Lake Despair Lodge

Why You'll Love It

Welcome to Lake Despair Lodge. We are a housekeeping lodge on beautiful Lake Despair in Ontario's Sunset Country. Come to stay with us and enjoy great fishing for walleye and superior service at the lodge. Owned and operated by Bill and Nellie Godin, lifetime residents of the Rainy River District, Lake Despair Lodge offers every convenience of home while providing you with some of the best fishing and hunting available anywhere in Northwestern Ontario.

Lake Despair Lodge is situated on a chain of three lakes. From Lake Despair through Mile River into Footprint Lake, then through the picturesque Jackfish Narrows into Jackfish Lake. All this is easily accessible by boat. There are also numerous portage lakes if you wish to try them. Rainy Lake is only two minutes away. The Clearwater and Pipestone Chain of Lakes are also accessible without ever getting out of your boat by the mechanical portage.

Live Catch & Release " Castin' for Cash" Bass Tournament July 4th & 5th, 2025.

Read More on Lake Despair Lodge's Website

Contact Nellie Halverson/Bill Godin

807-486-0532
  • Near Fort Frances
  • Nearest Lake: Lake Despair
  • Open: Open Year Round
    • Drive-In Access
    • Walleye
    • Northern Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Lake Trout
    • Crappie
    • Perch
    • Fishing Guide Service

Key Features

  • Cabin Rentals (Housekeeping): Lake Despair Lodge has eight fully equipped cabins. Each includes coffee makers, toaster, microwave oven, all pots and pans and dishes.
  • Private Campground: We have a full-service 25-site campground. So no matter how you prefer to stay with us, you will feel at home.
  • Walleye: Lake Despair, Footprint and Jackfish Lake system has been called one of the best natural walleye producing fisheries in the Rainy River District.
  • Northern Pike: For those who like the fight of huge northerns such as these (40 inches is common), Lake Despair is the place to be.
  • Smallmouth Bass: There's nothing like the feeling of hooking into one of the many, scrappy small-mouth bass.
  • Lake Trout: At Lake Despair we have excellent fishing for lake trout!
  • Perch: Perch are abundant fish on Lake Despair. These fish are scrappy and are fun to catch.
  • Deer: Lake Despair Lodge offers a five-day whitetail deer hunting package which includes five full days of hunting.
  • Birds: Fall time at Lake Despair is a great time to come out. Combine great fall fishing with bird hunting.

All Amenities

Outdoor Activities

  • Walleye
  • Fishing
  • Northern Pike
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Lake Trout
  • Crappie
  • Perch
  • Fishing Guide Service
  • Fishing Trips
  • Fishing Day Trips
  • Deer
  • Hunting
  • Duck
  • Bird Hunting
  • Grouse
  • Bird Hunting Trips
  • Hunting Trips
  • Hunting Guide Service
  • Private Campground
  • Campground/RV Park
  • Serviced Sites
  • Tent Sites
  • Electric
  • Water
  • Fire Pit
  • Showers
  • Sani Station
  • Boat Launch for Guests
  • Boating
  • Hiking Trails
  • Trails
  • Ice Fishing
  • Winter Activities
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross Country Skiing

Accommodation Details

  • Cabin Rentals
  • Lodging Type
  • Open Year Round
  • Accommodation Services and Amenities
  • Family Friendly
  • Pets Allowed
  • Lakefront
  • Wifi Available
  • Fish Cleaning Station
  • On-site Bait
  • On-site Tackle
  • Docking Available
  • Flush Toilets
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Linens Supplied
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Total Number of Camping Sites
  • Capacity
  • Shore Lunch Kit
  • Food Options
  • Ice
  • Groceries/Snacks Available
  • Housekeeping Packages
  • Lodge Packages
  • Full Kitchen
  • In-Room Amenities
  • Microwave
  • Fridge
  • Coffee Maker
  • Playground
  • Recreational Activities
  • Canoe - No Fee
  • Kayaks - Fee

Shopping

  • Gifts & Souvenirs
  • Convenience Store
  • Grocery Store

Services

  • Fishing Boat Rentals
  • Rentals
  • Boat Rentals
Disclaimer: Hours and amenities are current to our knowledge. It's best to always contact the business directly for current hours, rates and amenities.

Contact Nellie Halverson/Bill Godin at Lake Despair Lodge

807-486-0532