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

Take an Ontario Vacation this Year

It's time to explore your own backyard.

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Angling Escape to Edgewater

Just 3 hours north of Toronto, this amenity-packed resort has something for the whole family.

Expanding Your Horizons

A longtime angler shares why casting around in new waters is good practice

Mattawa River Resort

The perfect home base for not only anglers but couples and families.

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Discover this newly renovated luxury resort and marina in Georgian Bay.

The 2022 Northern Ontario Fishing Survey and Contest

Enter to win $1,000 in fishing gear.

An unforgettable family fishing trip

Led by Mom

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Keeping You In the Fishing Game

Tips For What To Have On Your Boat

Ice Fishing in Northeastern Ontario

Year-round lodges that offer everything from DIY to fully outfitted ice fishing operations.

Eagle Lake Fall Muskies

Discover why in the late fall Eagle Lake is a prime location to catch giant muskies in Sunset Country.

Catching Bass Can Be Crystal Clear

Head to this Northwest Ontario resort for an opportunity to catch your personal best smallmouth bass.

Top 8 Places to Ice Fish in Ontario

Ice fishing in Ontario offers diverse catches in serene winter settings.

Why I Use Sinking Fly Lines

What these are and how to use them for fly fishing.

Trophy Lake Trout on Lake Obabika

The pursuit of giants on a recovered fishery.

Mattagami Lake's Perfect Family Fishing Destination

Green Wilderness Lodge offers the rare and perfect blend of relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and incredible fishing.

A Remote Fishing Adventure with White River Air

A Do It Yourself fly-in fishing trip for brook trout.

Troutfly Outpost is a Multi-Species Factory

This fly-in off-the-grid outpost offers excellent fishing and comfort.

Fishing the Upper Ganaraska

One of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations for trout and salmon anglers.