Birchland Cottages

great trophy fishing for big smallmouth bass

For many fly fishers, the search to find large smallmouth bass on a fly is a never-ending quest. Good news, there is a place in Northern Ontario that has bountiful numbers of large smallmouth bass… it is Algoma Country!

smallmouth bass with fly

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

In the region east of Sault Ste. Marie along the Trans-Canada Highway, there exists some incredible public access lakes and rivers that hold good populations of smallmouth bass. One of the best places to stay is at Birchland Cottages, located just off the highway near the small town of Thessalon. This drive-to facility is just over an hour from the Canada/American border or Sault Ste. Marie Airport!

colin mckeown smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Birchland Cottages is located on Clear Lake which has a very healthy population of smallmouth bass that range in size from two to six pounds. Of equal importance, they have numerous other lakes in the area with public access that have solid populations of smallmouth bass and other species. This means anglers can try different lakes every day!

rob larue smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Birchland Cottages has spacious and comfortable cabins that are perfect for anglers and their friends. From groups of two to eight, they have cabins that can accommodate everyone. The cottages have fully appointed kitchens with all dishes, cutlery, and appliances. You just bring your own food and spirits, then you are all set for a very affordable trophy fishing trip!

northern ontario loon

Northern Ontario loon. (Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

The best periods for catching smallmouth bass are May/June and September/October. Many of the lakes have large populations of smelt or other baitfish, which explains why the bass reach such massive average sizes. Because the bass are so large here, we recommend you use a minimum of size 6 weight rods, with most fly fishers using 7 weights for casting and fighting these big fish. It is important to bring a variety of flylines to explore all parts of the water column. You will need a floating line (bass tapers are best for turning over large wind-resistant flies), an intermediate line (for use with streamer patterns), and either a sink-tip or full-sinking flyline. Topwater action can be good in June and September, but the best results are obtained with streamers throughout the period.

jenna mckeown smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
algoma hat and flys

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Best patterns for May/June and September/October include streamers such as Murdich Minnows in white, white/brown, or white/green. White Zonkers with Bead-Heads are also deadly in sizes 4 or 6. For topwater action, poppers in sizes 6 to 8 in yellow, green, and black produce solid results.

murdish minnows

Close up of Murdich Minnows. (Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)

Anglers who love catching giant smallmouth bass will love this region of Northern Ontario. Birchland Cottages is perfectly located to provide you with excellent access to great trophy fishing for big smallmouth bass... all at very affordable prices!

BOOK THIS TRIP

Birchland Cottages
PH: (705) 842-3356
Website: http://birchlandcottages.com

jenna mckeown smallmouth bass

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
About Colin McKeown

Colin McKeown is the producer of The New Fly Fisher Television Series, and several documentary series for the Outdoor Life Network, the Discovery Channel and the History Channel. With a passion of fly fishing, Colin's goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. Known for his keen sense of humour, Colin has two wonderful children and is married to the most understanding and patient woman in the world. 

Recommended Articles

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World

Don't Forget The Umbrella

It's raining smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike here in Northern Ontario

3 Secret Tips for Landing Ontario Muskies

Muskies aren’t easy to catch. So here’s a simple formula to change that.

True Colours

How important is your lure colour when selecting a bait?

Top 5 Wet flies for Brook Trout

Fly Fishers describe their favourite brookie flies.

Fishing On The French

Fish TV Stay At Bears Den Lodge

The Eyes Have it

How to Use a Natural Resource as Bait

Catching Bucket List Walleyes at Dogtooth Lake Resort

The Ontario Experience visits Dogtooth Lake in Sunset Country

The Eagle has Landed

If you're looking to make your Ontario fishing dreams come true, this is the place to do it.

Walleye Sunsets

Walleye Fishing on Lake Nipissing.

Timber Edge Camps

Drive-to Walleye Fishing in Ontario's Sunset Country

Speckle Splake Spectacular

Ice Fishing for big Northern Ontario speckled & splake trout.

Top 5 Flies for Brook Trout

Favourite fly patterns from The New Fly Fisher

Take Someone Fishing

Easy to learn, affordable, and fun: Fishing is a sport for everyone!

When to Use Bright Lures and Dark Lures

An interesting insight, using bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

Smallmouth Bass in Sunset Country

It's great to be a smallmouth angler in Sunset Country because of the numbers and size of bass.

Magical Montreal River Bass

A Bucket List Angling Adventure at Horseshoe Island Camp

Camp Conewango

Lake Talon Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Shallow Water Walleye

Learn Tips and Techniques From The Extreme Angler

Bear Creek Bruisers

Fishing Musky on Lake Nipissing