Most anglers serious about their passion will at one time or another go on a fly-in fishing trip to some remote lake up north.
Although we can leave our homes here in the city and be fishing within half an hour, it’s just not the same as a fly-in trip. Or is it?
The mindset that a remote fly-in is going to give you a better experience is totally up to the taker.
The mindset that a remote fly-in is going to give you a better experience is totally up to the taker.
Fly-in fishing is a whole different ball game and will no doubt be much more costly.
There are hundreds of resorts that offer fly-in packages and the majority of them are very good.
There are hundreds of resorts that offer fly-in packages and the majority of them are very good.
First off, if you are considering a fly-in, do your homework. It will be worth the effort to research this well in advance before you go flopping out your hard-earned cash.
The Internet has opened up a whole new world to the consumer and just about anything you wish to research will be available online.
The Internet has opened up a whole new world to the consumer and just about anything you wish to research will be available online.
Get on Google and type in Fly-in fishing and you will be blown away at how many sites appear.
There are so many factors involved when it comes to a fly-in fishing trip. What species of fish do you want to target? What time of year do you want to go and how much money is in your budget?
In Northwestern Ontario there is such a large choice of outfitters to choose from, one would truly not know where to begin in booking a trip.
I myself have had the opportunity on several occasions to experience a fly-in and although I haven’t done one recently, the ones I have been on were simply awesome.
Flying over the Albany River at tree top level in a remote untouched setting is indescribable. The brook trout (speckled trout) fishing was insane and the hospitality and cuisine were unmatched.
Flying over the Albany River at tree top level in a remote untouched setting is indescribable. The brook trout (speckled trout) fishing was insane and the hospitality and cuisine were unmatched.
Being in such a place where there are no roads, cell phones, computers, freeways and civilization gives you a sense of what it must have been like for the first explorers hundreds of years ago.
When booking a fly-in fishing trip, narrow it down to a few choices of outfitters and then try to talk to them personally and ask a lot of questions such as what type of aircraft they operate.
Do they have emergency equipment at their camps such as satellite phones, first aid stations and an evacuation plan?
Ask the outfitter what they actually supply you with in the way of gear and equipment. This is extremely important so you know what to pack on this trip.
Remember you will be isolated and cannot just jump in the truck and pick up what you forgot to bring. Ask for references and call these references and ask a lot of questions.
Most outpost camps are fully stocked with cooking utensils, pots, pans, gas, propane and all the basic amenities.
Remember you will be isolated and cannot just jump in the truck and pick up what you forgot to bring. Ask for references and call these references and ask a lot of questions.
Most outpost camps are fully stocked with cooking utensils, pots, pans, gas, propane and all the basic amenities.
In most cases the outfitter will ask you pack as light as possible to accommodate weight restrictions in the aircraft. Most resorts will supply you with a list of what you will need to bring ahead of time so it will greatly help you in deciding what goes and what stays.
One down side of booking a fly-in is that you are at the mercy of the weather and this could mean nasty weather fishing. Make sure if you’re spending this kind of cash on a trip to go the little extra and get yourself some good rain gear.
One down side of booking a fly-in is that you are at the mercy of the weather and this could mean nasty weather fishing. Make sure if you’re spending this kind of cash on a trip to go the little extra and get yourself some good rain gear.
It would be a shame to sit in a cabin all three days because you didn’t prepare well enough. Also make sure you have an extra day or two to wait out bad weather because there is a possibility the returning plane cannot fly and land in adverse conditions. This has happened to me before.
We were packed and ready to be picked up from our outpost camp on a remote lake when a severe storm moved in and hung around for 24 hours.
We had to spend an extra night until the weather cleared up to allow the aircraft to land and get us out of there.
We had to spend an extra night until the weather cleared up to allow the aircraft to land and get us out of there.
This is important if you are booking time off work. Give yourself a little cushion time just in case.
Remember on a fly-in fishing trip, you and your party are going to have to be your own safety stewards, meaning extra precautions will have to be taken in order to prevent serious injury.
Even going as far as making your camp bear proof is not a bad idea. Marauding bears will hone in on the smells of leftover food, and the last thing you want is to return to camp after a day of fishing to find out a big ol’ bear has decided to help itself to your food and gear.
Take the time to make your camp bear proof by putting everything away and not leaving the dinner scraps from the night before laying in a bag outside on the deck.
Even going as far as making your camp bear proof is not a bad idea. Marauding bears will hone in on the smells of leftover food, and the last thing you want is to return to camp after a day of fishing to find out a big ol’ bear has decided to help itself to your food and gear.
Take the time to make your camp bear proof by putting everything away and not leaving the dinner scraps from the night before laying in a bag outside on the deck.
Fish guts should be hauled away and put in a spot far from camp.
Barbeques or fire grills should be cleaned thoroughly and made as scent free as possible.
A decent first aid kit should be available whether it’s supplied by the outfitter or you have to bring one; it’s an absolute must.
A fly-in fishing trip can be one of the best experiences you will ever have if you research, prepare and be safe.
A decent first aid kit should be available whether it’s supplied by the outfitter or you have to bring one; it’s an absolute must.
A fly-in fishing trip can be one of the best experiences you will ever have if you research, prepare and be safe.
We work way too hard not enjoy our passions and if you have never been on a fly-in, I would suggest you seriously consider it, as I know it will be something you will never forget.
Being on a remote lake with top notch fishing and only nature surrounding you is what it’s all about.
Being on a remote lake with top notch fishing and only nature surrounding you is what it’s all about.
