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

5 Lakes, 4 Seasons, and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes in Ontario.

Igniting the Spark

Don't Overlook Carp Fishing in Ontario

French River Fever

This waterway is rich in lunge lore, having produced muskies in excess of 60 pounds.

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Algonquin Brook Trout

A Fishing and Canoe Trip on Algonquin's Upper Nipissing River

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Discover the 3 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Ontario

Check out these lakes for hard-fighting smallmouth bass on your next fishing trip to Northern Ontario.

WOW Summer Whitefish

Whitefish hit harder in the open water season than in the winter

Fishing Northern Lights Country

Whitefish Lake is Great for Adventuring Angler

Finding Walleye Gold

Fish at Moose Horn Lodge and Experience Fish-rich Lakes

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

Big Moose Camp

Fishing for Trophy Musky on Lake Nosbonsing

Brook Trout Fishing at Dunlop Lake Lodge

Brook Trout Fishing 15 km of Elliot Lake, Ontario

The Eagle has Landed

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

Go Shallow For More Walleye

Walleye anglers think the fish are always in at least ten-foot or deeper. They're wrong!

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Do-It-Yourself Fly-In Fishing

Fly into one of nine outpost camps on nine lakes with Lauzon Aviation

Dogtooth Lake Resort Smallmouth

A drive-in smallmouth bass trip to remember