The Outpost Lodge

Located in “Trophy Alley,” this lodge is ideal for anglers looking for a wide variety of fishing opportunities
OutpostDay6.jpg

Algoma Country is well known for its outdoor wilderness opportunities. From kayaking to hiking to fishing and hunting, its beautiful landscapes provide the perfect setting for whatever the outdoor enthusiast's heart desires. As well as its abundance of inland rivers, creeks, and lakes, the Algoma region also borders two of Ontario’s Great Lakes: Huron and Superior. However, if you’re on the hunt for massive smallmouth bass, you needn’t look any further than The Outpost Lodge, which is located in “Trophy Alley”— an area of phenomenal fishing in lakes and rivers to the west, east and north of Sault Ste. Marie.

outpost-lodge1

The Outpost Lodge is within a two-hour drive of the US-Canada border and is ideal for anglers who are looking for a wide variety of fishing opportunities within a short drive of a main lodge. Whether you’re looking to bring your boat and cook with your buddies or want the full-service meal deal, the lodge has options suited to everyone’s preferences and budgets.

outpost-lodge2

Originally built in the 1950s by a professor at the University of Chicago, this lodge has faithfully retained its historic architecture and is filled with relics of anglers who fished there in the past. Current owners Jim and Anne Kehoe are exceptionally knowledgeable about this history, as well as the current state of the fishing there, and enthusiastically entertain guests with their passion.

outpost-lodge3

The area surrounding the Outpost Lodge boasts a variety of fish species, including northern pike, walleye, trout, largemouth bass, and the lodge’s proudest boast—massive smallmouth bass. Walk and wade opportunities are plentiful in the streams and creeks, while many of the surrounding lakes provide the perfect opportunity for boat fishing.

outpost-lodge4

In preparation for a trip to the Outpost Lodge, I would suggest keeping the motto “Always Be Prepared” in mind. Bring 5- and 6-weight rods for bass, 4- or 5-weight rods for trout, and 8-weight rods for pike. You’ll also need a variety of fly lines—intermediate, floating, and sink-tip options, depending on the time of year, weather and species.

outpost-lodge5

In my experience fishing this area for bass, Woolly-Buggers are the prime fly choice. I am particularly fond of rabbit strip versions of this versatile pattern, as well as beaver and tan and olive sparkle variants. Other patterns, such as bass poppers, work well, but Woolly Buggers are the tops.

outpost-lodge6

Not surprisingly, this area is a favourite of fly anglers due to the variety of possibilities, the gorgeous landscape, and the dream of landing a trophy-sized fish. Whether you’re fishing one of the local streams for trout, or a nearby lake for bass, The Outpost Lodge is an accessible, budget-friendly choice for any angler.

Contact Information

The Outpost Lodge
8572 Hwy 129
Thessalon, Ontario P0R 1L0
Phone: 705-841-2518
Email: outpostlodge@hotmail.com
Web: www.outpostlodge.com

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

Forget Skinny Smallmouth

Chiblow Lake Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience on a smallmouth factory famous for 5-pound-plus bass.

Cutler Lake Lodge: Your Cozy North Channel Area Fishing Getaway

Where exceptional hospitality and fantastic multi-species fishing meet.

Mattagami Lake's Perfect Family Fishing Destination

Green Wilderness Lodge offers the rare and perfect blend of relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and incredible fishing.

Action-Packed Walleye, Bass, and Pike at Brennan Harbour Resort

Classic Canadian Fishing. Spectacular Lake Huron Views.

Birchland Cottages: Modern comfort with classic Northern Ontario charm

This Clear Lake gem is a great for kids, and the fishing action is non-stop.

Sunset Country Outfitters

Some of the best multi-species action in Ontario’s Sunset Country

Shallow Water Fishing in Sunset Country

Fish are still in shallow water—and up here in Northwestern Ontario, they’re more than willing to bite.

Early Summer Muskies

Ontario’s Sunset Country is muskie heaven. Here’s how to find and catch these early-summer giants.

Cast Away the Ordinary

Your Ultimate Fly-In, Boat-In, or Drive-In Fishing Adventure in Superior Country.

Ice Fishing in Northeastern Ontario

Year-round lodges that offer everything from DIY to fully outfitted ice fishing operations.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Lake Mattagami Walleye

Drive-to fishing at Green Wilderness Lodge.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Predicting Lake Thickness

When Will Ontario Lakes Freeze Over This Winter?

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

Best WhiteFish Tactics

In Part Two, Learn Best Rods, Reels and Lure Presentations for Whitefish

Chapleau Lodge: More Than Just Fishing

This great lodge is also one of Canada’s best commercial diving schools.

Guided Lake Trout Fishing

Bob Izumi and JP Bushey hit Georgian Bay for big lake trout.

Ice Fishing With Fido

Ice fishing is the perfect opportunity to teach your dog the ins and outs of fishing, only simplified. 

A Guide to Fly-in Ontario Lodges

Today’s fly-in fishing vacations are no more expensive than most other getaways.