A Lake with Options

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

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

Angling Memories

Why replicas are the best way to remember your trophy catch.

Cooking Shore Lunch

Try This Tried and True Recipe

Magical Montreal River Bass

A Bucket List Angling Adventure at Horseshoe Island Camp

5 Big Water Ontario Fishing Locations

Where to go big water fishing in Ontario.

Five Star Walleye

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge is known for its first rate walleye fishing.

Youngs Wilderness Muskies

A trip to Lake of the Woods never disappoints The Musky Hunter

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Tomiko Lake Lodge

An Outstanding Resort for Fishing and Families

Fishing Dreams Come True

Five Ontario Fisheries Everyone Should Visit

Top 5 Things to Bring on a DIY Fishing Trip

Your outfitter will drop you off with all your essentials.

Year Round Fishing in Ontario

Who Says You Can’t Fish All Year in Ontario?

Creating an Angler

Family Fishing in Northern Ontario

Sharpshooting Crappies

Check out this fishing technique for landing a few fall black crappie

Camp Conewango

Lake Talon Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fish TV On the French River

The French River/Georgian Bay area is a favourite hotspot for the Fish TV team.

Trophy Fishing at Seine River Lodge

The Seine River is very large, and it seems like a chain of lakes

5 Tips for your Fly-in DIY Adventure

Imagine fishing on a secluded pristine remote lake.

Weighting for Panfish

Ice fishing for Ontario Panfish

Shallow Water Walleye

Learn Tips and Techniques From The Extreme Angler

Prime Time for Ontario Panfish

The best time to ice fish for crappies and panfish is when the predator activity is low