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

Wilderness WAlleye

Fishing Jumbo Perch, Walleye and Pike at Kanipahow Resort

Lang Lake Resort – Outdoor Recreation is their Business

Set in Northeastern Ontario's Lacloche Mountain Range, surrounded by many lakes to fish.

World Class Fishing on the Niagara River

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

In Search of Solitude and Wild Brook Trout

Fly fishing adventures to remote rivers

Land a Lake Nipigon World Class Trophy Brook Trout

World class trophy brook trout in Ontario.

Multi-Species Action

With so many lakes in Ontario, it's hard to narrow down the best multi-species lakes. We're here to help!

Fish TV's Favourite Shore Lunches

Grab your batter, beans, and fresh fillets for the best lunch lakeside.

Largemouth Bass At Westbay Cottages

Fish TV takes a trip to Northeastern Ontario

Lac Seul Outpost Adventure

Lac Seul is known for big fish of all species.

3 Must Fish Ontario Hotspots for Smallmouth Bass

Everyone has a bucket list for something. Die-hard bass anglers have many.

Double Trouble Trout

Twice the Fun Ice Fishing

Reid's Birch Island Resort

Discover fine dining and gourmet shore lunches on offer at this angler's paradise

10 Steps for Winterizing Your Boat

Essential Steps for Winterizing and Preparing Your Boat for Storage

Fly Casting In The Wind

Use these tips to help make it easier to when out fly fishing in Ontario.

Shallow Water Fishing in Sunset Country

Fish are still in shallow water—and up here in Northwestern Ontario, they’re more than willing to bite.

Forget Skinny Smallmouth

Chiblow Lake Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience on a smallmouth factory famous for 5-pound-plus bass.

Veteran Grit vs. High-Tech Odds: The Ultimate Algoma Derby Showdown

Facing off against a powered-up duo and a technological disadvantage in a length-based battle across the pristine waters of Whitefish and Manitouwik Lakes.

Christmas Walleyes in Summer

Start your summer off right with these techniques and tips for walleye.

Muskie Myths Part 2

Baits and Lures You Should be Using

French River Fever

This waterway is rich in lunge lore, having produced muskies in excess of 60 pounds.