A Lake with Options

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

Jigging for walleye. Jason Lesny, Curtis Auger and Tonia Van Kempen on Northeastern Ontario’s Lady Evelyn Lake.

By Tonia Van Kempen Tonia works as Aquatic Science Biologist II for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

April 12, 2023

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.