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Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge

Gunisao Lake, Manitoba

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Lake Size 41,600 acres

Max Guests 33

Access fly-in

Season May 21 (2027) – August 6 (2027)

Pricing $$$$$

About This Lodge

Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy

Full-service, American Plan fly-in fishing lodge on Gunisao Lake, Manitoba, and the only lodge on the lake. The log-built main lodge has a 2-story ceiling, fireplace, licensed bar (The Watering Hole), dining area, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a tackle and souvenir store. Guests stay in private log cabins and hotel-style rooms a short walk from the lodge and docks. The lodge has a 3,600 ft private all-weather landing strip. It has operated since 1987 and is owned by Dusty and Jennie Budd. It is known for trophy walleye and Manitoba Master Angler catches.

Accommodations

Lodging Type

Lodge with private log cabins and hotel-style rooms

Max Guests

Amenities

Electricity: Yes

Running Water: Yes

Hot Water: Yes

Drinking Water: Yes

Shower: Yes

Sink: Yes

Toilet: flush

Heat: Wood-burning stoves

WiFi

Cell: No

Lounge Area

Dock

Tackle Shop: Yes

Shore Lunch Kit: Yes - daily shore lunch prepared by your guide

Other: Licensed bar (The Watering Hole) with Moosehead on tap, Tackle 'n' Things store with rental rods and reels, frozen minnows, daily maid service, laundry service, fresh coffee delivered each morning, satellite TV, ice machines, large deck, fire pit, horseshoe pits, handicap accessible with golf carts and ramps, projector and meeting space for corporate groups. Depth finders and life vests are provided in the boats.

Fish Species

pike perch whitefish walleye

Boats & Equipment

Boats Included

Boat Length

18 ft

Boat Brand

Alaskan Lund

Motor

40hp Yamaha 4-stroke

Motor Brand

Yamaha

Seat Type

Padded swivel pedestal seats

Gas Included

Lake Information

65 square mile lake, 16 miles long, with 75 islands and 120 miles of shoreline for safe fishing in all weather. It takes about 35 minutes to travel from one end to the other. The site reports that 60% of Manitoba's registered trophy walleyes in 2025 were caught at Budd's, that the average walleye is over 20 inches, and that 100 fish per boat per day is the norm.

Lake Name

Gunisao Lake

Province

Manitoba, Northern Manitoba

Lake Size

41,600 acres

Lake Structure

75 islands, 120 miles of shoreline, rapids

Fishing Pressure

Only lodge on the lake

Meals & Services

Meal Plan

American Plan

Meals Included

Gourmet meals prepared by the lodge chef with freshly flown-in ingredients, plus daily shore lunch prepared by your guide

Guide Service

included

Reviews & Reputation

4.6

Based on 10 reviews from across the web

Summarized Review Highlights

Guest sentiment toward Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge is overwhelmingly positive. Nearly every review gives 5 out of 5 stars, and several reviewers describe it as the best walleye fishery they have fished. Repeat guests are common. One group has been returning for more than 15 years and now brings children and grandkids. Another reviewer has been taking client groups for 21 years, and a third has been three times. A television outdoor program also described the lake as some of the best walleye fishing it had seen.

The most consistent praise is for the walleye fishing, in both numbers and size. Reviewers report catching more than 100 fish in a day, Master Angler fish on the first day, and group totals of 16 trophies (6 anglers) and over 125 trophies (a 4-day stay). Fish of 28 to 32 inches are described as common, and one group's record is 35.5 inches. One group of four infrequent anglers each caught a Master Angler fish on the shortest trip offered (3 days). Guests also praise the guides as knowledgeable, friendly and committed to getting people onto fish, and they name owners Dusty and Jennie Budd as hands-on and welcoming. Shore lunches and the lodge meals get specific mentions, and one reviewer calls the atmosphere family friendly.

Complaints are rare. One reviewer said it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for them, which reads more as a comment on cost and travel than a criticism. One reviewer reported no response to several website inquiries and an email over three weeks and booked elsewhere, so prospective guests may want to confirm that their inquiry has been received. The reviews suggest the lodge suits trophy walleye anglers, groups of friends, and occasional anglers who want a good chance at a big fish. It also suits multi-generational family trips and first-time fly-in guests, since the guides are described as helpful to less experienced anglers.

Summary generated Oct 11, 2026

Read all 10 reviews

Mark N Jul 30, 2025

Google

There is absolutely no place like Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge! An experience like no other! For myself and the entire crew, it's the Happiest Place on Earth! If you're a Fisherman, bottom line then you need to experience Budd's for yourself.

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Jackson S May 24, 2025

Google

There aren't enough words to describe how fabulous the experience is. I've been three times now and it is indescribably fun!! This lake is the best walleye fishing I've ever experienced. All of the guides are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They really want you to catch your fish. The owners, Dusty and Jennie Budd run the resort on site and work tirelessly to make sure all of the guests have the best experience possible. Everyone who works there is very down to earth and great people. I had especially tremendous experiences with Dusty, Jennie, LISA!, Justin, Chris, and, Craig. Anyone who is able to go to this resort should consider themselves very very fortunate.

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Jason G Sep 11, 2024

Google

Terrible customer service. I tried to book a trip, I sent 3 inquiries through the website and 1 email directly over 3 weeks. Zero response. I booked with another outfit that responded to me, had great service and worked the dates I wanted. It blows my mind how bad they were at responding to me trying to give them money!

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Brenton R Aug 5, 2024

Google

If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Dusty and the team were welcoming, friendly and organized. All 4 guys in our group caught a Master Angler size fish in the shortest trip they offer (3 days). Darcy and Dawson took 4 guys that maybe fish once a year and had us catching hogs by day 2. Incredible experience from beginning to end. Worth every penny.

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Jason Mitchell Outdoor Television (Northland Tackle)

Blog

Incredible Walleye Fishing Trip

Jason Mitchell Outdoor Television travels to Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge, a fly-in lake in northern Manitoba. Perhaps some of the very best walleye fishing we have seen with incredible numbers of fish caught each day. The number of trophy size walleyes over 28 inches caught on this lake is remarkable. This lake is one of Manitoba's very best lakes for producing Master Angler class walleye.

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Joe Labernik, The Valspar Corporation

Outfitter

Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge is the best Walleye fishery in North America, I have been bringing groups of our best customers to Gunisao Lake for 21 years. Our group record is a 35.5 inch Walleye, and we totaled over 125 Trophy Walleyes for our 4 day stay. Why would you go anywhere else?

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Harry & Karen Fischer

Outfitter

We've been coming to Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge for more than 15 years, and now we're bringing our children and grandkids to this magical fishing experience. Having fished in all the other Canadian Provinces, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico, there's no doubt that Budd's is simply the best---no other lodge is even close!! When it comes to premier fishing, fresh shore lunches, tasty meals, great lasting memories and a family friendly atmosphere – you can bet we are all in at Budd's!!!

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Mariko Izumi

Outfitter

My time at Budd's Gunisao Lake Lodge was an experience I'll never forget. The staff are friendly and helpful and the Walleye are abundant (and huge!). I'm still dreaming of their delicious Shore Lunches!

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Babe Winkelman

Outfitter

One of the most untouched & productive Walleye Fisheries I have ever seen. Gunisao is my favorite Walleye Destination.

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Forum

gunisao lake lodge

Replying to a poster asking if Budd's is worth the money: "You will love it and yes I'd go back. Only problem is it's kind of a 'once in a lifetime trip' for me so probably won't be there again." Adds that if there is a better walleye lake than the one you live on, it might be this one.

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What's Included

Included

Full day of fishing on the first day; 500-mile round-trip charter flight from Winnipeg to Gunisao Lake; one experienced guide for every two guests; 18-foot Alaskan Lund boat with 40hp Yamaha 4-stroke motor, depth finder, padded swivel pedestal seats and life vests; gourmet meals; daily shore lunch; private accommodations with daily housekeeping; fishing license; frozen minnows.