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

Lac Seul Outpost Adventure

Lac Seul is known for big fish of all species.

Seeing is Believing

Ice fishing when they aren't biting but you can't stop catching fish.

Lake of Bays fishing

Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Muskoka

Fly Fishing Basics

Learn Tips From An Avid Angler Towards Initial Fly FIshing Success

The Ultimate Winter Perch Trap

Ice-fishing tips for landing yellow perch

Whitefish Lake Walleye

An epic walleye fishing adventure in Superior Country.

3 Must Fish Ontario Hotspots for Smallmouth Bass

Everyone has a bucket list for something. Die-hard bass anglers have many.

Leuenberger Air Service Is Your Ticket to Ontario's Best Fishing

Discover remote outpost fishing for northern pike, walleye, and whitefish

Four Fantastic Ontario Musky Waters

Discover 4 hotspots that any musky angler must add to their bucket list.

Top Flies for Northern Pike

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

How To Stay Really Warm This Winter: The Second Edition

Must-wear items for staying warm—so you can enjoy your day on the ice!

Miles Bay Camp

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

Worm Your Way In

Try this go-to bait for bass on your next Northern Ontario angling adventure

Kicking It Old School

Dusting off the tin boat to fish less accessible waters

First Class Fishing Vacations

Northern Ontario boasts hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams.

Smallmouth Bass: Lightweight Champ

Learn about easy-to-access bass meccas as well as bucket-list hard to get to destinations.

Level Up Your Fly Fishing Game

Embrace the art of fly fishing with these 5 easy tips from a seasoned angler.

Brennan Harbour Resort

The place you always want to go back to in Ontario's Algoma Country

Mashkinonje Lodge

During our short stay we caught and released several trophy smallies over five-pounds.

Sniping For Lake Trout

If you love fishing for Lake Trout in Ontario, you’d be wise to hone your sharpshooting skills.