The Kingfisher of Bass

Experience a Northwest Ontario hidden gem where the smallmouth bass are big, the strikes are aggressive, and the fishing pressure is practically zero.
smallmouth bass fishing

Some locations are just perfect for lots of bass, big bass too! We experienced this exact scenario on a trip near Perrault Falls in Northwest Ontario on Wabaskang Lake from Kingfisher Resort during the supposed dog days of summer.

This lake has it all when it comes to sportfishing, muskie, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, it has it all and the natural habitat to sustain excellent spawning and reproduction for years to come including countless back bays, rock shoals, island points, miles and miles of shoreline pencil weeds mixed with cabbage weed beds and mid lake reefs, absolutely perfect for all the aforementioned game fish that attract visitors to Northern Ontario from around the globe.

kingfisher resort perrault falls, ontario
Aerial view of Kingfisher Resort, Wabaskang Lake. Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Finding the Sweet Spot: From Rock Shoals to Weedbeds

We hooked up with a local angler who offered to use his boat and lake knowledge for the days of our trip. We discussed what we were targeting and specific structure elements that could hold the most and biggest bass on this lake, which, by the way, are not targeted as heavily as the walleye, and muskie are targeted on Wabaskang Lake. We fished several shorelines, rock shoals and island points with minimum success, then decided to head to an area that has a neck-down area between two large bays of the lake that has shallow cabbage weed beds scattered throughout.

I started tossing loud, topwater prop baits over the weedbeds during the high midday sun and immediately started to inspire violent strikes on the noisy, splashy topwater bait.

These bass obviously have never seen these loud, bothersome baits and did not hesitate whatsoever to try and crush the baits as they were fished above the weedbeds.

The action was non-stop all afternoon into the evening bite when the toothy critters also decided to get in on the action, yes, large muskie and northern pike attacked our baits with mouths wide open and cut our braided line like it was thread. Fortunately, we brought a lot of extra bait on this road trip to Northwest Ontario.

smallmouth bass fishing
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

We continued our smallmouth quest the next morning and evening on Wabaskang Lake with similar success, catching and releasing smallmouth bass up to four plus pounds and schooled up in wolf packs of three to four fish at a time roaming the shallow weedbeds, as exciting as it gets.

A few big pike were caught and released as well in Ned Rig baits worked along rocky island points. Overall, a very exciting trip to a brand-new lake we have never fished before, but I highly suggest it to anyone who enjoys the opportunities available and the multiple sport fish that call Wabaskang Lake home.

boat on a lake
Photo credit: The Extreme Angler

Modern Comforts and a Reliable Fleet

The lodging we called home was Kingfisher Resort, they feature ten cottages which are large by industry standards. They have one, two, three, and four-bedroom cottages that can comfortably accommodate groups or families of two to eight persons, with each having its own bed. All cottages have living rooms with comfortable furniture as well as sofa beds, which can be used for that extra person. The cottages are fully modern, all electric and feature electric heat. Each cottage has a full bathroom with lots of hot water and flush toilets. At Kingfisher Resort, they boast not only excellent fishing but pleasing accommodations as well. The cottages are more like homes than summer cabins. They are spacious, comfortable, fully equipped, and above all, spotlessly clean!

For the fisherman who needs a boat, with sixteen-foot-deep, wide boats and spunky new or near-new motors, fishing on Wabaskang Lake is easy and relaxing. The boats feature flat floors with comfortable swivel seats, include paddles, an anchor, and minnow buckets, plus a full tank of gas daily included with package plans only. The outboard motors are 20 and 25 hp.

Plan your Northern Ontario angling vacation today and consider the friendly folks at Kingfisher Resort on a lake that boasts a LOT of smallmouth bass that are virtually never targeted, waiting for you.

Visit the Resort here at http://www.kingfisherlodge.com/

About Karl Kalonka

It's possible Karl's love for fishing began as early as the age of five. His parents took the kids on weekend trips across Ontario fishing for panfish, catfish, and bass. "I started with a bobber and worm from the time I was five years old," says Karl. These days, he has the enviable task of doing what he loves for a living, travelling across Ontario fishing, filming and producing two outdoor series, Extreme Angler and Crappie Angler TV.

Recommended Articles

Top Flies for Northern Pike

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

Top 5 Flies for Brook Trout

Favourite fly patterns from The New Fly Fisher

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

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

The Right Tool for the Job

Check out this guide to gear up like a pro.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Wag Your Tail For More Walleye, Bass and Trout

Fishing with friends brings camaraderie and a lesson, or two.

Adventure Walleye Fishing Lake Nipigon Style

Fishing 411 Television visits Pasha Lake Cabins

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

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

Luxury Meets Remote on Kenora’s Lake of the Woods

Discover the ultimate outpost destination for fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure.

Elmhirst's Resort

Outstanding Vacations for the Whole Family

Nipigon Brook Trout

Experience some high caliber trout fishing in Northwestern Ontario.

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Walleye Sunsets

Walleye Fishing on Lake Nipissing.

Choose your Fishing Adventure: 39 Lodges Accessible by Train, Plane, Boat, and Automobile in Ontario

How will you explore the province's waterways this upcoming season?

Guided Fishing on Lake St. Clair

Captain Jim remembers over 600 muskies in a 3 month period.

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Pine Sunset Lodge

Walleyes and slabs of Dinorwic Lake

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Mississagi Multi-Species Magic

Equipped for outfitting sportsmen and providing family fishing vacations.