Witch Bay Camp

A drive-to destination for great food, great lodging and incredible fishing.
witchbaycamp__dock.jpg

Witch Bay is located on a secluded bay on the giant one-million-acre Lake of the Woods. The seven-mile drive off the highway winds through beautiful Ontario terrain with its closest neighbour 12 miles away, a rarity for a drive-to lodge in this part of Ontario. Owners Steve and Gail Hockett will make you feel right at home, like they have been for over two decades. Steve actually started working here when he was just 21 years old. Their daughter, Caitlin, also works at the camp. And their son, Mike, has worked there as well. We had the pleasure of spending some time on the water fishing with both Steve and Mike. Mike has some pretty awesome stories during his many seasons of muskie guiding. There is a lot of history in the area besides the fishing, including the nearby Wendigo Gold Mine, which ran from 1899 to 1943.

wendigo gold mine
Photo of the Wendigo Gold Mine. (Photo credit: Lindner Media)

For accommodations, they offer both modern and rustic cabins. We stayed in a spacious new log cabin. And the added touch of having coffee delivered to your cabin each morning made it even better.

witch bay camp new cabin
(Photo credit: Lindner Media)
witch bay camp aerial
(Photo credit: Lindner Media)

Walleye is the main target here, along with the GIANT TROPHY MUSKIE. We're talking 50-inch-plus fish-of-a-lifetime! Looking through their annual brochure, it is filled with huge muskie from the previous year. It's not uncommon when walleye fishing to get into some jumbo perch, too. Did I mention all the smallmouth that populate the countless shallow rock piles and weed beds?!

witch bay camps musky
(Photo credit: Lindner Media)

The boat fleet is armed with 17 to 18-foot Lund and Crestliners, fully outfitted with electronics, trolling motors, live wells, life jackets, and landing nets. The dock staff tops off the boats with fuel each evening and plugs them in to ensure a full charge for the electronics and trolling motor.

Make sure your stay includes a Wednesday! Every Wednesday is the camp's shore lunch, and every Thursday is steak night. Fortunately, we were there to get a taste of both. All lodging packages include all-you-can-eat meals, three a day. Bring an appetite!

witch bay camp steak night
(Photo credit: Lindner Media)

Something very unique they offer is the "Witch Bay Fishing Program", included at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE with your stay! This is a great way to get the lay of the land and hit the ground, err water, running when you venture out on your own. Their seasoned, knowledgeable guide staff will show you the how-tos to maximize your time there. This includes going over a map in detail to mark fishing areas, different fishing presentations, and answering any questions you may have.

Nearly 85% of the people who stay at Witch Bay Camp return again, according to Steve. It is a very good bet you will be able to add me to that list. Roughly an eight-hour drive from Minneapolis, and depending on traffic, a one-day drive from Milwaukee or Chicago is possible. A drive-to destination, not far across the border from Minnesota, for great food, great lodging, and incredible fishing! The extended season is available for Housekeeping rates in October and then in November for whitetail deer hunts.

For more information, visit www.witchbay.com

About Troy Lindner

Troy Lindner is a co-host of The Ontario Experience airing on The Sportsman Channel. He was born and raised in Minnesota, which included many travels into Ontario, Canada growing up. The son of legendary angler, Al Lindner. Troy always enjoys journeying north across the border to experience the incredible fishing of Canada. A seasoned bass tournament fisherman, he has won over 40 events, including the 2016 Wild West Bass Trail AOY. His favorite fish to catch are smallmouth bass, with muskie being a close second. And Ontario waters offer trophy fishing adventures for both of these!

Recommended Articles

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Lakers of Lower Manitou: Fishing Just North of the U.S. Border

Fantastic Lake Trout Fishing at Manitou Weather Station.

Ontario’s Monster Northern Pike Fishing Adventures

Ontario is home to first-class accommodations and incredible fishing experiences.

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Slate Falls Outposts: Arc Lake Outpost

Fly-in Adventure and First-class Service in Northern Ontario

Trophy Lake Trout on Lake Obabika

The pursuit of giants on a recovered fishery.

Muskie Myths Part 2

Baits and Lures You Should be Using

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

The Perfect Shore Lunch

Try this award-winning recipe on your next Ontario fishing trip.

Don't Forget The Umbrella

It's raining smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike here in Northern Ontario

Fishing Walleye on Dog Lake

What it is about Northern Ontario fishing lodges that appeal to so many anglers?

Sweet Spot Season

When you have a limited amount of time to be out there fishing, you really want to look for those high percentage sweet spots.

Fly-in Fishing

Why You Need to Book a Fly-in Fishing Trip

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Steelhead and Salmon of Northern Ontario

Ontario's north is home to tributaries of Lake Superior and Lake Huron—and many species of salmon and steelhead

Choose your Fishing Adventure: 39 Lodges Accessible by Train, Plane, Boat, and Automobile in Ontario

How will you explore the province's waterways this upcoming season?

Wind, Cloud & Walleye

How Weather is Important to Walleye Anglers

Go Junk Fishing

Can't Find the Pattern? Do This Instead!

Indian Lake Lodge

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