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

Big Hook Camps

Walleye and Pike Fishing in Beautiful Canadian Wilderness

3 Great Walleye Lakes

Lakes Home to Both Eaters and Trophies

Killarney’s Pike Fishing Paradise

Plan your next northern pike fishing vacation to the Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina.

Fishing The Shoulder Season

Incredible Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike fishing at The Outpost Lodge in the Mississagi Valley

The Amazing Nipigon River

Fishing the river that is home to the world's largest brook trout ever caught.

Sturgeon Lake Fishing

Walleye and smallmouth bonanza at Lumberjack Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.

Action-Packed Walleye, Bass, and Pike at Brennan Harbour Resort

Classic Canadian Fishing. Spectacular Lake Huron Views.

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.

True Colours

How important is your lure colour when selecting a bait?

Wild Brook Trout

A Guided Float Trip Down the River

Pike Aplenty

How to select the right spot to catch pike in late fall fishing in Ontario.

Speck-Tacular

The Dotted Love Affair with Ontario's Brook Trout

Inaugural Fish'n Canada Carp Cup

The Inaugural Canadian Carp Cup was held in Long Sault on the St Lawrence River.

Swim Shiner Swim

What Bait to Use in Cold Water Fishing Conditions

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World

Witch Bay Camp

Secluded Lake of the Woods Fishing for Walleye and Muskie

Debunking Muskie Myths

Busting Popular Myths About Ontario's Big Toothy Beasts

Fish on a Fly

Pike and Walleye Fishing on Esnagi Lake

Hand to Hand Combat

Experience Crappie Fishing in Ontario

Incredible Walleye

Drive-to Fishing at Brennan Harbour Resort