4 steps to find the perfect outfitter for your angling adventure

#3  RESEARCH

Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for, it’s time to find out everything you can about your preferred destination and outfitters. Without question, the best resource is someone who’s been there. Reputable outdoor media will also be straight with you. Be wary of some online sources, however, and take anonymous internet reviews—both good and bad—with a grain of salt. Also look for recent information, since both fisheries and services can change over time.

It’s also imperative to speak to the lodge owner or manager, either at an outdoor show or over the phone. This is your chance to ask detailed questions, and demand detailed answers. If the staff is cagey, poorly informed or won’t offer references from previous guests, move on. I once spoke with an operator who flew into a number of outpost lakes. When I asked for specifics about the fish and character of the different lakes, all I got was “Oh, up here, the fishing’s great all over.” I walked. Another time, I wanted to fly fish for big pike at a particular lodge. The operator told me he didn’t know much about fly fishing, but that 90 per cent of trophy fish caught at his lodge were hooked in less than three feet of water, on lures four to six inches long. As an experienced fly angler, I knew that situation was ideal, and I could tell the owner was a straight shooter who knew his fishery. That one, I booked. (And the result was the photo above, from Saskatchewan’s Cree River Lodge.)

Along with intel about the fishing, also find out exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. Some outfitters include flight in, boats, motors, gas and guides, for example; others don’t. Also ensure the lodge offers any niceties you may need, such as 24-hour electricity, hot running water, indoor plumbing, Internet access or even—improbable as it may seem—vegetarian options.

Finally, always check out the lodge’s conservation policy and, more importantly, if it’s actually followed. At the very least, they should be committed to releasing all large fish (above). To my continual surprise, I still see outfitter websites and booths at outdoor shows with photos of trophy fish on stringers or full limits of fish lying dead on the lawn (like below).

To me this is a big, flashing red light. Even remote places can’t withstand decades of anglers who kill a limit of fish every day. Don’t get me wrong—I love keeping a few eaters for the table, but I prefer to spend my time and money at a place where the fishery is managed responsibly. That ups the odds of great fishing—for both me and my descendants.