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

Keystone Muskies

Fishing Tips for Targeting Muskie on Cedar Lake

Lodge 88: Keeping it in the Family

Fish'n Canada host Ang Viola takes his grandson to fly-in fishing lodge Lodge 88 on Esnagi Lake.

Fish'n Canada in The Rough

Pete Bowman of Fish'n Canada and Keith Beasley of Canada in the Rough Pair up for Some Wild Bass Fishing

White(fish) North

Ontario's Lakes Offer Unlimited Opportunities

A Remarkable Catch

Landing Walleye & Pike on Lake Ontario

Love at First Light

Backcountry Brookies and Rainbow Trout that are worth the trek!

5 Lakes, 4 Seasons, and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes in Ontario.

Trolling for Walleye

Fishing on Dog Lake, Missanabie, Ontario

Magical Montreal River Bass

A Bucket List Angling Adventure at Horseshoe Island Camp

5 Big Water Ontario Fishing Locations

Where to go big water fishing in Ontario.

Youngs Wilderness Muskies

A trip to Lake of the Woods never disappoints The Musky Hunter

A Happy Fishing Place

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Northern Skies Resort

Keeping You In the Fishing Game

Tips For What To Have On Your Boat

Top 8 Places to Ice Fish in Ontario

Ice fishing in Ontario offers diverse catches in serene winter settings.

The Largemouth Show

Fishing Fall Bass in the St. Marys River

Adventures on the Nipigon River

Anglers can target Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in this body of water—but most come for the trophy Brook Trout.

Tamarack Muskies

Fishing Musky on Lake of the Woods in Ontario

Land a Lake Nipigon World Class Trophy Brook Trout

World class trophy brook trout in Ontario.

How to Make a Fish Shore Lunch

What to pack and how to make this favourite Northern Ontario meal.

Salmon Of The Soo

Fishing for Atlantic Salmon on the St. Marys River.