Family Fishing At Its Best

Jenna McKeown visits Limberlost Lodge in Ontario's Algoma Country.
LimberLost_0322.jpg

Ever since I was a young girl, fishing has been an important way for my father and me to spend quality time together. Using a worm and a bobber, we spent many happy weekends together catching many species on our local rivers. My favourite species to catch? Smallmouth bass! They jumped and pulled so hard, no matter the size, and we both loved catching them.

Drone Shot

Now, as a young adult, it’s not often that we get the chance to go fishing together. But when we do, we want it to be the best fishing possible—especially for smallmouth bass. Over the years, we have discovered one of the top locations to catch big smallmouth bass is Algoma Country in Northern Ontario. Specifically, Limberlost Lodge is a fantastic family getaway.

It has a convenient drive-to location, clean and comfortable cabins, and, of course, Limberlost Lodge is surrounded by literally dozens of public access lakes and rivers to fish. They have boats available with all their rental cottages to fish their main lake, or you can bring your own boat to explore the region and its trophy smallmouth bass fishery. The lake is also fantastic for swimming, canoeing, and other water sports. This is the perfect combination for families or friends, which is why it is ideal for my father and me.

Releasing the Boat

We’ve learned that early spring usually meant we had to cast streamers and crayfish patterns to target the smallmouth. Smelt are abundant in the region, and any patterns that are 3-5 inches in length that resemble this food source produce exceptionally well. By June and throughout the summer, top-water fishing is at its best. Poppers in yellow, green, and black are exceptionally effective, especially in late afternoon and evening.

Casting

By mid-September, with cooling days and nights, the smallmouth become ravenous as water temperatures begin to drop. They know winter is not far away, and they begin to really chow down, trying to fatten up. Again, streamer patterns that simulate smelt, perch, or baitfish are deadly. You will generally need sink-tip or intermediate lines to get your fly patterns down in the water column to where the bass are hunting.

Smallmouth
Smallmouth Mouth with Fly

My time with my father is precious, and we want great fishing but on a reasonable budget. Coming to fish in Algoma Country and staying in a wonderful cabin at Limberlost Lodge ensures we make the most of our time together. Whether you want a trip with some fishing friends or family, coming to this region to catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass from May through October will ensure you have a wonderful experience. Check Limberlost Lodge out online, either through their website or Facebook page so you can start planning your next fishing adventure!

Dock and Boats
Ariel Shot

Book This Trip

Limberlost Lodge
PH: (705) 828-0461 Mobile & Office
Facebook

About Jenna McKeown

Jenna McKeown has loved fishing since she was a young girl. Now as a young adult attending university, she has learned the basics of fly fishing. Like all good anglers, she welcomes instruction and education on all aspects of fly fishing and fish. She hopes to inspire other young girls and women to learn more about fly fishing and the great outdoors. Currently Jenna is attending university to become a teacher focused on one day instructing primary grade students in French. Jenna is a passionate singer, songwriter and guitarist. She produces much of the music used in The New Fly Fisher.

Recommended Articles

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

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

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

Untouched Water And Total Freedom: The Flint Wilderness DIY Adventure

From trophy pike in expansive lakes to wild brook trout in hidden rivers, this Longlac destination is the ultimate base camp for the independent fly angler.

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip

Trolling for Walleye

Fishing on Dog Lake, Missanabie, Ontario

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

In Search of Brookies

Fly Fishing at Esnagami Wilderness Lodge

Muskie Myths Part 2

Baits and Lures You Should be Using

Magpie Reservoir

Excellent Drive-to Angling to Hook Big Walleye

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Slow Death Revisited

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

Pleasant Cove Resort

Setting sights on Georgian Bay Northern Pike

Smallmouth Bass Destinations

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

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.