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

Why Anglers Are Falling for Golden Lake in Ontario’s Ottawa Valley

From trophy bass to beachside cottages, Golden Lake blends serious fishing with relaxed cottage life.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Lakair Lodge

Largemouth bass fishing on Lake Nipissing

Largemouth Bass At Westbay Cottages

Fish TV takes a trip to Northeastern Ontario

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

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

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

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!

The Largemouth Show

Fishing Fall Bass in the St. Marys River

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

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

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Miles Bay Camp

Secluded fishing attracts anglers to Miles Bay on Lake of the Woods

The Best of Both Worlds

From spring right through to late fall there are species that you can target close to the home base in the Spanish River

Salmon Fishing

The Michipicoten River is a Sleeper for Chinook

Smallmouth Bass in Sunset Country

It's great to be a smallmouth angler in Sunset Country because of the numbers and size of bass.

Small Lakes That Fish Big, Really Big Bass

Granary Lake Retreat is one of Ontario’s hidden gems.

Algonquin Brook Trout

A Fishing and Canoe Trip on Algonquin's Upper Nipissing River