Armstrong Fly-Ins

It's worth forgoing convenience for the trip of a lifetime. 

The Magic of a Fly-in Fishing Trip

A trip of a lifetime, one you went the literal extra mile for, can give you the fishing bounty you’ve only dreamt of. In Armstrong, Ontario, there are three incredible outfitters ready to take you on a vacation that will keep your fishing stories fresh for years. 

At these outposts the fish are big and plentiful, keeping your casting arm busy all day long. Once you’re done, you can retire to your campsite or outpost that has all of the creature comforts of home. Only here, you’re gifted solitude and relaxation. 

The busiest sounds you’ll hear are calling loons, and your nosiest neighbours will be chipmunks and squirrels. Being observant can help you spot wildlife such as woodland caribou and moose near the water's edge, or even swimming. 

Fishing may be the reason we take these types of trips, but journeys like these create lasting memories with friends, family, or your special someone. Here are the three outfitters to seek out if fishing, wilderness, and serenity are what you're looking for. 

Thunderhook Fly-ins & Smoothrock Camp

Thunderhook Fly-Ins is located just outside of Armstrong. They offer two different fly-in options: you can go to one of their multiple outposts or fly in to their luxurious Smoothrock Camp, which has eight separate cabins in their own beautiful settings. 

They recently added a new outpost to their impressive list, Keezhik Lake Outpost, which has two fully equipped cabins accommodating up to 16 people and a screened-in gazebo for those quiet evenings on the water. This new outpost is 111 miles due north of Armstrong on a private lake north of the Albany River. Most of Thunderhook’s outposts are nestled in the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park. This is home to some of the best lake trout, brook trout, walleye, and northern pike fishing in the world. 

Mattice Lake Outfitters 

With Mattice Lake Outfitters you can take your pick between northern pike, walleye, lake trout, or even brook trout! Or, why choose? Pick an outpost that has multiple species, most without portages!

With 14 fully equipped outpost cabins and two wilderness lodges along the Ogoki-Albany River system, the only problem guests will have is deciding which to stay at. You can make this easier on yourself by using their Camp Summary Tool, which will help you compare their outposts and lodges to find the perfect one for you.

Wabakimi Fishing/Canoe Outfitters & EcoLodge 

Wabakimi Outfitters offers four fly-in outposts and one that is accessible by rail or fly-in. They highly recommend you sit back and take the time to breathe in these beautiful areas.

Their newest outpost is Allanwater Bridge Lake, located in a ghost town, so to speak, from the Hudson Bay outpost days. You can stick around the cabin area or explore other lakes and streams for huge northern pike. As their modern outpost, it is perfect for those who don’t want to trade comfort for adventure, but have both. 

Don’t forget, Wabakimi Outfitters also has a B&B EcoLodge that is road accessed in Armstrong, and another B&B near Thunder Bay. Acting as the perfect buffer for your adventures in the wild complete with a full breakfast before you fly. Or plan to stay in Armstrong your entire visit! With a ten-person hot tub, you can’t go wrong. 

HUNTING

The above outfitters in Armstrong also offer moose hunting through their services and outposts. To learn more about their hunting opportunities, visit Ontario’s Sunset Country’s website or their own, Thunderhook Fly-ins, Mattice Lake Outfitters, Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters & EcoLodge.

Moose hunting near Armstrong, Ontario

About Alyssa Lloyd

Alyssa Lloyd is a photojournalist based out of Kenora working with Ontario's Sunset Country. The outdoors has been the center of her work and personal life for as long as she can remember. As an angler, Alyssa spends most of her time time chasing multiple species on both conventional and fly gear. 

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