Land a Lake Nipigon World Class trophy Brook Trout

There's no better spot for world-class trophy Brook Trout here in Ontario.

With 580 miles of shoreline, maybe you too can connect and beat the Worlds Record Brook trout that was caught in the Nipigon River that flows out of Lake Nipigon back in 1915. That's a full 14.5 pounds of pure Nipigon gold. The fish are everywhere and Tyler Dunn from Tyler Dunn Guiding knows exactly where they feed.

brook-trout-fishing-1

Our target in late August was Brook Trout but Tyler spoke with excitement of the massive Northern Pike that lurked in every bay here on the lake. Along with these voracious predators, Tyler also mentioned the chance of a trophy lake trout pic was definitely within reach in this deep cold body of water.

brook-trout-fishing-2

We made our home base at the cozy Quebec Lodge. Quebec Lodge is located 60 miles east of Thunder Bay in Red Rock with a stunning view of the mighty Lake Superior. Quebec Lodge has comfortable rooms, with fantastic breakfasts and dinners to start and end your day of adventure. The surrounding area of Lake Nipigon has much to offer besides fishing. Just a short distance away are amethyst mines which offer do-it-yourself gem hunting. What a terrific family outing! The Ouimet Canyon Park is home to the region's "Grand Canyon." Visit the 150-metre-wide gorge and sheer cliffs that drop 100 metres straight down to the canyon floor. Spectacular views! Hiking, picnicking, camping and fishing are all on your doorstep here in the Nipigon region.

brook-trout-fishing-3

For our first morning, Tyler took us on a short 40-minute drive to the boat launch on Lake Nipigon, and it was here that we realized this man knows his water. Trust me, there is good water everywhere. Big boulders, shoals, drop-offs and ledges are all along the water's edge along with majestic Bald Eagles eyeing your every move. You could spend years trying to find where these fish feed or you could take a trip with Tyler Dunn and have a chance at a hookup within the first hour of your day.

brook-trout-fishing-4

This was our experience. We targeted large submerged boulders and any ledges we could find. Always looking for ambush areas where the fish would hide. White, green and black muddler fly patterns were working well for us in size 2 and 4 hook sizes. White and gold Clouser flies and of course, good old Wooly Buggers in various colours should always be in the boat. Don't forget Crayfish flies also. The lake is riddled with these crustaceans.

brook-trout-fishing-5

We were able to connect with 3 trophy fish within the morning hours.  We were using 9-foot, 6-weight rods and suited up intermediate sinking lines to match our reels. These fish were hanging on the drop-offs and we wanted to get that fly down to them. When these fish are active you can actually watch them charge out of nowhere at your fly. Hookups happened more times than not right at the boat. So keep that fly in the water as long as you can! Tyler is also a wiz with a spinning rod, so if you are not a fly fisherman, Tyler will definitely show you the time of your life.

brook-trout-fishing-6

brook-trout-fishing-7

With the immense size of Lake Nipigon, the weather can change instantly. Bring clothes for any type of weather Mother Nature can throw at you. On our second day, we encountered some foul heavy winds and I was worried we may have to postpone our outing. But with all the back bays and large islands, we found protection from the elements and more importantly we found some incredible World Class Trophy Brook Trout on a day when most anglers would have floundered. Tyler Dunn is a true magician when it comes to this amazing body of water called Lake Nipigon. It’s clear, cold and teeming with life. 20” plus fish are common here in Lake Nipigon and 25” plus fish are not uncommon. These Brook Trout are feisty and will slam your fly with immense power. They are the jewels of the North.

brook-trout-fishing-8

This angling experience is reachable and affordable to every angler. Spectacular views, lots to do nearby, and of course, world-class trophy Brook Trout fishing. Visiting Lake Nipigon is truly an adventure of a lifetime in the great Province of Ontario.

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

Recommended Articles

Browns' Clearwater West Lodge

Home to incredible fishing for trophy Smallmouth Bass.

Nipigon Brook Trout

Experience some high caliber Trout Fishing in Northwestern Ontario.

How to: Target Black Crappies (Part 2)

More tricks, tips and advice to target Black Crappies in Ontario.

Multi-Species Action

With so many lakes in Ontario, it's hard to narrow down the best multi-species lakes. We're here to help!

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.

Destroying Fall Muskie Myths

Muskie anglers leave a lot of late fall locations unscathed

Angling the Missinaibi

Exploring and fishing the mighty Missinaibi River

5 Adjustments for Fishing Cold Front Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Smallmouth bass are considered the weather watchers of fresh water.

Learn to Be Slow in a Hurry

The best month of ice fishing is upon us.

HIdden Bay Lodge

Fly-in to Armit Lake for Epic Walleye Fishing

Adventure Walleye Fishing Lake Nipigon Style

Fishing 411 Television visits Pasha Lake Cabins

Topwater Bass Frenzy

Colin visits the Century Lodge to topwater fish for Smallmouth Bass.

Trophy Lake Trout and Smallmouth Under the Northern Lights

The Ontario Experience visits Clarks Resort in Ontario's Sunset Country

Manitoulin Island Fishing

Lake Huron offers a wide variety of freshwater species

Top Three Ontario Musky Waters

Where to catch the fish of 10,000 casts.

Outfitter Tough, Guide Tough

Backcountry Brook Trout Fishing at Air-Dale

How the Peaceful North Changed My Life

Daydreaming for a return all year long to the North.

On Your Next Vacation, Look North Not South

There's a winter paradise north of Hwy 17 in Elliot Lake.

A Whole Lota Lovin'

Burbot resembles nothing else that swims in our northern lakes and rivers.

Blade Running Bronzebacks

Varying temperatures make for trophy smallmouth bass.