Summarized Review Highlights
Clark's Northern Lights Resort and its associated properties (including KC's Landing and various fly-in outposts) carry a sharply divided reputation. Guests who had smooth, uneventful trips tend to rate the experience very highly, praising the remote wilderness setting, clean and reasonably well-equipped cabins, and — most consistently — the fishing. Walleye catches in the hundreds over a week-long stay are reported across multiple reviews, and several long-time Canadian fishing travelers rank Clark's outposts among the best they have visited in decades. However, a significant cluster of negative reviews — particularly from 2020 — drags the overall picture down considerably, centered on a specific and recurring grievance: Clark's refusal to refund or roll over deposits when the U.S.-Canada border was closed due to COVID-19. Multiple guests reported losing deposits ranging from $600 to $1,800 with no credit, no future booking option, and little sympathy from ownership. This was widely described as an outlier policy compared to other Canadian outfitters at the time, and it left a lasting mark on the resort's reputation among affected customers.
When things go well, guests consistently praise the walleye and northern pike fishing as exceptional, the outpost cabins as clean and functional (with amenities like running water, stoves, and BBQs — not true roughing it), and the boats as adequate to good, with newer motors noted at some locations. KC's Landing in particular receives warm mentions for its on-site managers, who are described as attentive and welcoming. The float-plane fly-in experience itself is a highlight for many first-timers and returning guests alike. On the negative side, beyond the deposit controversy, there are isolated but notable complaints about rude or indifferent staff interactions (specifically one staff member named by multiple reviewers), poorly maintained equipment including leaking boats at one outpost, a lack of lake orientation or briefing upon arrival, and a disorganized feel at certain locations. One bear hunting guest felt the baiting program was underfunded and the overall hospitality was cold. A neighbor of their Cedar Lake float-plane base also raised concerns about early-morning low-altitude flights.
Clark's Northern Lights Resort is best suited for experienced, self-sufficient anglers — particularly walleye and northern pike fishermen — who know how to locate and catch fish without a lot of hand-holding, and who are comfortable in a remote fly-in outpost setting. Groups of fishing buddies and returning Canadian wilderness anglers make up the core of satisfied guests. It is less well-suited for first-time fly-in guests who expect guided instruction or highly attentive service, and prospective guests should read the deposit and cancellation policy carefully before booking, as the terms appear to be strictly enforced regardless of circumstances.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 19 reviews
James M
Sep 19, 2025
TripAdvisor
Anishinobi Lake. Northern pike, trout, and smallies….oh my!!
Even though there were some disconnects and lapses in communication between some of the staff and one of the pilots over which lodges on Anishinabi Lake were available to us the staff quickly made it right and made all five of the lodges available to us.
Insider tip: Pay attention to the website on what to expect, what to pack and how to pack for a fly in. You'll have to pack food/clothes/fishing gear.
This lake
Norm S
Aug 27, 2023
TripAdvisor
Terrible week, highly disappointed
I took my son to Northern Lights for my son's graduation present to go bear hunting and fishing. We were treated rudely from the start of the trip. We were hollered at by Karla for asking if we could park out of the way, on their camp road (arrived early). She said "I'm busy and don't have time for this!". I get it, you're a busy operator, but please be a bit more kind to those paying your wage.
During our stay, not one person asked how our trip was. The bear baiting was very lack luster. We were not allowed to even bring bait back to our stands on the even days of our hunt. I believe the owners must keep the bait allotment for the guide super cheap to maximize profits. The gentleman (Randy) who did the baiting was the Manager of KC's Landing. He was the only staff to make my son and myself feel at all welcomed as a customer. He took a minute to talk with us each day.
We did have great fishing as we knew how to locate the target species. I'd feel bad for anyone who did not know how to catch fish and felt too shy to ask. That type of customer would have a nightmare trip. If you are self-reliant, you'll be just fine.
I felt awful for my son, who's never experienced Canada before. I've been up there since 1992 and have never felt so unwelcome anywhere.
To sum up: I have never left a poor review for any business in my life, but knew this one was deserved. This trip took a lot of my blue-collar financial might to make happen, and I feel like we were stolen from.
This lodge
Lawrence S
Jan 30, 2023
TripAdvisor
GREAT FISHING at CLARKS
Had a Great time fishing with my sister at Clarks Pusher Lake Outpost May 28 to June 3 Caught over 400 plus walleye & northern pike. Accommodations were excellent. I have Been fishing at Many Outposts & Resorts in Canada since 1974, This is One of the Best.
Note Many People Have Posted reviews on Trip Advisor Complaining about Losing Their Deposits. They Obviously Did Not Read the Agreement they were sent for the Deposit OR Read the Disclaimer on Clarks Website. Sorry You Don't Like Losing Your Deposit BUT ITS YOUR OWN FAULT.
This lodge
Jim S
Sep 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
Clarks Resorts
Just returned from 2 weeks at KC's Landing. Cabins were very clean. Rental boats were 18' Crestliner, flat floor with casting deck, newer 50 hp Yamaha and Minnkota power drive. Jude and Sharel were great hosts ensuring our stay was pleasant. Walleye fishing was very, very good. They graciously rolled over our deposits from 2020.
This lodge
S M
Jul 1, 2021
TripAdvisor
If you like extorsion, this is the place for you!
Been to Canadian Fly-in's for past 30+ years, including Clarks for our most recent few trips. Our last trip was slap in the face. They are very eager to take your money and put on a front. They have been regulars at the Milwaukee Sport and Boat show, and very eager to book your trip. The surprise was when we got to the outpost, paid our balance and then got the "here, sign this" damage agreement. WHAT? never said anything before, and we've never had to sign ANY in the past 3 decades! If you didn't sign, you couldn't use the boats! Followed up with a "cleanliness lecture"...? WTH!? How bout you practice what you preach! Crap all over the place! lumber, nails, plastic, metal, half junk yard! The boats leaked so bad, you had to wear rubber boots all day/all week. Pathetic. No briefing about the lake, or anything. Didn't know which way the water flowed in/out...? per Wayne Clark "well, if we loose a couple of customers, I guess that's just the way it is"... No Way we will ever use these people again, certainly would NOT recommend them to anyone!
Outfitter overall
TonyF
Sep 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Beware of biased reviews supporting Clarks on Walleye Central
One of the posters who praises them actually guides for them and the other is a client who fishes with the guide, the rest of their 2020 clients are Not happy! They were the only outfitter keeping all deposit from 2020. Walleye Central is also acting like a protector of Clarks because they advertise on the site and delete negative posts about Clarks, hardly fair to the people looking for accurate reviews. Never been to Clarks, but had to put date in for review to take!
Outfitter overall
Tripfrwi
Sep 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Education
Clark's stole $1200 from us. Kept our 2019 deposit & is giving no future credit. Only resort in Canada taking this position. Tried to reason with owner on multiple occasions and he said I was harassing them. Really, you keep our money, offer nothing in return and requesting a credit or refund is harassment?
Outfitter overall
Dan F
Sep 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Highlight of 2020
A group of four of us flew with Clark's into Kapikik Lake in August. Can't say anything negative about the experience. I have been with a number of outfitters that are drivable. For this trip we flew from Toronto into Thunder Bay, stayed overnight in Dryden and flew with them the next morning. Top notch service in all regards.
If Tony F is referring to my post praising them, I am neither a guide or friends with the guide. This 2020 client is happy.
This lodge
THOMAS W
Aug 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Buyer Beware
Beware. Had trip booked for September 2020. With the borders being closed we requested to have our deposit rolled to another trip. We were told no refunds or rolling the deposit to another date. We have checked with several other Outfitters and none that we checked with are keeping deposits. I would suggest booking with one of the many other reputable outfitters.
Outfitter overall
purplecat2
Aug 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Thieves!
We put down a $600.00 deposit in 2019 for a 2020 resort date only to learn they would not refund our 600.00 deposit NOR transfer it to a 2021 date which would have been ok with us due to Covid-19 and the border closure. All other resorts we had talked with transferred other guests deposit or simply refunded them. Shame on Karla Clark and this resort for their greediness to a regular client of over 20 years!
Outfitter overall
Coastal596656
Jul 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Won't refund deposit
Despite the fact that the Canadian Government has COVID-19 restrictions that do not allow citizens from the US to cross their border without a 2-week quarantine, Clark's resorts would not refund our deposits nor would they allow the deposit to be carried-over to reservations for next year. Out $1,200. Really bad business decision, suffice to say we will never book a fishing trip with Clark's again.
Outfitter overall
Steve V
Jul 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Fishing
Please, be careful. We were cheated out of $1800.00. The border is closed so they won't let us come to Canada to fish. We clearly didn't cancel. Clark's Resorts and Outpost will not refund a penny, won't even schedule us for next year without another $1800. WHAT? Beware!
Outfitter overall
Walt
Jul 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Crooks
The border is closed and we aren't allowed in for our fly in trip. Clarks said that the deposit is now forfeit. We tried to get our $1200 deposit applied to next year. No go. We tried to get bar credit, room credit at the lodge, meal credit instead. Nothing. They offered to keep next years rates the same as this year, that is it. They are assuming that Americans will be flocking to Ontario after this is all over and won't care that they took our money. I will be spreading the word about their customer service EVERYWHERE and plan on camping out at their table daily at next years Sportsman's show and let everyone know of their business practices. There are so many fly in outfitters and fishing is great at all lakes. There is just no reason to take a chance with these fools again.
Outfitter overall
April W
Jan 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
Friends vacation
There was 4 adults and 1 child, we did a fly in. What a amazing trip for 7 days. You have the lake to yourself. Lots of fishing and never a disappointment in catching fish, catch them all day long! Def would do it another way next time like 4-5 days and be able to leave when you want too. Def a trip to do! Lots of memories! Clark's Resort very nice people awesome resort. A great experience!!
Outfitter overall
Dieter B
Jun 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Don't care about neighbors.
Clark's moved to Cedar Lake a few years ago. Very inconsiderate of their neighbors. Fly planes 300ft above cottages as early as 5:30 AM which are about 3.5 miles north. When asked to change flights a bit gave winds as excuse for not doing it. They use float planes, a 747 does not require that much distance for takeoff. In addition their base is located in a bay which requires them to takeoff east under normal wind conditions.
This lodge
minidoxie01
Aug 1, 2016
TripAdvisor
This is, by far, the best fishing resort that we have visited in years
My husband and I stayed at KC's Landing, which is just a mile or 2 away from Clark's Camp (but still owned by Clark's Camp). This resort is on Indian Lake, near Vermillion Bay. Jim and his wife, Linda, are the front line couple/managers at the camp. They're hard workers who have a genuine interest in your comfort and well being. The resort itself is clean, well managed, and safe. Literally, the only thing to do is fish, eat, and sleep. Our cabin was a 3-bedroom, one bath with kitchen and living room and was very clean. The fish house was also clean with a fresh supply of minnows available. Our boat was a 17 footer with a 40 hp Yamaha, complete with a fish finder, livewell, and trolling motor. Bedding was furnished. Bring your own towels. Fishing was good. We caught all of our walleye on jigs and minnows (use gold and goldish color jigs). We caught the most fish in the morning and before dusk. Talk to other guests about where to catch the most fish. There are monster fish in the lake--you just have to know how to catch them!! Scenery is gorgeous. Very quiet area. Their minnows are delivered by float plane, which landed on the lake close to our cabin and was tethered at the end of our dock. It was cool to see the plane land and take off to deliver minnows to other resorts. Wear plenty of Off or Repel.
This lodge
#LuieTheFrenchie
Jul 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Pretty Lake, nice views
We stayed at KC's Landing based on a recommendation from a friend who had been there several years ago. The resort is on the Indian Lake chain near Vermilion Bay. The cabin we stayed in was pretty basic but met our needs. The boats and docks were nice. The area is very beautiful. The fishing on the chain was difficult at best. We did catch fish but really had to work hard at it. I recommend talking to other guests and getting some tips. I will probably do some research and stay on a different lake next time.
This lodge
Fishing For Walleye With Clark's Resort & Outpost Air Service
The walleye fishing is just plain un-believably incredible at this resort's more than twenty-plus outpost locations. We visited in mid-July and listened to the many guests that returned to the dock each day via float plane, telling stories of one-hundred to two-plus hundred walleyes caught, each day! Our visit included fishing on the main lake, Cedar Lake, with local guide John Jacobs who knows the northern lakes inside out. We fished for walleye on main lake reefs, humps and rock piles with small jigs and minnows. We caught a variety of walleye from fourteen to twenty-plus inches and had a blast. All the cabins are very clean and modern—you are not 'roughing-it' at these outposts! Outposts feature hot and cold running water, some have electric or propane fridges, showers, stoves with ovens, gas BBQs, and gas fish cookers. You can be sure that you will have a vacation of a lifetime and you'll be coming back year after year! The fishing really is that good.
This lodge
Deposit not refunded due to COVID border closure
We put a deposit on a week long fly in fishing trip, Border is closed and Clark's refuses to refund deposit or carry over deposit till the following year! We have reached out to different camps and this is not the way they are handling the problem. Product/Service: Fishing trip. Desired Outcome: Refund. We are requesting our deposit back, we would no longer care for them to apply it to another time, we don't care to do business with this outfitter.
Outfitter overall
