Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike Fishing At The Outpost Lodge

There are many incredible lakes to fish in Algoma's Mississagi Valley.
female angler holding smallmouth bass

I have been incredibly fortunate in my life so far to have visited some truly incredible fishing destinations for bucket-list species. However, no matter where I go, I always find myself drawn back to the epic smallmouth bass fishing in the Algoma region of Northern Ontario. The stretch of land between the cities of Sudbury, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is known to many as Trophy Alley due to the high number of trophy-sized smallmouth bass caught in the area. Further, it’s an ideal destination for anglers looking to explore a variety of different lakes with drive-to access. 

lake aerial

On this fishing adventure, my father Colin Mckeown, and I were the guests of Jim and Ann Kehoe, owners of The Outpost Lodge. Located on Jobammageeshig Lake within the beautiful landscape of the Cambrian Shield wilderness, The Outpost Lodge was the perfect home base location for our week of fishing. Having been a guest at The Outpost Lodge before, my dad had heard many stories of my wonderful memories at the lodge with Jim and Ann, and I was thrilled to have the chance to create new ones with him on this trip. 

Targeting Shoulder Season Smallmouth Bass

Our goal for the week was to target shoulder season, and post-spawn smallmouth bass, while exploring some of the many lakes in the area around The Outpost Lodge. This area of Algoma had been experiencing a variety of weather throughout the weeks leading up to our trip, including high winds, high temperatures, and lots of rain. With this in mind, we came with a variety of equipment, line types, and flies, should we need to switch up our strategies, or target species. We came prepared with 6- and 7-weight rods in both 9- and 10-foot lengths for bass, as well as heavier rods of 9- and 10-weight should the opportunity for pike fishing arise. We brought a variety of intermediate lines for fishing streamers, woolly buggers and crayfish patterns, a floating line for poppers (should the weather be favourable), and both an intermediate sink tip and a Type 5 sink tip. The variety of line ensured that no matter the conditions, we would be able to locate fish in all levels of the water column.

boat wake

Fishing On Jobammageeshig Lake

After arriving at the lodge and settling into our cabin, my father and I launched our boat and headed out onto Jobammageeshig Lake to spend the evening exploring and assessing where things in this lake were with regards to the spawn. When fishing during the shoulder season of spring, it’s essential to be observant of the lake you're fishing, as certain cues, like bass beds and their stages, will give you an idea of where to locate bigger fish. With the high temperatures the area had been experiencing, we realized it was likely that all the bass beds we were seeing had already spawned out, meaning that the fish would likely be deeper in the water column. Keeping this in mind, we came up with a plan to explore some of the other fantastic lakes in the area in hopes of locating big, active post-spawn females. 

northern pike

Stay In The Mississagi Valley

One of the best things about this region of Algoma is its accessibility. No matter the conditions, there is always a lake, river, or creek to explore! Having brought our boat, my dad and I were able to find some great smallmouth bass fishing on lakes within a short drive of The Outpost Lodge. Having good, accessible fishing and comfortable accommodations to return to after a great day on the water really makes for a fantastic trip. With a variety of cabin sizes that included full cooking facilities, flexible American Plan packages, and warm, welcoming owners, The Outpost Lodge was like an eclectic home away from home. 

cottage the outpost lodge

Fishing Switch To Northern Pike

During dinner one evening, we got to talking with some of the other guests, who’d had fantastic success fishing for big northern pike on the main lake here at the lodge. As a northern pike enthusiast, my interest was piqued. For the last day of our trip, my dad and I decided to switch gears and go from targeting smallmouth bass to northern pike. With a front having rolled through, it took some time to figure out the most effective flies to use, and where in the water column the pike were sitting. However, once we discovered some narrows where cabbage beds from the previous year were still visible, our patience was rewarded. Hunting for these epic, predatory creatures was the perfect way to end our trip. 

northern pike

I will always love the adventure of exploring and fishing in Algoma, but every trip that I get to take with my father is that much better. It was a fantastic week, filled with lots of opportunities for fishing, wonderful accommodations at The Outpost Lodge, and lots of memories made along the way. 

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

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.

5 Places to Shore Fish

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

Slow Death Revisited

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

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Lake of Bays fishing

Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Muskoka

Troutfly Lake Outpost

Everything You Need to Know about Your Trip to Troutfly

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.

Experiencing Prince Edward County - The Angler’s Way

Walleye fishing on the world-famous Bay of Quinte.

Wind, Cloud & Walleye

How Weather is Important to Walleye Anglers

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Difficult Day Walleye

Learn a few techniques to address the sometimes challenging fishing conditions for walleye.

Dream Fishing Trips

These two Ontario lodges, just across the border from Minnesota, offer anglers the chance to fish multiple species.

Fish'n Canada in The Rough

Pete Bowman of Fish'n Canada and Keith Beasley of Canada in the Rough Pair up for Some Wild Bass Fishing

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

Smallmouth & Largemouth at Chaudière Lodge

A nostalgic fishing trip on the French River & Lake Nipissing.

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

5 Reasons To Go Fishing In The Fall

Tips for catching Ontario trophies.