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

Destroying Fall Muskie Myths

Muskie anglers leave a lot of late fall locations unscathed

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Family Fishing Getaway

Jenna sets her sights on Northern Ontario Smallmouth Bass.

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

How to Make a Fish Shore Lunch

What to pack and how to make this favourite Northern Ontario meal.

Ned Head Walleye of Algoma

Springtime Walleye Doesn't Have To Be A Crowded Affair

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Streamers for Big Pike

Northern Pike are the apex predator in many of Ontario’s waters.

Legendary Walleye at Hawk Lake Lodge

Experience the hospitality and fishing of Northwestern Ontario

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Salmon Of The Soo

Fishing for Atlantic Salmon on the St. Marys River.

Blue Fox Camp

A Bold Innovation in Stocking Trout Lakes.

Five Brook Trout Flies

What flies to bring when fishing for brook trout.

Don't Forget The Umbrella

It's raining smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike here in Northern Ontario

Lakair Lodge

Largemouth bass fishing on Lake Nipissing

The Best Of Times in Northern Ontario

A guide to the best time of day to hit the ice while fishing this winter.

Walleye World in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s Premier Walleye Fishing

Difficult Day Walleye

Learn a few techniques to address the sometimes challenging fishing conditions for walleye.

Summertime Walleye

Fish for Walleye, Muskie or Smallmouth on the Indian Lake Chain.