The Ultimate Guide to Fishing & Hunting in Red Lake, Ontario

Fishing & Outdoor Adventures in Red Lake, Ontario

Looking for the ultimate Canadian fishing trip? Head north to Red Lake, Ontario. Tucked deep in the boreal forest at the end of Highway 105, this legendary destination has been drawing anglers and hunters from the US Midwest and across America for nearly a century. Here you’ll find trophy fish, welcoming lodges, and a wilderness setting that feels worlds away—yet it’s surprisingly easy to reach.

Norseman Park in Red Lake

A Tradition Since the 1930s

Tourism in Red Lake grew alongside mining and bush flying.

1930s-40s: Bush pilots carried both miners and adventurous anglers into untouched northern lakes.
1950s–60s: Highway 105 opened the region to road-trippers, and family-run fishing lodges began to flourish.
1970s–80s: American Plan resorts, housekeeping cabins, and fly-in outposts made Red Lake a household name for anglers across the Midwest.
Today: Modern floatplanes, upgraded cabins, and conservation-focused lodges keep Red Lake at the top of every outdoorsman’s list.

This proud history still shapes the experience today—a mix of classic Northwoods tradition and modern comfort.

Where Is Red Lake?

Red Lake is in Northwestern Ontario, just north of Minnesota on the rugged Canadian Shield. On a map, it’s in the heart of the continent—north of the Great Lakes and a day’s drive from many US states.

Getting here is easy:

Drive: From International Falls/Fort Frances or Winnipeg, follow scenic Highway 105 straight to Red Lake.
Fly: Red Lake Airport (YRL) has daily service from Ontario hubs and is one of North America’s busiest floatplane bases.

Lakes You’ll Love

The district isn’t just one lake—it’s a whole system of connected waters plus dozens of remote fly-ins.

Red Lake & Gullrock Lake – Home base for many lodges, packed with walleye and pike.
Roderick Lake - An anglers' paradise for trophy lake trout, walleye and northern pike.
Keg & Ranger Lakes – Great for numbers of fish and plenty of action.
Nungesser Lake – Big-water trophy potential just north of town.
Pakwash & English River system – Versatile waters with walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass.
Long Legged Lake - Catch trophy muskie in addition to northern pike and walleye.
Sydney Lake - Located in Woodland Caribou Park, this fly-in access lake offers a chance at a "golden" walleye in addition to lake trout and northern pike.
Trout Lake - 99,000 acres loaded with walleye, giant lake trout and northern pike.
Remote fly-in Lakes – Pristine wilderness lakes accessed only by floatplane. Red Lake has many outfitters operating outpost cabins. Extreme fishing!

What Can You Catch?

Red Lake is famous for walleye fishing, but there’s more to reel in:

Walleye (pickerel): Abundant, tasty, and reliable all season.
Northern Pike: Powerful predators, with trophies over 40 inches.
Lake Trout: Found in deeper lakes, perfect for trolling or jigging.
Smallmouth Bass: Fast-action fishing in summer, especially in southern waters.
Perch & Whitefish: Bonus catches that add variety to your trip.

Lodging Options for Every Style

Whether you want full service or a remote retreat, Red Lake has it all:

American Plan Lodges – Meals, cabins, and boats included—just show up and fish.
Housekeeping Cabins – Comfortable cottages with kitchens, perfect for DIY anglers.
Outpost Camps – Fly-in or boat-in cabins where your group has the whole lake to yourselves.

Choose Your Adventure: Drive, Boat, or Fly

Drive-in lodges: Convenient and family-friendly.
Boat-in resorts: Just a short shuttle for extra privacy.
Fly-in lodges: The ultimate remote fishing experience—your floatplane takes you where few others go.

Looking for accommodations? Use this link: Red Lake Area Lodges and Outposts

Hunting in Red Lake: Moose & Black Bear

Fishing may be the main draw, but hunting is also big here.

Moose: Fall hunts during the rut are legendary, with lodges offering guided packages.
Black Bear: Both spring and fall bear hunts are popular, with excellent success rates.

Non-resident hunters must book through licensed outfitters who provide tags, guiding, and accommodations.

Best Seasons to Visit

Fishing:
- Spring (May–June): Walleye and pike close to shore.
- Summer (July–August): Reefs, weedbeds, and deeper structure come alive.
- Fall (Sept–Oct): Trophy potential peaks as fish feed heavily before winter.

Hunting:
- Spring (May–June): Black bear hunts pair perfectly with fishing.
- Fall (Sept–Oct): Prime time for moose hunts and late-season fishing combos.

Gateway to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Red Lake is more than just a fishing hub—it’s also the southern gateway to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, one of Canada’s premier wilderness canoeing destinations. With over 2,000 kilometres of historic canoe routes, countless portages, and pristine backcountry lakes, the park offers paddlers a true adventure into Ontario’s untouched boreal forest. Canoeists often launch from Red Lake to retrace ancient Indigenous travel routes, spot wildlife, and enjoy solitude in a landscape that hasn’t changed for centuries. For visitors who want to combine a fishing trip with a backcountry canoe expedition, Red Lake is the perfect starting point.

Why Red Lake Stands Out

Red Lake sits at that sweet spot: far enough north to feel wild, but close enough for an easy trip from the US Midwest. The combination of trophy fish, flexible lodging, and authentic Canadian wilderness has kept visitors coming back for generations.

Whether it’s your first trip or your 30th, Red Lake delivers the kind of outdoor adventure that becomes a family tradition.

Bottom line: If you’re dreaming of a fishing lodge, a fly-in outpost, a canoe trip or a fall hunt in the boreal forest, Red Lake, Ontario has it all. History, hospitality, and wilderness—just waiting for your next adventure.