to 4-pound bass, Snowshoe Camp Resort is the ultimate Algoma fishing getaway.
algoma country smallmouth bass

It’s hard to exaggerate the fishing possibilities an angler can find in Algoma Country, Ontario.

With 28,000 square miles of beautiful Canadian wilderness, there are thousands of bodies of water to choose from, and the best fishing lodges or resorts anywhere.

Snowshoe Camp Resort on Wakomata Lake: A Smallmouth Bass Playground in Northern Ontario 

One of those resorts is called Snowshoe Camp Resort on Wakomata Lake, located in the heart of the beautiful Algoma and the Mississaugi Valley. Wakomata Lake is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. They have huge northern pike, bass, lake trout and whitefish. Whether you're looking to relax in the peaceful setting or explore this beautiful lake, the location is perfect for fishing all year round.

snowshoe camp cabins
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Early-Season Smallmouth Fishing on Wakomata Lake

Our visit to Snowshoe Camp Resort was in late June at the end of the early bass season available in parts of Algoma Country, with many bass having finished their annual spawning and with recovery mode kicking in, we knew we would have to do a little scouting to find the bigger bass this lake is known for. Early morning outings were not really an option due to a cold front arriving, but enjoying a hearty breakfast in the cozy cottage was a welcome commodity in the peaceful wilderness surroundings with excellent views of the lake from the kitchen table.

Rock Points, Sunlight, and Post-Spawn Bass Behaviour

The higher the sun rose, the better the bass bite was going to be, especially near the many rocky points on Wakomata Lake.

smallmouth bass
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Tried some topwater, but that was a no-go. Threw the jerk bait around a while with similar results, so picked up the medium action spinning rod, rigged with a Ned rig and soft plastic crawfish imitation and began hopping the bait off bottom at each rock point I could find.

Bingo, found the bigger smallmouth bass hunkering just off bottom between 10  to 12 feet of water. The bass fought hard with only a few jumps, but finding fish was no longer an issue.

Hooked, caught and lost my share of thick-bodied Wakomata Lake smallies up to four-plus pounds and many in the three-pound range roaming the rock piles in the afternoons.

Wakomata Lake is a very clear lake and easy to navigate, with not a lot of dangerous boat navigation. Common sense and a quick rundown of the lake with the resort owners will lead you in the right direction for this lake’s bass.

snowshoe camp beach
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Comfortable Lakeside Cabins at Snowshoe Camp Resort

Snowshoe Camp Resort offers a range of accommodations to suit your needs. They have cozy and spacious cabins, all with wood stoves (hardwood included) for those chilly nights. The six cabins are all lake front with outdoor fire pits (softwood included), decks & BBQs. You can bring your own boat and dock for your stay right on the property. All of the cabins are equipped with modern amenities, full bath, kitchens including utensils & cookware, coffee maker and microwave.

wakomata lake
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Think about Snowshoe Camp Resort this year when you're making plans for your next Ontario angling vacation.

Snowshoe Camp Resort

9538b Highway 129, Thessalon, Ontario 
Web: https://snowshoecamp.com/
PH: (705) 206-0447

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

River Run Walleye

The Walleye Fishing Adventures Abound in Ontario's Algoma Country

Wilderness WAlleye

Fishing Jumbo Perch, Walleye and Pike at Kanipahow Resort

Hawk Lake Lodge

A Father & Son Fishing Trip in Northern Ontario

Sweeping the Basin

October is a Great Time to Fish for Ontario Crappie

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Summertime Walleye

Fish for Walleye, Muskie or Smallmouth on the Indian Lake Chain.

Creatures on the Fly: On the Hunt for Brook Trout

Angling in Algoma Country means a chance to reel in some of the best brook trout in the world.

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!

The Right Tool for the Job

Check out this guide to gear up like a pro.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Go Shallow For More Walleye

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

Lake of the Muskies: An Angler's Paradise in Northwest Ontario

It’s not a question of will you catch a musky, but of how many.

The Eagle has Landed

If you're looking to make your Ontario fishing dreams come true, this is the place to do it.

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Fat Finesse Worm Bass

Learn a Go-To Technique for Fishing Bass

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.

Spring Walleye

Try These Tips on Your Next Ontario Walleye Fishing Trip

Green Wilderness Lodge

Fishing on Lake Mattagami