Lake Nipigon

[Toby]

I beleive that lake nipigon is the best overall fisery in north america. We went up there last summer and caught some pig lake trout. There is a picture of one of my lakers on the link below, it was up near the 40 lbs range. Its like the 5 or 6th picture in the gallery but its hard to miss. I also caught a gigantic 27 inch brookie which is also on the other HSOforum. That trip we also caught hundreds of walleye and pig northern. If your looking for a multi species fishing trip then head to lake nipigon.

[image]http://www.fishontario.com/community/photogallery/index.jsp[/image]

[Big Walleye 58]

We also frequent Lake Nipigon and have had good luck with the large lakers but have never tried for the "pig" northerns . Would you be willing to share a spot to find them ?

[Jim Hudson]

When you guys make this trip, do you do it on your own or hire a service?

If going alone, where are the best places to stay and to launch a boat from?

If hiring, who is someone you would recommmed for the overall best learning experience on this lake?

[Milton]

I'm heading to Nipigon 2nd week of June to fish Lakers, Walleye and Brookies. Have fished the lake 3 years in a row but it has been about 8 years since I've been there. I can't wait to go.

In the past, we had a charter take us out but this time, we are doing it ourselves out of a small resort on the east side called Onaman River Resort. They have a HSOforum if you want to check it out.

Huge lake. Be careful. Last trip, our largest laker was 32 lbs. Brookies were hard for us to find. Only caught a few.

I have fished lakers for 20 years and this is by far the most exciting because at any time, you know you can hook into a trophy. I've fished lakes with alot more action but would take Nipigon hands down.

Milton

[Toby]

Well the best time to fish northern is during later summer, for that is when they are swimming along the shorelines looking for dead fish to eat. This summer is going to be the first trip in June so i would prefer fishing bays in warmer water, even try big rivers like the Onaman river. Your second bet is to troll along rocky shorelines with rapalas or are devils. We caught all of our northern fishing for brookies, so we havent really targeted them yet. When are you going up there?

[Toby]

We usualy go up on our own. We go to Onaman River Resort and its perfect. I would definetely prefer that place. You have about an hour drive on a dirt rode but its well worth it.

[Toby]

We'll be up at Onaman the same time you are. We got a spot reserved for our 37 foot Motorhome so maybe we'll meet up with you. Now I understand that early summer lakers are shallower, am I correct. Its sounds like its gonna be awesome fishing. We intend on trying to fish for gators in the river, i wonder if there in there?

[pikemaster]

Those are great pictures, some real nice fish. I would definetely reccomend pasha lake cabins, great place and it's very family friendly if you are taking that type of trip. They know the best blueberry picking spots, have some real nice activities for kids, ect. Been there many times and really like the old owners. Stayed once with the new owners, and they seem like great people as well. They have a HSOforum as well.

[outdoor ran]

Jim, you thinking about hitting the big Nip? Were heading back up there again for our 4th trip up. If your thinking about trying it I have a map (marked spots for every species) that will knock your socks off. Plus info and tricks that will make a do it yourself trip alot easier. Just shoot me an e-mail.

[Big Walleye 58]

We'll be staying at Pasha right after the fourth of July targeting lakers on Nipigon

[pikemaster]

I go up to pasha every year twice a year, early june and in march. both are great times. one real nice aspect of staying there is that the resort is on a peninsula, so there aren't really any bugs at the resort when they are HORRIBLE everywhere else. I went in January this year and the Splake fishing was out of this world.

[outdoor ran]

Sounds like you will be up there at the same time has we are. However, were not staying at Pasha like we normally do. The new owners were unwilling to work with us. To bad Darrel had to sell it, but with his family I understand.

Isn't that Splake lake awesome!

[Jim Hudson]

Randy

Dont know if I will make it this year, but I want to have the "plan" in my back pocket for when the time arises...

I will get in touch with ya about this. Also, I will be up on the river fishing with Steve on Tues and Wed... If you have a chance, stop by and say hey..

[outdoor ran]

Jim, have Steve give me a call if you want to run up and check out the shop after fishing. I should be working evenings. I hope the river clears up a little when you get here so you can get into some eyes. good luck

[Big Walleye 58]

Hey Ran , what you mean they were "unwilling" to work with you ? Hopefully they (the new owners)keep the same policies as before and work with the customer . Where are you staying campground or up at the river ?? The splake lake is excellent but it is quite a poke to get up there though.

[pikemaster]

We were up there from Jan 8th to the 14th. I am curious to see what you mean by the new owners being unable to work with you...please let me know. Our group wasn't too sure about them either. Nice people, but they took over during the middle of our stay and the plowing of the snow wasn't sufficient. We got up and 330 one morning to go to the splake lake. We had all our gear loaded up but we weren't able to get out of the lodge without unhooking the trailer, taking off the sleds, driving them separately to highway 11, and then reloading them(and we had 4X4). Took over an hour total, and really threw a kink in our day because the splake lake is quite a trek. It wasn't a snowstorm either, it hadn't snowed for 3 days. Darrell and Susie were great, and we were very dissapointed to hear they were leaving. But like you said, it was family, and family always comes first. I actually had a question, does anyone know of any resorts that are close to good walleye fishing around Nakina? They also have to be open for business in the winter obviously. Thanks

[outdoor ran]

I guess were going to either stay at High hill campground or maybe the royal windsor. I really dont want to say anything bad about the new owners because I havnt met them. Just Darrel did some great things for us and when I asked the new owners they pretty much just brushed me off.

Yea thats splake lake is way up there, at least you have to drive by the nudity bar anyway

[pikemaster]

drive by??? that's where we spend the latter half of the day!!

[outdoor ran]

pikemaster. it took me a second but I got it your right its tough to drive by.

[45acpshooter]

Nudey bar??? How the heck did I miss that. Where? Fishing at the Splake Lake was incredible however. I was there in mid Jan. Four of us limited in just a couple hours. Fish averaged about 25" The new owner seemed eager to please but, by his own admission, doesn't have much of a fishing background. We wasted a whole morning on a nearby Brook Trout lake with him and didn't even get a bite. Give him a year and I'll bet he'll be alright.

[outdoor ran]

Anyone been up fishing big nip lately. How did you do?

[SgtCaesarfishinguy]

A buddy and I were at Pasha about a month ago, and had a great time. Chad and Michelle really took good care of us, and the fishing was great! We weren't fishing for lakers on Nipigon, but the opportunities are endless within driving distance of the resort for pike and walleyes. I say again we had a blast and the accomodations and service were top notch in my book. Chad made every effort possible to ensure we had a great trip, and we definitely did!

[pikemaster]

Good to hear that the new owners are getting the hang of things. I hope it works out well for them. Darrell and Susie ran the classiest operations I ever experienced in canada, and I would hate to see what they built go to waste.

I have a question. Does anyone know if there are any resorts closer to the splake lake that also offer walleye fishing within a reasonable difference. I mean, it's a little ridiculous to drive to that walleye lake which is 90KM away on a dirt road just to catch a meal of walleyes, then reload the sleds and drive 2 1/2 hours to the splake lake. It really wears on us and we were wondering if anything up around Nakina takes winter customers. I can't find anything online, so input would help. thanks

[RandyR]

We had been going to Pasha for several years and were saddened to hear Darrell and Susie had to sell the place because of their little daughter's medical issues, they are in my prayers. Last year we noticed a real drop off in the level of customer service (equipment not as reliable, bait not always available, things in need of repair) and did not find out until later what the circumstances were.

We booked with a different resort this year (we are leaving on Saturday) because I was a little gun shy about the new ownership. I plan to stop in and talk with the new owners to try and get a sense of how they are doing.

Darrell's fishing knowledge will be a tough act to follow.

Our top 6 walleye and two of the top three pike we have ever caught all have been from the lakes in Pasha's area. I don't think there is better walleye fishing anywhere, fly in or drive in than what I have experienced in the Lake Nipigon watershed. The jet boat trip up the Little Jackfish river was worth it for the ride and the scenery alone, the fishing was the icing on the cake.

I would like to hear from others experience with the new ownership, one negative experience shouldn't be enough to make a judgement.

One last comment about Darrell and the way he handled his customers: I can see how some might not appreciate the way he ran the operation. If you were pretty self reliant and had a degree of outdoors experience you would probably have had a good time at Pasha. If you were a beginner and not willing or able to handle some mechanical difficulties or needed a lot of hand holding you might not have come away with a good experience.

[outdoor ran]

RandyR please post a report when you get back. I'm leaving in a couple of weeks. We have never met anyone nicer in that kind of business like Darrell and his family. They will be missed. We are staying at the royal windsor just because we cant stay a whole week so Pasha was out. We may stop in there and see if Darrell or Simpson is around and meet the new owners. Never know if the big nip is a rolling we may have to rent some boats from Pasha. Hopefully they still do that.

Good Luck fishing