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A few weeks ago Madjack contacted me regarding an opportunity to go on a trip to Temple Bay Lodge up near Dryden. I decided to go and boy am I glad I did. First I have never been on a fishing trip that was better organized; Everything from where we would eat, at what time, to who would drive and when was pre planned. Jack didn't miss a thing, motels and restraunts had all been carefully chosen based on years of experience. The lodge was wonderful, we did the American plan and the portions were huge, in fact we had to ask that they gave us half portions because we just couldn't eat everything and neither of us like to see food going to waste. The fishing was incredible, walleye, lake trout, bass, pike, muskie, and perch, and the numbers were nuts. The guides were the best I have ever seen, knowledgeable, competent, attentive, I have never been treated that well ever before. I have been fishing for a long time but these guys taught me a lot! They are truly pros! Anyway, this trip will be one filled with wonderfull memories and set the standard for trips to come.

When the recollection of a trip is so positive; just shows that good things come to good people and good people (Madjack) are willing to share their opportunities. A shot of Crown to everyone that participated in this adventure. I just toasted the computer screen. LOL Dan.

And Mr.Big, still flips the had backwards. That,s saying something. COOL DUDE.

Back from our trip to Pointe au Baril and wanted to say thanks to everybody who helped me with my questions. We had OK weather and decent fishing and it was great to go to the area again. Surface temps were right around 21 degrees pretty much everywhere. Hit the usual spots and some new areas for us. Generally pleased to find very little boat traffic but of course the river was getting hit pretty hard. We did well just upstream past the narrows catching quite a few SMB and the usual Rock Bass. Also some decent bass action off of Whitsun Rock. We had no luck with pike and usually don't like trolling but did get 4 surprise walleye casting in a Bay off Gordon Point. They were all in the slot but fun. However, similar to previous years the best spot for us were the bays along outer channel north side. Caught a 4-1/2 pound SMB and lost 2 others of size in Pelham Cove as well as multiple smaller fish. One we lost broke the water and looked to be about 6 pounds but you know how those estimates at a distance can be. Eastward from there we did OK in Aldrich Cove and the other nooks and crannies farther into the channel but nothing of size. Was surprised how small the usual perch bycatch were. In years gone by most days we used to catch a couple decent perch but this year we probably got a half dozen but not one over 6-7". Did get a couple of chubby Pumpkinseed to round out our species report. I hear there are some new bait regulations in place but I do have to say, wow, the minnows were expensive! At the local bait store they were $12, $18, and $24 per dozen, depending on size. It does seems to make it suck more when one wiggles out of your grasp, gets cast off, or is lost by a mini fish hit. There goes another Loonie or Toonie!

He is happy, he met and fished with Mr Bignell!

Get that boy an RSG for that rod.

This past weekend I experienced the reverse...Two of my sons and my oldest grandson used to rent a pontoon boat ($350 a day) the weekend after Labor Day in September because I can't handle getting in and out of regular boats any more This weekend they show up with a one year old Pontoon they bought because of my handicap...Have been out in it four times already...I am still flabergasted !!! Here I am getting on with no help from anybody....I feel I am not worthy but I must have done sumpin' right besides teaching them how tocatch fish...LOL

Gifted my oldest grandson with a couple of river gifts. He has become quite the river rat. Seems to be following in the steps of poppy and his dad. Dad and son have have been having a great re bonding. Brings joy to my heart. He will grow into the new stick, a pin will be a couple years away, but a spinning reel will do for now.

Rod builders retire and get to go fishing ? 🙄 Great pics forsure. Thanks for sharing them.

No, we went to Temple Bay which is near Dryden but it's a two day drive, chapleau is only about 8 hours drive.

Nipigon rules are in effect up to the first set of falls on any river that flows into it.. the lake has quite a few rules that only apply on Nipigon. I would love to fish some of the lakes on the islands.. its truly a unique place

Need to talk his dad into that one. LOL

Check out Chapleau Lodge

If you are up at the Onaman river there are no cottages or lodges directly on the lake. It is a wild area and you can rent a boat on Onaman Lake for numbers and size(Walleye). This is a place where there is a lot of driving and possibly long boat rides on big water..

https://www.happydaylodge.com/ https://wildewoodonlakesavant.com/ https://lodgeeightyeight.com/ https://marmaclodge.com/ https://lochisland.com/ https://campesnagi.com/ https://www.hawk-lake.com/ https://www.osullivansrainbow.com/

Surprisingly not much, it's not uncommon to be out there for days without seeing a boat. Nipigon is probably the best drive to fishery on the world, I think it's low traffic is due to the intimidating nature of the lake. It can go from glass to 6ft rollers quite fast. As Chuck noted above onamans is a great launching point. You can fish ombatika Bay and have some shelter around islands, the bay has extraordinary pike with fantastic walleye up by the jackfish River. Lake and brook trout not far from the onaman River outlet to the main lake

If he wants numbers, muskie isn't something he should be looking at. OP should have no problems finding an outfitter that has dynamite walleye fishing. It's a big province. I could make some recommendations but unfortunately they're all flyin options.

Here is our sister website that has a lot of reviews and information. https://ontariofishingcommunity.com/index.php?app=core&module=system&controller=redirect&do=advertisement&ad=25&key=a190b01e632f0a46bf95b067fba0c101d6b7b31ba2f994e230dd2440810275c3 Cheers Art

I suggest acquiring a guide at lac Saul and go after musky there are a few great guides there and the musky will knock you off your seat have fun and stay fishing.

There's a couple places that come to mind when thinking about bucket list trips for me. Lake Nipigon (Onamans), Nipigon River (Red Rock), Lake Seul (many)and Lake of the Woods (many). What you're looking for in terms of accommodations, what species of fish you'd prefer and whether numbers or a chance at trophies is more important might help folks with recommendations.