We are asked frequently about the merits of fly-in fishing.
I have fished at a fly-in location several times and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has never tried it. Let's look at a few of the criteria that you should consider before committing to a trip.
Species
My experience is with the Northern Ontario walleye/pike lakes. You can also do an Ontario fly- in for most species of Trout or Bass. Once outside of Ontario you can do fly-in's for virtually any species of fish available in Canada. For purposes of this blog we're going to stick to the Northern Ontario fly-in if only for the fact that the prices for, say, a Western Canada fly-in tend to be 4 or 5 times more expensive.
Rates
You first want to decide whether you want to stay in a housekeeping cottage where you bring in your food and do your own cooking or take advantage of the American Plan where the lodge does the cooking. Usually the American plan has a few other perks like a fish cleaning service and a shore lunch or maybe even an upgraded boat.
For a one week stay in a housekeeping cottage a representative, average rate would be in the area of $1200 per week, per person. Add $600-$700 to that for the American Plan. Alcoholic Beverages aren't normally included in the rate. When considering the American plan keep in mind that the meals are served within certain time windows. For instance breakfast will be served between 7AM and 9AM and dinner between 6PM and 7PM. Truly a consideration if you want totally flexible fishing time.
You can find fly-in's for as low as $800 per person, usually in a remote housekeeping cabin but there's definitely an element of risk relative to the quality level and service with this kind of arrangement. I once did one of these with my son and father and the outfitter didn't bring enough gas for our boat for the week on the original flight in. He promised faithfully he'd bring more gas mid week. We never saw him for the rest of the week and we were paddling by Thursday.
Remote/Wilderness Cabins
These can be absolutely beautiful and a great experience and are indeed offered by most outfitters but you have to remember that you and your party are alone with no contact with the outside world for a week. Not something I would recommend for someone with a health issue or the elderley. If no showers and a rustic cabin aren't your thing I would pass it up. If you do decide to do it consider renting a satellite phone for the week.
Length of Stay
If I had to do it over again for the first time knowing what I know now I would probably opt for the 3 or 4 night stay rather than the full week especially at a walleye/pike lake. Unless you're there early or late in the season the fishing for big pike can be very tough (once the water temperature rises the "big guys" head for deep water) so you usually concentrate on walleye. The host will give you a map marked with a few shoals that you will drift over using a jig and minnow. You will probably catch lots of 1.5 to 3 pound walleyes with the occasional 4 or 5 pounder mixed in. After 3 days of this style of fishing I've had enough. My 58 year old spine also starts to howl after more than 3 days in an aluminum boat with bench seats.
Also, this is usually my longest trip of the year and the thought of my nice comfortable boat sitting at home in the driveway makes me crazy !!!!!!
Conclusion
Again, if you've never been on a fly-in definitely try it. The scenery is beautiful, the fishing for numbers is almost always good and the shore lunches are awesome. There are several good outfitters out there so check around and find one that meets your criteria. Check things like the weight restriction you're allowed on the plane, the catch and release policy and the availability and cost of a guide. Carefully read their checklist of what you need to pack and what tackle is recommended.
HAVE A GREAT TIME !!!!
Just starting out? Not sure what gear you need? Read my post on Getting started
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