Deep in Northern Ontario’s Algoma Country, there's a fishing lodge that's way in the wilderness, but with all the comforts you need. Mar Mac Lodge is located on Esnagi Lake, a place known for walleye, both in numbers and size!
Esnagi Lake is decently sized at nearly 27 miles end to end. And there are enough islands and bays to escape away if the wind gets too high. These bays are perfect for tackling the excellent northern pike that roam the cabbage and weed beds. Cabbage flats are magnets for hungry pike. Fan cast across them with a swimbait, spoon, or bucktail… and it won’t be too long before you hook up! A majority of people travel to Mar Mac for the walleye, of course. This is a place where any wind-blown point can hold a school of eaters, with some “social media photo fish” too.
In terms of gear, it’s tough to beat a jig and minnow, the standard in Ontario. And if you’re looking for size, then artificial lures are something to try. The biggest walleye we caught were on a Rapala Jigging Rap and Rippin’ Rap. These are great options for smooth rock areas and sand breaks. We caught them in the middle of the day, flat-calm, snap-jigging those two presentations. My biggest walleye of the trip was the Jigging Rap. You won’t get the numbers compared to live bait, but the average bite will be bigger (there are some BIG walleye in Esnagi)! The conservation policies, established in 1993, have made this an incredible fishery.
With most lodges, you get a nice 14-18’ aluminum boat. Here, you cruise around and fish in style on custom-hand-built 18’ cedar strip boats. These are very stable and easily fit three anglers with floor storage space for all your gear. The fishing guides there are very knowledgeable, and I highly recommend spending at least your first day with one.
Every trip up North requires a shore lunch. Nothing like fresh-caught walleye in cast iron with some potatoes and beans. The guides know how to make it right! It’s always a nice time to enjoy the peacefulness of the Ontario wilderness on an island with friends and family.
Mar Mac Lodge offers great accommodations with the comforts of home, far away from home. The MacLachlan family has been operating there for 60 years. They know hospitality, and you can see this right away with the friendly staff and accommodations. The main lodge has a spacious dining area, a tuck shop (with tackle, drinks, and snacks), a billiards table, a TV, and WiFi. The spacious log cabins will make you feel right at home. You’ll have cold and hot running water, a shower, and a toilet in the full bathroom. The kitchen is outfitted with a fridge, gas oven/stove, and microwave. There are plenty of wall outlets to charge any electronics. Also, each cabin features a BBQ on the deck if you feel like grilling. Everything you need for the “Housekeeping Plan”… just bring the food. But with the American Plan, you only need to bring your appetite. Their home-cooked meals and shore lunches will keep you fueled up for fishing your entire trip!
Getting there and back is simple, you can either enjoy a train ride or a floatplane on a Dehavilland Beaver or Turbine Otter. The air base and train station are both located in White River. You have options. And speaking of that, Mar Mac Lodge even offers a big “Northend Outpost” cabin on the lake if you’re looking for something “semi-remote.” For more information, visit Mar Mac Lodge's website.
