Birchland Cottages

great trophy fishing for big smallmouth bass

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!

smallmouth bass with fly

(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!

colin mckeown smallmouth bass

(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!

rob larue smallmouth bass

(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

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.

jenna mckeown smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
algoma hat and flys

(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.

murdish minnows

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

jenna mckeown smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
About Colin McKeown

Colin McKeown is the producer of The New Fly Fisher Television Series, and several documentary series for the Outdoor Life Network, the Discovery Channel and the History Channel. With a passion of fly fishing, Colin's goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. Known for his keen sense of humour, Colin has two wonderful children and is married to the most understanding and patient woman in the world. 

Recommended Articles

Dreams of Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

This drive-to lodge is the perfect location for anyone looking to get a little R&R.

Best of The Musky West

Have you fished these top 3 musky lakes in Northwestern Ontario?

Fly-in Fishing with Glassy Bay Outfitters

Wilderness and walleye await with this Northern Ontario experience.

La Place Rendez-Vous on Rainy Lake

Fish for big northern pike, musky, smallmouth bass and walleye.

Big Smallmouth Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

Waterfalls Lodge offers fishing on a chain of seven trophy lakes as well as remote lake fishing.

Rainy Lake Bass Blast

Camp Narrows Lodge

Lakers of Lower Manitou: Fishing Just North of the U.S. Border

Fantastic Lake Trout Fishing at Manitou Weather Station.

Escaping To Bass Wilderness

With Nestor Falls Fly-In Outposts

A Happy Fishing Place

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Northern Skies Resort

Dive and Rise Muskies

Ontario offers the best muskie fishing anywhere—and fall is the prime time to catch your fish of a lifetime.

Hooked On Muskies

Ontario is blessed with the finest muskie fishing in North America.

Take an Ontario Vacation this Year

It's time to explore your own backyard.

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Angling Escape to Edgewater

Just 3 hours north of Toronto, this amenity-packed resort has something for the whole family.

Expanding Your Horizons

A longtime angler shares why casting around in new waters is good practice

Mattawa River Resort

The perfect home base for not only anglers but couples and families.

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Discover this newly renovated luxury resort and marina in Georgian Bay.

The 2022 Northern Ontario Fishing Survey and Contest

Enter to win $1,000 in fishing gear.

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Fishing Negative Smallmouth

Try these 4 fly fishing techniques to put fish onto your flies.