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

Fishing Northern Ontario

Hitting The Road With Fish TV

The Best Brook Trout Fishing

Discover world class fishing in Northern Ontario—home of the world record brook trout!

Ontario Brown Trout Fishing

It may be the best fishing on earth.

Smoked Fish: A Do-It-Yourself Delicacy

Catching and eating fish from the cold, clear waters is one of the perks of living in Northern Ontario.

Top Ranked Flies For Catching Brown Trout

How to set up a fly rod, pick streamers, and catch some trout.

Fish TV On the French River

The French River/Georgian Bay area is a favourite hotspot for the Fish TV team.

Crawford’s Diamond in the Rough

A year-round resort for the true die-hard angler on Lake of the Woods

The Spin on Early Season Walleye

Depending on where you are walleye fishing in Ontario, the conditions range from early spring to near summer-like.

The 3 Best Baits For Northern Ontario Walleye

Catch those golden bars in any lake depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Carp

Learn how to detect these fish species and how to keep them out of the Great Lakes.

Summer Fishing Patterns for Multi-Species

Bob Izumi discusses tips for different species and how to catch them when summer temperatures soar.

Indian Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits Ontario's Sunset Country for large active musky

River Lake Trout Techniques

Some techniques to help you catch Lake Trout in the untraditional river setting across Ontario.

5 Big Water Ontario Fishing Locations

Where to go big water fishing in Ontario.

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Baptiste Bass

Catching 5- to 6-Pound Smallmouth Bass Each Fishing Season

Incredible Walleye

Drive-to Fishing at Brennan Harbour Resort

Chiblow Lake Smallmouth Adventures

The Extreme Angler visits Algoma Country

Streamers for Big Pike

Northern Pike are the apex predator in many of Ontario’s waters.

How Smallmouth Bass Came to Ontario

Ontario has Smallmouth Bass lakes from the far reaches of the north and south.