Fish this Hidden Ontario Hotspot

Catch Walleye, Pike, Perch, and Even Brook Trout at This Hidden Ontario Hotspot

Ontario is home to 250,000 lakes — but discovering a little known lake system is often key to finding both trophy fish and a secluded retreat. As the only lodging on a five-mile-long lake, Castlebar Lake Lodge caters to adventurers craving low-pressure fishing with easy drive-in access. Situated 30 minutes east of Longlac, Ontario, Castlebar Lake Lodge offers boat-in access to two remote 3,000+ acre lakes as well as the area’s smaller lakes.

Castlebar Lake is a 3,000-acre lake full of perch, pike, and walleye. Brook trout like to hang out in the river connecting the lake to Proctor Lake, another 3,000-acre lake that tends to be a favorite for walleye. The river allows boats smaller than 18 feet to navigate between the two lakes easily.

The two lakes are supplemented by several smaller lakes in the area, including Lydia Lake and Miriam Lake. Some of the smaller ponds in the area too small to have an official name have surprised guests with a constant stream of bites from hungry walleye.

Along with fishing, the lake system’s many streams and small lakes are ideal for kayakers and paddlers. The region’s many logging roads are ideal for easy hikes, bird watching, and wildlife photography.

Five cabins dot the lakeshore at Castlebar Lake Lodge, with accommodations for groups from two to 12. Each cabin at Castlebar has a full, private bathroom. All five cabins also have a fully equipped kitchen and a sunroom with a view of the lake.

The off-the-grid camp provides access to generator power overnight for guests to recharge boats and cameras or run medical devices such as CPAP machines. Propane-powered fridges, stoves, and lights are available 24/7.

Castlebar Lake Lodge is just four miles off Highway 11 — just enough logging roads to provide a sense of adventure and isolation without making an emergency supply run take up too much fishing time. With drive-in access, a boat launch, and overnight power at the docks, guests can bring their own boat or rent one of the on-site boats.

Another perk of a drive-in camp is the cost. Lodging starts at $300 per week per person for groups of three or more, or $450 a person for groups of two. Rentals for aluminum boats with cushioned seats and 9.9 motors start at $450 for the full week.

For more details or to check cabin availability, visit castlebarlakelodge.com.