4 steps to find the perfect outfitter for your next angling adventure

For many anglers, a trip to a remote fishing lodge is the ultimate outdoor adventure. Such trips also represent a significant investment in time and money, however, so it pays to do your homework before booking. With thousands of outfitters across Canada to choose from, the fishing and services they offer differ greatly, even among lodges in the same regions. But by organizing your search with a few simple steps, you can narrow your choices and find just the right lodge for you. Here’s how to get started…

#1  THE FISHING

Canada is an angler’s paradise, but there’s no magical destination where you can catch every gamefish, using any angling method. So, you first have to decide what you want to do. That means picking what you want to catch, where you can do it and, often, whether you want easy fishing for numbers of fish, or you’d rather pursue an elusive trophy. To narrow your options, decide which of those factors are your highest priority, and let the rest follow. This can be tough, but the good news is that there’s no wrong answer—it’s your trip, so do whatever you want.

If you’re after walleye, for example, there are lakes where you can catch a fish with literally every drop of your jig. But those are usually not the same places you’re likely to catch a 10-pounder. Or, perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit B.C.’s breathtaking Haida Gwaii in June, and you’re happy to fish for whatever’s in season.

If you want variety, many destinations offer multiple species and waters. Just make sure everything you want is available when you’re planning to visit. You also have to decide whether you want a hardcore, dawn-to-dusk fishing trip or if you want additional activities as well, such as sightseeing.

Another crucial—and easy to overlook—consideration is how you want to fish. Do you want to jig, troll, cast or fly fish? Do you want it easy like Sunday morning or do you want to challenge yourself? Some folks want to fish with an expert guide, while others like to do it themselves. Do you crave constant action or can you tolerate fishless days in pursuit of a single wall-hanger? And do you prefer a big comfy boat, chugging around in a six-horse tinner or wading? To refine your search—and avoid disappointment and frustration on the water—you need to consider all of this ahead of time.

#2  BUDGET

Deciding how much money you can spend may feel like the point when your dreams come crashing back to earth. But I prefer to swing for the fences, and find a way to make it work—even if that means saving up for a year or two. When making your trip budget, just remember to factor in less obvious costs, such as gas or airfare to get to your camp or jumping-off point, as well as food, licences, tips and, if you’re like me, the new tackle you’ll need (or want).

Generally, the more difficult it is to reach a destination, the better the fishing will be, but the more your trip will cost. While there are exceptions, this fact is especially true for species such as lake and brook trout and trophy northern pike, which thrive in cold, clean water. The most expensive trips are remote fly-in lodges, which usually include food, lodging and guiding.

To keep costs down, you can shorten your trip or avoid the high season, and still enjoy an outstanding experience. Also try shaving off services you don’t want or can do without. If you’re willing to pack and prepare your own grub (above), for example, you can get dropped off at a fly-in outpost equipped with a cabin, boat and motor. Drive-to resorts, with optional guiding services, are another affordable choice, especially for families.