A Lake With Options

Getting to Northeastern Ontario’s Lady Evelyn Lake is part of the whole experience.
Lady Evelyn 5.jpg

Temagami is quintessential Northern Ontario. I’m talking legendary fishing, rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests -- the likes of which have captured hearts and inspired imaginations for generations. Along the northern periphery of this world-renowned wilderness area, Lady Evelyn is waiting. She’s an angler’s dream; a lake with options, and they all lead to fish.

If your angling style is about the journey, then Lady Evelyn is right up your alley. There are no roads in, and getting there is part of the whole experience. You can charter a float plane out of Temagami, or you can opt to have your boat brought over the Mattawapika Dam to enter the lake via the Montreal River. No matter how you get in, you’ll find leaving the hard part.

Where To Stay, Where To Fish?

preacher's point lady evelyn lake
Off Preacher's Point on northeastern Ontario’s Lady Evelyn Lake. (Photo credit: Tanya Van Kempen)

Backcountry campsites dot the shoreline of this lake, making boat camping and canoe tripping great options for anglers. If you are looking for something a little less rustic, then Garden Island Lodge is the way to go. Garden Island is the only lodge on the southern arm of the lake. It features nine cozy cabins, exceptional service, and fantastic food. Start your day right with a fresh cup of coffee and a hot meal prepared and served at the main lodge. Once you’ve had your fill, grab your gear and head down the path to the docks, where a boat waits for your day out on the water. It only gets better from there.

The walleye are plentiful here, and basic knowledge of angling tactics for these golden beauties will take you far. I’ve had success year-round fishing structure, mostly off rocky points, and early in the season, it doesn’t seem to matter what I throw at them. Everything from worm harnesses to coloured jigs tipped with minnows works well from spring through to early summer. Later in the season, trolling slender crankbaits like the original Rapala is a favourite technique. Should you tire of walleye fishing, Lady Evelyn also provides ample opportunities for smallmouth bass and monster northern pike.

ontario walleye lady evelyn lake
Evening's catch: Rebecca Van Kempen with a big walleye from Northeastern Ontario’s lady Evelyn Lake. (Photo credit: Tanya Van Kempen)

You can customize your experience on Lady Evelyn every time by alternating how you go, where you stay, and what you fish. With breathtaking scenery and top-notch fishing, this lake is a guaranteed memory maker.

Recommended Articles

Welcome to Wally World

Lake Nipissing is a must-fish destination, putting you right in the heart of the action for post-spawn walleye, pike, and big bass.

Why Anglers Are Falling for Golden Lake in Ontario’s Ottawa Valley

From trophy bass to beachside cottages, Golden Lake blends serious fishing with relaxed cottage life.

Cast Into the Heart of a Walleye Paradise

Experience world-class angling and remote island luxury at the only resort on the pristine waters of Route Lake.

Best WhiteFish Tactics

In Part Two, Learn Best Rods, Reels and Lure Presentations for Whitefish

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Algonquin Brook Trout

A Fishing and Canoe Trip on Algonquin's Upper Nipissing River

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Witch Bay Camp

Secluded Lake of the Woods Fishing for Walleye and Muskie

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

The Big Bass List: 5 Incredible Hotspots in Northern Ontario

From hidden back bays of Sunset Country to the legendary "wolf packs" of Lake Huron.

"Bronze Tanks" and Toothy Predators on the Fly

Armed with 7-weights and 9-weights, braving September winds to uncover a fishery where world-class smallmouth and aggressive pike.

Why Georgian Bay is a Fly Angler’s Final Frontier

Discover how a 75-year-old fishing camp serves as the ultimate basecamp for navigating the transition from river currents to island shoals.

Ontario’s Monster Northern Pike Fishing Adventures

Ontario is home to first-class accommodations and incredible fishing experiences.

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Cast Away the Ordinary

Your Ultimate Fly-In, Boat-In, or Drive-In Fishing Adventure in Superior Country.

The Perfect Shore Lunch

Try this award-winning recipe on your next Ontario fishing trip.

Speckle Splake Spectacular

Ice Fishing for big Northern Ontario speckled & splake trout.

Small Lakes That Fish Big, Really Big Bass

Granary Lake Retreat is one of Ontario’s hidden gems.

Musky Mayhem in the Kawarthas

Top notch musky fishing on Buckhorn Lake can be found in the heart of the Kawarthas.