
Birchland Cottages

For many fly fishers, the search to find large smallmouth bass on a fly is a never-ending quest. Good news, there is a place in Northern Ontario that has bountiful numbers of large smallmouth bass… it is Algoma Country!

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
In the region east of Sault Ste. Marie along the Trans-Canada Highway, there exists some incredible public access lakes and rivers that hold good populations of smallmouth bass. One of the best places to stay is at Birchland Cottages, located just off the highway near the small town of Thessalon. This drive-to facility is just over an hour from the Canada/American border or Sault Ste. Marie Airport!

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
Birchland Cottages is located on Clear Lake which has a very healthy population of smallmouth bass that range in size from two to six pounds. Of equal importance, they have numerous other lakes in the area with public access that have solid populations of smallmouth bass and other species. This means anglers can try different lakes every day!

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
Birchland Cottages has spacious and comfortable cabins that are perfect for anglers and their friends. From groups of two to eight, they have cabins that can accommodate everyone. The cottages have fully appointed kitchens with all dishes, cutlery, and appliances. You just bring your own food and spirits, then you are all set for a very affordable trophy fishing trip!

Northern Ontario loon. (Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
The best periods for catching smallmouth bass are May/June and September/October. Many of the lakes have large populations of smelt or other baitfish, which explains why the bass reach such massive average sizes. Because the bass are so large here, we recommend you use a minimum of size 6 weight rods, with most fly fishers using 7 weights for casting and fighting these big fish. It is important to bring a variety of flylines to explore all parts of the water column. You will need a floating line (bass tapers are best for turning over large wind-resistant flies), an intermediate line (for use with streamer patterns), and either a sink-tip or full-sinking flyline. Topwater action can be good in June and September, but the best results are obtained with streamers throughout the period.

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
Best patterns for May/June and September/October include streamers such as Murdich Minnows in white, white/brown, or white/green. White Zonkers with Bead-Heads are also deadly in sizes 4 or 6. For topwater action, poppers in sizes 6 to 8 in yellow, green, and black produce solid results.

Close up of Murdich Minnows. (Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
Anglers who love catching giant smallmouth bass will love this region of Northern Ontario. Birchland Cottages is perfectly located to provide you with excellent access to great trophy fishing for big smallmouth bass... all at very affordable prices!
BOOK THIS TRIP
Birchland Cottages
PH: (705) 842-3356
Website: http://birchlandcottages.com

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
Recommended Articles

Proven Patterns for Giant Northern Pike

Fantasy Fishing For Walleye
Top 8 Places to Ice Fish in Ontario

Why I Use Sinking Fly Lines

Sliding Into Bass Heaven

Fantastic Brook Trout

Legend of the White worm

Six Species on Six Lakes at Slippery Winds

Lodge 88: Keeping it in the Family

Fish'n Canada in The Rough

White(fish) North

Friends in Fishy Times

Fall Walleye

Pro Fishing Photos

Balsam Lake Walleye

Summer Smallmouth
Baits for Brookies

Lang Lake Resort – Outdoor Recreation is their Business

World Class Fishing on the Niagara River
