Soo Guides

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

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 a 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 was at one of the many hotels 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.

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

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.

Walleye World in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s Premier Walleye Fishing

Difficult Day Walleye

Learn a few techniques to address the sometimes challenging fishing conditions for walleye.

Beaded Lures

Find out why these chintzy plastic beads are the perfect lure.

Como Lake Resort

Genuine hospitality and excellent fishing is found here.

Kashabowie Bass Blast

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass in Ontario's Superior Country

Luxury Meets Remote on Kenora’s Lake of the Woods

Discover the ultimate outpost destination for fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure.

Trade the Signal for the Strike

Why Fly-In Walleye Trips are Ontario’s Ultimate Bucket List Adventure

Untouched Water And Total Freedom: The Flint Wilderness DIY Adventure

From trophy pike in expansive lakes to wild brook trout in hidden rivers, this Longlac destination is the ultimate base camp for the independent fly angler.

Fly Fishing for Bass

Northern Ontario is the destination for incredible bass fishing.

River Run Walleye

The Walleye Fishing Adventures Abound in Ontario's Algoma Country

Tamarack Muskies

Fishing Musky on Lake of the Woods in Ontario

Delawana Resort

Bass Fishing on Southern Georgian Bay

World Class Fishing on the Niagara River

There's always something to target in "Ontario's Grand Canyon"

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.

Destroying Fall Muskie Myths

Muskie anglers leave a lot of late fall locations unscathed

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Largemouth Bass At Westbay Cottages

Fish TV takes a trip to Northeastern Ontario

Batchawana Bay Smallmouth Bass

Fish'n Canada fishes the Lake Superior for bass.