Best Bass Baits for Lodge Trips

Sure-fire baits and techniques that have resulted in success at Northern Ontario fishing lodges

So, this is the year you’re finally making the journey to Northern Ontario to experience the world-class bass fishing everyone else is raving about. You have heard about our pristine wilderness lakes and rivers that inhabit both numbers and trophy-sized bass that sometimes never see a lure pass their nose all year long!

The same lakes that countless bald eagles soar and glide above, the same lakes that the mighty moose and whitetail deer quench their thirst, the same lakes black bear and lynx swim across and offer bass anglers jaw-dropping photography opportunities.

Kalonka-Lures-01

Northern Ontario bass fishing experiences are filled with memory-making moments that inspire visitors to return year after year.

The incredible bass fishing is only part of the entire adventure.

There is so much to discover in Ontario’s north country for the travelling bass angler, yet the task of preparing for a trip can be a little overwhelming in deciding on which artificial baits and lures to bring.

Which techniques and tactics catch the most bass?

What baits catch the biggest bass?

Here is a quick rundown of some of the sure-fire baits and techniques that have resulted in success on each trip to a Northern Ontario fishing lodge.

Kalonka-Lures-02

Due to the earlier open season opportunities in these areas, it is best to check local regulations before booking your bass adventure and ensure each location you consider has the earlier open season you wish to experience prior to putting down the deposit for your vacation.

Some of our most successful bass fishing road trips to Northern Ontario have taken place in either late spring from mid-May to late June and again in early September to late October when some of the biggest bass of the year are caught with regularity.

Kalonka-Lures-03

Baits of choice would include noisy topwater hard baits like poppers, prop baits, and walking-style baits that provoke bass to strike on just about any lake you wish to fish. Suspended jerk baits and tight wobbling crankbaits find bass fast. Soft-bodied shad baits twitched below the surface are absolutely lethal in northern Ontario. Throw in some tube jigs, three to four-inch soft-bodied minnow baits, and imitation crawfish baits rigged on small jig heads and you have the arsenal to dominate just about anywhere you decide to vacation.

Kalonka-Lures-04

Kalonka-Lures-05

You do not have to bring the entire kitchen sink of bass baits that could weigh you down if flying into a remote location for world-class trophy smallmouth bass. Stocking up instead on the aforementioned baits in some of the colours that give you confidence will catch bass.

Kalonka-Lures-06

Some of our favourite tones include browns, greens, and baitfish tones like perch or silvers.

Keep it simple.

Keep it light.

And, you will be well-armed to catch bass from sunrise to sunset on your Ontario vacation.

About Karl Kalonka

It's possible Karl's love for fishing began as early as the age of five. His parents took the kids on weekend trips across Ontario fishing for panfish, catfish, and bass. "I started with a bobber and worm from the time I was five years old," says Karl. These days, he has the enviable task of doing what he loves for a living, travelling across Ontario fishing, filming and producing two outdoor series, Extreme Angler and Crappie Angler TV.

Recommended Articles

Incredible Walleye

Drive-to Fishing at Brennan Harbour Resort

Reaching Deep For Walleye

Fishing for big Walleye in Ontario's Bay of Quinte.

Steelhead and Salmon of Northern Ontario

Ontario's north is home to tributaries of Lake Superior and Lake Huron—and many species of salmon and steelhead

Steelhead of the Upper Ganaraska

Known to most trout and salmon anglers as one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.

Love at First Light

Backcountry Brookies and Rainbow Trout that are worth the trek!

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

World Class Carp

Ontario is a World-Class Fishery for Carp

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

Whitefish Lake Walleye

An epic walleye fishing adventure in Superior Country.

Advanced Fly Techniques

Learn to fly fish small streams for trout and unlock a world of angling.

Top 5 Flies for Brook Trout

Favourite fly patterns from The New Fly Fisher

Stalking Prehistoric Long Nose Gar

Hosts Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman took to the waters with the objective of 100% sight fishing.

River Lake Trout Techniques

Some techniques to help you catch Lake Trout in the untraditional river setting across Ontario.

Smallmouth Bass Destinations

From rivers to lakes, smallmouth bass are found throughout Ontario.

Birch Bark Lodge

A Slice of Heaven on Wigwascence Lake

Top Three Ontario Musky Waters

Where to catch the fish of 10,000 casts.

Top 10 Fly Patterns for Brook Trout

Learn Brook Trout Fly Pattern Choices for Surface Fly Fishing

Year Round Fishing in Ontario

Who Says You Can’t Fish All Year in Ontario?

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World