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

5 Tips For How to Hire A Fishing Guide

Picking a guide is almost as fun as the actual fishing trip.

Early Summer Muskies

Ontario’s Sunset Country is muskie heaven. Here’s how to find and catch these early-summer giants.

Your Lake Nipissing Getaway Awaits

A resort located just 3 hours north of the GTA with cottages, a sandy beach, and Lake Nipissing’s most aggressive spring walleye.

Smashing Topwater Smallmouth in the Heart of Walleye Country

From spacious, spotlessly clean cottages to aggressive multi-species action.

The Right Tool for the Job

Check out this guide to gear up like a pro.

Ice Perchin’ Ontario

Providing Great Fun to Adults and Children Alike

Sweet Spot Season

When you have a limited amount of time to be out there fishing, you really want to look for those high percentage sweet spots.

Dropshot the Shallows

A Technique That Should Be in Your Fishing Arsenal

Muskie Myths Part 2

Baits and Lures You Should be Using

Fishing Carp

German Fishing Superstar Babs Kijewski Visit Ontario

Northern Ontario is Great for Fall Bass

Learn the best regions for fall bass fishing.

Bronzebacks of the Whalesback

One of the top bass destinations in North America.

Brennan Harbour Resort

Largemouth Bass Fishing on Lake Huron

The Other Mighty Mighty

Brookies on the Nipigon River

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

An Epic Fly-in Experience for Trophy Pike.

Guided Fishing on Lake St. Clair

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

A Fitting Final Fling

First days of spring present us with some of the best fishing.

Beasts of the Musky East

Eastern Ontario is a hotspot for musky anglers with big waters that hold giant muskies.

Late Summer Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Explore Lake Huron as you stay at Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse in Bruce Mines.

Hit The Hard Rock Cafe for Perch & Crappies

Get the most out of your next ice fishing adventure for perch and crappies.