Amik Outposts
Red Lake, Ontario
Family-run fly-in outfitter operating 12 remote outpost cabins 70 to 150 air miles north of Red Lake, northwestern Ontario.
Overview
Amik Outposts, operating under the legal entity Lac Seul Airways Ltd., is a family-run fly-in fishing outfitter based in Balmertown, Ontario, near Red Lake. The operation was opened in the early 1990s and has been run for decades by John and Rena Kaartinen, who are also the pilots and primary contacts for guests. In 2018, their daughter Taina and her husband Aaron joined the operation, representing the next generation of the business. The outfitter owns and operates 12 remote outpost lake locations spread across northwestern Ontario.
The 12 outpost lakes — which include Shearstone, Cherrington, Vee, Jeanette, Loree, Findlay, Cobham River, and others — are situated 70 to 150 air miles north of the Red Lake airbase. All lakes sit on river systems, which the outfitter credits for maintaining consistent fishing quality throughout the summer season. Amik Outposts flies guests exclusively in its own 1,000 HP De Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplane, departing from and returning to its airbase at #6 Pickerel Drive in Balmertown.
Highlights
The Fishing
The primary target species at Amik Outposts are walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. All outpost lakes are situated on river systems, which the outfitter states supports good fish populations throughout the summer. A no-trophy conservation policy has been in place at the northern lakes since 1992: walleye over 18 inches and northern pike over 27.5 inches must be released. Some lakes — Shearstone, Findlay, and Loree — operate under a strict catch-and-consume policy with no fish taken home. Under these policies, northern pike of 40 inches or more and walleye of 25 inches or more are described as common catches.
Each outpost lake offers a self-guided fishing experience. Specific lakes are noted for particular species: Vee Lake empties into the Cobham River and is known for trophy-sized walleye; the Cobham River system is noted for large northern pike; and Cherrington Lake, a deep lake, is noted for lake trout fishing, particularly in May and September. Recommended walleye tackle includes medium-weight spinning gear with 6–8 lb test line, jig heads, Rapalas, and Little Joe spinners. For northern pike and lake trout, 10–20 lb test spinning or baitcast setups are recommended.
Accommodations
All outpost cabins are set up to accommodate a minimum of six people and are housekeeping-style, meaning guests prepare their own meals. Cabins are equipped with solar-powered lighting, hot and cold running water, showers, indoor plumbing, fully equipped kitchens, gas fridges and freezers, BBQ grills, and comfortable furniture. The outfitter supplies staple foods such as canned goods, salt, pepper, flour, sugar, and ketchup at most cabins to help guests manage weight allowances. Each cabin is provided with 14-foot Lund boats with swivel seats and 10 or 15 HP outboard motors. Satellite telephones are provided at each outpost for emergency use. Equipment including boats, motors, refrigerators, and grills is replaced on a regular basis.
Fish Species
What They Offer
Amenities available at one or more of this outfitter's properties.
Locations
One marker per lodge or camp. Click a marker for details.
Getting There
Guests fly in to their outpost lake aboard Amik Outposts' own 1,000 HP De Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplane, which operates exclusively for its own guests out of the company's airbase at #6 Pickerel Drive in Balmertown, Ontario — a community adjacent to Red Lake. The Red Lake area airbase is approximately four and a half hours north of the U.S.-Canada border. From there, outpost lakes are located 70 to 150 air miles further north, accessible only by floatplane. Guests arriving the evening before a morning departure are required to check in at the airbase by 7:00 p.m. for weighing and orientation. A baggage limit of 100 lbs per person applies.
Access:
Air bases:
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