Reid's Birch Island Resort

Reid’s Birch Island Resort, in the heart of Ontario’s Sunset Country, is renowned for its fishing. Whether you’re going up there to target the abundant walleyes, trophy muskies, smallmouth bass or pike, chances are you will not be disappointed by the fishing opportunities. But I’ve got a confession to make. With all of the years of me doing this fishing gig for a living, I always check out what the food options are at a particular lodge or resort that we’re going to. I guess sometimes I take the fishing for granted, as I’ve had the opportunity to fish all over the world in my career—but boy I love my food equally as well. 

One of the things I appreciate, after visiting the resorts that my long-time buddy Phil Reid has been associated with, is that he does not spare anything when it comes to the food served at his properties.

For example, there’s the fine dining that can be found at Reid’s Birch Island Resort—just a little island only a mile or two from the village of Minaki. We’re talking about exquisite cuisine at this lodge. Grilled beef tenderloin with wild mushroom, sundried tomato and bourbon sauce; pecan-studded chicken in a honey garlic rice wine glaze; and Cajun pickerel with charred tomato salsa and lime curry aioli are just a few examples of what you can get in the dining room. This is not your typical “pork and beans” type fishing camp! This is fine dining at its best.

There’s no question that anybody who’s ever had a shore lunch at a fishing resort will never forget it. Everything always seems to taste better when you’re eating it outside! At Reid’s Birch Island Resort, they’ve got the traditional pan-fried walleyes and pike, but you can also enjoy your walleyes prepared sweet and sour, stir-fried, baked, or even with honey-mustard.

Over the years I’ve had my share of shore lunches and the ones at Reid’s Birch Island Resort are second to none. This recipe is one of my favourite ways that they can cook your fresh walleyes at lunchtime.

Reid’s Sweet and Sour Walleye Stir Fry

Ingredients

6 Walleye fillets cut into 1 ½-inch pieces

Coating

• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 5 tbsp Hy's seasoning

Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 1 cup maraschino cherry juice (you can also use pineapple juice)
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of water to thicken the sauce (or you can use a prepared sweet and sour sauce)

Stir Fry

• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 3⁄4 cup sliced green bell pepper
• 3⁄4 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 3/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1⁄2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• Optional: sliced mushrooms
• Canola or vegetable oil for frying