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

Pike and Walleye: Ontario’s One-Two Punch

Walleye and the northern pike reside in the same bodies of water. When one's not biting, the other might!

Fishing On The French

Fish TV Stay At Bears Den Lodge

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!

Fantasy Fishing For Walleye

Catching up to 100 walleye a day at Clark's Resort & Outpost Air Service.

Fly Fishing The Nipigon River: What To Bring

These tips will make your trip to these fabled Ontario waters more enjoyable.

Untouched Water And Total Freedom: The Flint Wilderness DIY Adventure

From trophy pike in expansive lakes to wild brook trout in hidden rivers, this Longlac destination is the ultimate base camp for the independent fly angler.

Heat Wave? Cold Front? No Problem.

Learn how weather patterns can affect fishing techniques and strategies.

Beating the Blues

How to Combat the Ice Fishing Doldrums of February

Agich's Kaby Kabins

Fly-in for Amazing Black Bear Hunting and Fishing

Winter Fish Scents

How to Use Fish Scents When Ice Fishing

Weather or Not

Ice Conditions for Lake Trout Has Never Been Better in Northern Ontario

A Shore Thing

Landing a Dozen Walleye in Rapid Succession

Eagle Lake Lodge: A Muskie Angler's Paradise

Fish'n Canada's Pete Bowman fishes for Muskie and Smallmouth Bass in Ontario's Sunset Country.

French River Fever

This waterway is rich in lunge lore, having produced muskies in excess of 60 pounds.

Manotak Lodge

A Fishing Paradise in Northwestern Ontario

5 Things to Know When Buying Your First Fly Rod

Learn a few tips and tricks when purchasing a fly fishing rod.

River Lake Trout Techniques

Techniques for catching lake trout in untraditional river settings across Ontario.

Fishing is Like Golf

3 rods and reels for every scenario!

Girls Gone Ice Fishing

Great company, stunning fish, unspoiled wilderness: a winter ice fishing adventure!

3 Surefire Strategies for Canadian Muskies

Fishing for Ontario Musky