Fishing lodge vacations are a special event that guests look forward to all year long. They are a chance to break out of routines and spend all of your free time just enjoying life. But just how do you choose a fishing lodge? Is any random fishing lodge going to be good enough? You want your trip to be a success and that starts with a right-fit destination. We’re going to help you break down the process of choosing a fishing lodge destination into smaller pieces and then present our case on why you should consider a trip to a Kenora District Fishing Lodge for your next vacation.

But just as hotels vary in quality and customer service, so do fishing lodges. To figure out exactly what fishing lodge is perfect for you, you need to conduct a bit of research. Some guests do a great job with their research prior to booking their first trip to a lodge. These guests are well prepared because they do a good job asking all the right questions. We want to help you be equally prepared to choose the right fishing lodge so here are a few things you should consider before booking your next fishing lodge vacation.

Early in the year is the ideal time to start planning your fishing lodge vacation. At this time of year lodges will still have some openings for the higher demand weeks. Don’t leave your planning much later than February. Many lodges are booked a year in advance by return guests who want to lock down their annual trip. Across Canada there are hundreds and hundreds of resorts that are family owned and operated. These operations have served two or even three generations of visiting anglers for their annual fishing trip.

But just as hotels vary in quality and customer service, so do fishing lodges. To figure out exactly what fishing lodge is perfect for you, you need to conduct a bit of research. Some guests do a great job with their research prior to booking their first trip to a lodge. These guests are well prepared because they do a good job asking all the right questions. We want to help you be equally prepared to choose the right fishing lodge so here are a few things you should consider before booking your next fishing lodge vacation.

Thanks to the internet and social networking sites, it has never been easier to plan a fishing lodge vacation. The internet is filled with information to help make your planning easier. A good place to see some of your options laid out in a convenient manner is the Sunset Country Fishing Page. But just as hotels vary in quality and customer service, so do fishing lodges. To figure out exactly what fishing lodge is perfect for you, you need to conduct a bit of research. Some guests do a great job with their research prior to booking their first trip to a lodge. These guests are well prepared because they do a good job asking all the right questions. We want to help you be equally prepared to choose the right fishing lodge so here are a few things you should consider before booking your next fishing lodge vacation.

You can find a fishing lodge vacation to meet any budget. Higher end travelers may want to book five-star lodges with American plan fine dining. Those with a medium-size budget may prefer a housekeeping package but still a high-quality lodge. Before you know your options you need to know your budget.

Are you thinking about a long weekend getaway, a 2-week trip or something in between? Depending on where you live and the amount of time you have to travel, some destinations will eat up too much of your time travelling. Traveling too far or cramming in too much can make for a rushed, ungratifying fishing trip. Ensure the destinations you are considering will still leave you with plenty of time on the water not in the car.

Different things are important to different people. Obviously, you’re reading this article because you’re planning a “fishing lodge” vacation. I’m going to assume the absolute most important thing to you is that the fishing is really good and we’ll get to this.

It’s important you give consideration to what else is important to you in a fishing lodge. Is a comfortable bed important to you?  good boats?  good guiding?  great food? cell service or internet access? If you’re planning a corporate retreat to a fishing lodge then it may be important that the lodge has some form of conference rooms and good size & quality common areas to encourage evening socializing.

If you want to bring your own boat there’s obviously only two options, drive-in or boat-in lodges.

It’s common opinion that fly-in lodges offer the best fishing. However, Ontario has done an excellent job of managing its fishing resources and there are hundreds of drive-in and boat-in lakes that anglers can visit and enjoy just as good of fishing as any fly-in. Nevertheless, you must know what type of experience you are after before selecting between a fly-in, boat-in or drive-in lodge.

After you’ve given consideration to all of the above options, you’ll have hopefully narrowed it down to just a few.

Give each lodge a call, you’re likely to get the owner directly. Have a list of questions ready that will help you finalize your decision. At a minimum you should get an idea of the following:

• Ask about the guides – Since you’re new to the lodge you’re likely to spend some time with a guide to get familiar with the lake. Ask the lodge owner how long their guides have been working at the lodge as well as how the guides are assigned to anglers.
• Ask about techniques – Make sure you get into some detail about the techniques used at the lodge.
• Ask about availability – make sure that the time of year you’re considering is even available. Lodges typically don’t advertise availability on their website.

Maybe you found out about the lodge from a friend who had a great experience.  In that case, cross this one off the list. But if you found the lodge through a Google search, its wise to actually talk to someone who’s been a guest before you commit your hard-earned time and money.

Tip: Go on Instagram and click on the search button at the bottom. Search hashtags with the lodges name in it, example. #reidsbirchislandresort

Past guests will often post photos and tag the lodge. Message one or a few of these individuals and ask them about their experience and any tips they have. Also check out the lodge’s google reviews. Once you’ve found someone who’s been a past guest of the lodge (under its current management as well) make sure you ask him or her the following questions at a minimum:

• What time of year they visited – fishing is such a seasonal experience that it’s critical to make sure your visit coincides with prime fishing times.
• What species they caught – A lot of lakes produce fishing opportunities for a host of species, but most lakes tend to offer up better fishing for certain or select species.

Don’t be shy to reach out, the fishing community is a friendly bunch.

Most people regardless of age have some sort of access to social media. It may even be through a son or daughter. Look up the fishing lodges you are considering on facebook and Instagram. Look through their photos to get a good sense of what guests are catching, the scenery, the quality of the lodge, as well as the food! Give the lodge(s) that you’re interested in a follow but be prepared to get the itch to head out fishing and have a shore lunch.

The Kenora, District of Ontario is home to some of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country.

“In my opinion, this whole region is Ontario at its finest and represents the epitome Pre-Cambrian Shield fishing. The terrain is boulder-strewn with some of the oldest exposed granite on earth, mixed pine and hardwoods, and an endless watery maze when looked down upon from above” Babe Winkelman.

Fishing in the Kenora District is a year-round activity. The area is home to almost every freshwater sport-fish that an angler aspires to catch. Lake of the Woods is the most well-known body of water in the district but local anglers know of the lesser known hot spots like the Minaki area. There are five main lakes in the Minaki area. They are Gunn Lake, Big Sand Lake, Little Sand Lake, Pistol Lake and Roughrock Lake and many other smaller ones.

The Minaki area lakes are prized for great walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and, of course, muskie fishing. An angler could fish a lifetime and never come close to experiencing all the great fishing waters the Kenora District has to offer. Its truly a dream come true for anyone who loves fishing and spending time outdoors.

Based on your research conducted by following the above steps you should have a good idea of the experience you can expect at each of the lodges you’re considering.

Now, its time to reserve your trip, and look forward to your fishing vacation!

I hope that you’ll consider Reid’s Birch Island Resort for your next fishing lodge vacation. Our well-trained staff will provide assistance to the inexperienced, and they’ll leave you alone if you know what you’re doing. The facility, food and scenery are second to none, and we’ll be sure to deliver a memorable vacation.