4.0
Based on 8 reviews
from across the web
Summarized Review Highlights
Silsby Lake Lodge & Outposts, located in remote northern Manitoba near Thompson, carries a generally positive reputation among fishing guests, with most reviewers describing memorable trips and strong praise for the fishing, scenery, and staff. The lodge is operated by Sam Fett and family, who have decades in the outfitting business and appear to run a tight operation at the main Silsby Lake Lodge. There is one serious and notable exception: a former hunting guest reports that the lodge has held a $3,500 deposit for several years following a COVID-era cancellation, repeatedly promising a refund that has never materialized. This complaint is specific but significant, and prospective guests should be aware of it when considering deposit terms and cancellation policies.
On the fishing side, reviewers consistently praise the trophy pike and walleye opportunities, with catches including fish in the 40-plus-inch range. Walleye fishing is described as reliable and productive, and shore lunches of fresh pickerel are frequently mentioned as a highlight. The main Silsby Lodge with guided packages appears to outperform the self-guided outpost options for trophy pike — one group at High Hill Outpost noted that guests at the main lodge simultaneously landed 17 pike over 41 inches while the outpost group struggled to find large fish. Timing also matters: multiple reviewers suggest June or early July as the best window, with late summer producing fewer trophy-class northern pike. High Hill Outpost received mixed reviews for its physical condition, with minor maintenance issues noted (a broken oven, a clogged toilet), though an on-site camp manager was praised for being attentive and working to improve things. Staff at both the lodge and outposts are described warmly by the majority of guests, and the remote wilderness setting draws consistent admiration.
Silsby Lake Lodge is best suited for groups of fishing buddies targeting trophy northern pike or walleye, particularly those willing to fly in and embrace a remote, rustic setting. Families with children have also had positive experiences at the main lodge, where staff engagement with kids is specifically praised. First-time fly-in anglers may appreciate the guided lodge packages more than the self-guided outpost option, especially if trophy pike are the primary goal. Those considering the outpost camps should go in with realistic expectations about facilities, bring their own electronics, and plan their trip for early season to maximize chances at larger fish.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 8 reviews
James L
Mar 4, 2024
Forum
Deposit not returned after COVID cancellation
I signed up and paid a deposit for a hunting trip at Silsby Lake Lodge for the fall of 2021. This was just prior to the beginning of covid and because travel was restricted, the business automatically moved my reservation to the following hunting year--which I was unable to do due to military move overseas. Over the last several years the business continues to tell me they will return my $3500 deposit yet never follows through! I tried to be sympathetic at first, but ultimately they have taken an interest free loan or in simple terms, have actually stolen from me. I never agreed to a different hunting year. I demanded my deposit back and despite them saying they will refund me, they never do. For the last couple of years they have resumed operations and have sold out hunts and fishing trips yet continue to unlawfully keep my funds. Very frustrating and I'm very surprised that there would be such a lack of integrity with the typical trustworthy folk from the area. Based on the recommendation of an attorney I may have to pursue them in small claims court--of which he said I have a very solid legal standing. Disappointing!
Outfitter overall
Productive Peaceful Awesome staff Beautiful
I Love working for Silsby. It's so beautiful out there the early mornings the woodstove the food the peace the serenity the staff the guests the outdoors the crazy adventures lol the work is busy and I love it the tips are good the pay is good! Love it!
Outfitter overall
I really enjoyed my time working at Silsby
All n all a good place to work and make new friends. Guests were awesome whom really enjoyed their stay as well as a good fishing story to take back home along with praising their fishing/hunting guides bragging rights and how they enjoyed shore lunch fresh pickerel, potatoes, brown beans, and the beautiful remote wilderness.
Outfitter overall
Michael Patrick McCarty
Nov 23, 2018
Blog
High, Long, and Lonesome – Trophy Pike In Manitoba
We four booked our trip with Sam Fett at Silsby Lake Lodge, and they offer some of the finest trophy pike and walleye fishing in North America. Sam and his family have been in the outfitting business for decades, and it's quite obvious that they know how to turn out some mighty happy sportsmen. Their literature and impressive brochures speak of fish long and broad enough to test the skills of even the most seasoned outdoorsman, and they are not exaggerating. Boy do they have the fish! Silsby Lake Lodge offers commercial flights from Winnipeg direct to an airstrip just one quick boat skip from their lodge, and it does not take long to get a line in the water. They offer full service guided lodge packages, or outpost camps with cabins or tents if you prefer to guide yourself and do some of the work on your own, as we did. We fished from the High Hill Outpost camp for our first three days, and it was everything I had imagined a classic pike fishing camp to be. The scene and scenery is so picturesque that one could spend quite a bit of time relaxing at camp – that is if the fishing wasn't so good. According to Sam, High Hill Lake and other adjoining or nearby waters may hold one of the largest concentrations of trophy pike found anywhere in the Province. They have practiced strict conservation and catch and release policies for years, and it shows. Our small group did not catch the 'fatties' as they call them on our brief stay at High Hill but we did catch all of the smaller pike that we could have wanted and two fish that we estimated to be in the 17 to 22 pound class. It was the first big pike that I had ever brought to the boat, and it is a thrill that I will not soon forget. We highly recommend the good folks at Silsby Lake Lodge, and they have a great website too!
This lodge
Storey (father/son)
Facebook
Father/son trip to High Hill Lake outpost camp
My sons and I had an excellent time! We'd never experienced pike fishing anything close to what we experienced at High Hill! I caught a 46 incher which was truly a fish of a lifetime.
This lodge
Kids LOVED it
Sam & Stacey, We can't thank you enough for such a wonderful few days at your fishing camp. My kids LOVED it and can't wait to come back. Your staff did such a great job with all of the kids -- as witnessed by the attached picture of Cody (7 years old) and the huge smile on his face. Thanks again.
This lodge
Fished it years ago – High Hill outpost worth knowing about
Check out my review of their High Hill outpost under Manitoba Lodges and Outposts discussion. I do think they needed to pump some money into it. The previous owner was about 80 years old and was looking for a buyer 2 years ago. I would agree that early in the year is definitely better. While we were there we heard that those that fished Silsby caught several Master Angler pike. Our group was not that fortunate at High Hill and we are experienced fishermen.
This lodge
High Hill Outpost – High Hill Lake (Lake-Link Manitoba Lodges thread)
I will share my experience at High Hill outpost that is part of Silsby Lake Lodge about 85 miles east of Thompson Manitoba. The outpost itself was in fair condition with an onsite camp manager that was busy updating the cabin and taking care of our needs. I would say he did a very good job. While we were there everything worked well except the oven on the stove and the toilet became clogged after 3 days and we had to use the outhouse that was almost new and not a problem. Our food was late getting to the outpost but was delivered by dinner the first night. Fishing for walleyes was consistent with many fish caught between 17 and 26 inches. Getting shore lunch was not a problem. Jigs with 3-4" white twister tails were all you needed. The rocky shore right next to the camp was productive. We went there for trophy northern but had difficulty finding them. The biggest we caught was 39.5" but it was fat (about 25 lbs.). We caught tons of pike in the 24"-30" range but not many of the really big ones (a couple 38s and a 34). We had six guys that fished hard all day in good weather all week. I'm not sure why we didn't get more big fish but it may have been related to the time of year (second week of August), but those that stayed at the main lodge on Silsby caught 17 trophies over 41" with guides. The boats were adequate (I think 16 footers) with 4 stroke 15hp motors. 25's would have been better but the ones we had were very dependable and started on the first pull. All boats had floors, life jackets and fish cradles. It would have been nice if they supplied the electronics (we brought our own). I would go back to this camp in June or early July. I think the value for the money was good but not exceptional. The staff is friendly and helpful but a bit disorganized. Overall we had a very fun trip. Manitoba is hard to beat.
This lodge
