The Outpost Lodge

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

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 Keyhoe 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
Toll-Free: 1-855-841-2518
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

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Sturgeon Lake Fishing

Walleye and smallmouth bonanza at Lumberjack Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.

Drive-to Ontario Lodges

Ontario has the perfect easy-to-access fishing oasis for every angler!

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Flying in for Ontario Northern Pike

Kaby Lake is a phenomenal lake for both Walleye and Northern Pike fishing.

The Best of Both Worlds

From spring right through to late fall there are species that you can target close to the home base in the Spanish River

Miles Bay Camp

Secluded fishing attracts anglers to Miles Bay on Lake of the Woods

Fly Fishing The Nipigon River: What To Bring

These tips will make your trip to these fabled Ontario waters more enjoyable.

When to Use Bright Lures and Dark Lures

An interesting insight, using bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

Top 10 Streamers for Ontario Brook Trout

Big Brook Trout get that way by eating lots of smaller fish which is why streamers work well.

Baits for Brookies

Using Lipless Rattle Baits for Brook Trout

Magpie Reservoir

Excellent Drive-to Angling to Hook Big Walleye

Trolling for Walleye

Fishing on Dog Lake, Missanabie, Ontario

Big Boat Portaging

Fishing on Lady Evelyn Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Bobber Down

You’ll double your hook-up ratio and find yourself constantly yelling, "Bobber down!"

Wild Brook Trout

Remote Outpost Fishing on Pinei Lake

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.

Lady Evelyn Lake

Get to Know This Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

Fish'n Canada heads to Lake Temiskaming to tackle Ontario Walleye.