Leaving Fish to Find Fish: Trophy Lake Trout on Lake Obabika

Believe us when we tell you that this episode of The Fish’n Canada Show is an exciting one! We say that because Ang and Pete weren’t the ones on the front of the boat this time out. Taking you on this adventure to Lake Obabika in Northeastern Ontario was our newest host, Dean Taylor.

Although Dean has no shortage of experience on the water, his time on camera has been pretty limited up to this point. On this shoot, to see what he was made of, we gave him the full Fish’n Canada treatment - alone on the deck of the Princecraft with nothing but fishing gear, electronics, and a lake full of potential.

Now it may sound like we were throwing Dean to the wolves in terms of not having a co-host, however, we weren’t exactly hanging him out to dry. For this episode, Dean headed to Lake Obabika Lodge, almost next door to the mighty Lake Temagami, and that means lake trout country!

Lake Obabika has become known for its great numbers of Smallmouth, but a recent reopening of its lake trout fishery is what we had Dean out to investigate.

After being overfished, primarily by ice anglers, the Lake Obabika lake trout population has made (so we’ve heard) a spectacular recovery over its 20-year closure, so much so that, in 2020, the MNRF re-opened the season.

We wanted to see if Dean could see the results of that effort. To do this, he would have to recreate a technique that Ang and Pete utilized on Lake Temagami this season that produced some incredible results. Using two LiveScope units at the front of the boat, Dean is going to be “cherry-picking” lake trout as they cruise the lake. The question will be whether these fish are behaving the same way or whether our Temagami success was just a one-off.

Lake Obabika

Lake Obabika, located in northeastern Ontario, Canada, lies within the boundaries of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in the Temagami region. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the lake is surrounded by dense forests and rugged Canadian Shield terrain, offering a true wilderness experience.

Stretching approximately 22 kilometres (13.5 miles) in length and reaching depths of up to 130 meters (430 feet), Lake Obabika is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its waters are home to lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, making it popular among anglers. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and wilderness camping.

As part of a protected provincial park, the lake and its surrounding landscape are preserved for future generations, maintaining its pristine environment and diverse wildlife.

The Fishing Experience at Lake Obabika Lodge

Key Highlights From Our Trip

“Video-Game Fishing”:

For those unfamiliar with the concept of cherry-picking, Dean was breaking free from the traditional approach of finding bait and structure and was, instead, looking for individual fish cruising the Lake Obabika abyss. This led to some incredible sequences on our livescope unit, with big orange blobs of lake trout darting up from the depths to hit his bait, seen clear as day in real-time on the sonar.

Leaving Fish To Find Fish:

Early in this Fish’n Canada episode, Ang mentions that there are some “problems” you frequently encounter when lake trout fishing. On this day, Dean just ran into one of them.

When lake trout numbers are high, like they are in Lake Obabika, big fish are hard to come by. Trust us, it takes some strong willpower to venture off and find them. Though it may be hard to leave a bunch of aggressive, fun-fighting schoolies, to find a true trophy, you have to be willing to leave fish to find fish. Eventually, Dean took that gamble.

Lake Obabika Lodge: A Secluded Wilderness Retreat

Nestled on the shores of Lake Obabika in Ontario’s near north, Lake Obabika Lodge offers a remote and tranquil escape into nature. Located approximately 285 miles (465 km) north of Toronto, it is the only lodge on this pristine 22-kilometer-long lake, accessible by both road and air.

Surrounded by dense forests and the serene waters of Lake Obabika, the lodge provides a genuine wilderness experience. Guests stay in cozy, handcrafted log cabins that seamlessly blend into the natural environment, offering both comfort and rustic charm.

Outdoor Adventures & Activities

Lake Obabika Lodge is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy:

• Fishing & Hunting – The lake is home to lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
• Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle through the calm, scenic waters.
• Hiking & Wildlife Viewing – Explore the surrounding forests teeming with diverse wildlife.
• Photography – Capture breathtaking landscapes, stunning sunsets, vivid pictographs, and take on the rich Indigenous history of the area.

The lodge caters to those seeking a peaceful retreat, away from the distractions of urban life. Whether you're an angler, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind, Lake Obabika Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind escape into the wild.

The Cabins

The lodge features a collection of handcrafted luxury chalets, carefully designed to complement the natural beauty of the area. Each chalet is connected by a scenic boardwalk and equipped with modern amenities while maintaining a rustic, elegant charm.

Guests can indulge in chef-prepared meals in the beautifully decorated main dining room, which offers a refined yet cozy atmosphere. A selection of wine, beer, and spirits is available for a relaxing evening by the lodge’s enclosed veranda or outdoor fire pit.

Unwind & Stay Connected

End your day with a breathtaking sunset over Lake Obabika, or gather around the outdoor fire pit for a night of storytelling and camaraderie. For those who wish to stay connected, WiFi is available on the front veranda of the main lodge.

With its seasonal availability, Lake Obabika Lodge is an exclusive destination, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying premium comfort and hospitality.

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