Soo Guides

From lakes and rivers to rapids, these fishing guides will help you tackle that trophy fish in Algoma Country & Sault Ste. Marie.

The St. Marys River, which flows through Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has become renowned for the quality of its fishery and the long season it can produce excellent fishing. Outside of Sault Ste Marie, the region of Algoma (Northern Ontario) has also been growing in popularity with fly fishers as an exceptional destination for brook trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, salmon, and much more.

All this great fishing, and hundreds of pristine lakes and rivers…but the main question for first-time visiting anglers is, where to start? Thankfully, Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie (known as “the Soo”) is blessed with several outstanding and professional guides who can help direct you to the right place and at the right time to be successful.

Adam with Bill
Angling Algoma's Adam Vallee with The New Fly Fisher Host Bill Spicer.

For those that love big smallmouth and largemouth bass (like I do), then guides Adam Vallee and Tyler Dunn are your best bet. Both grew up fishing in the Algoma region and are ardent bass fishers, whether with a fly rod or bait caster. In fact, Adam has been quite active in Canada and the USA fishing in bass tournaments. You can bring your own boat, or both guides have their own craft to take you to lakes and rivers. Usually, customers either stay in Sault Ste. Marie at one of the many hotels, and inns. and motels, while others often stay outside of the city at lodges and resorts. This allows for shorter driving distances to lakes and rivers that are productive for bass.

My daughter spent several days with Adam Vallee fishing from his boat and catching some massive 4- to 6-pound smallmouth on poppers. They stayed at Limberlost Lodge, which is conveniently located to have good access to smallies. Conversely, on another occasion, Tyler Dunn took my daughter to Lake Superior to search for big smallmouth off pencil weeds and other structures. They did exceptionally well using white streamers that simulated smelt in the area. Both Tyler and Adam can guide on the St. Marys River as well for steelhead and salmon.

Adam with Jenna
Adam Vallee with Jenna McKeown.

After numerous years of fishing new locations, if there is one thing I have learned to help raise your fishing success, it’s hiring a high-quality guide. They will take you to the best fishing locations, demonstrate what to use and how, and ensure you enjoy your quality time on any Algoma river or lake. Having fished with a great number of guides in the USA, Canada, and internationally, I can honestly say that Adam and Tyler are all in my top 10 guides based on their quality of knowledge, fun factor, and also helping you have success on the water.

Contact Information

Angling Algoma 
PH: (705) 943-5286

Tyler Dunn Guiding 
PH: (705) 206-0984

About Colin McKeown

Colin McKeown is the producer of The New Fly Fisher Television Series, and several documentary series for the Outdoor Life Network, the Discovery Channel and the History Channel. With a passion of fly fishing, Colin's 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. Known for his keen sense of humour, Colin has two wonderful children and is married to the most understanding and patient woman in the world. 

Recommended Articles

Drift Outfitters

An urban oasis in the heart of Downtown Toronto.

Shore Lunch

What to Pack & How to Make It

Ned Head Walleye of Algoma

Springtime Walleye Doesn't Have To Be A Crowded Affair

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Streamers for Big Pike

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

Legendary Walleye at Hawk Lake Lodge

Experience the hospitality and fishing of Northwestern Ontario

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Three Keys to Ontario Muskies

Where to Find Muskies in Ontario Waters.

The Outpost Lodge

Ideal for anglers looking for a variety of fishing.

Fish TV's Five 5 Places to Fish in Ontario

The amount of different species that Ontario has to offer is like no other place.

Take Your Tackle Box to the Next Level

Freshen up your lines and strategically re-stock your tackle box with these tips.

Find The Food, Find The Fish!

The fall feeding frenzy is getting under way across Northern Ontario.

Wasi Lake Fishing

Fishing at Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

Taming Trout

A new year brings a new lake trout ice fishing season

Bass Fishing at Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge

This drive to lodge offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in Northeastern Ontario.

River Bass Bonanza

Fishing Mistinikon for Smallmouth Bass

Fishing the Regions of Northern Ontario

There is more than meets the eye

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Boat!

Great tips and things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase a new boat.

Fly Fishing at Anderson's Lodge

A smallmouth bass fly fishing adventure to this famous lodge on Lac Seul.