Sportsman's Lodge and Outposts
Red Lake, Ontario, Manitoba
Family-operated fly-in fishing lodge on Little Vermilion Lake with three remote outpost camps north of Red Lake, Ontario.
Overview
Sportsman's Lodge and Outposts, operated by Brett and Judy Geary, is a small, family-run fly-in fishing camp situated on Little Vermilion Lake, approximately 18 air miles north of Red Lake in northwestern Ontario. The main lodge is the only fishing operation on the lake, with capacity intentionally limited to around four hundred guests per season. The operation also includes three fly-in outpost camps on Hornell Lake, Mantricia Lake, and Warrington Lake, all located roughly 145 to 149 air miles north of Red Lake.
The outpost lakes straddle the Ontario-Manitoba border; Warrington and Mantricia lakes fall within both provinces, requiring anglers to hold licenses for each, while Hornell Lake is Ontario-only. The lodge operates a catch-and-release policy for trophy-sized fish, a conservation program that has been in place since 1982.
Highlights
The Fishing
Little Vermilion Lake is known for large Northern Pike, and the lodge reports that a significant majority of guests catch the largest pike of their lives while fishing the lake. Pike in the 30-to-45-inch range are encountered with regularity, and all pike over 30 inches are catch and release. Walleye fishing is also productive throughout the season, with fish commonly in the 10-to-22-inch range; walleye over 22 inches are catch and release. The lake's relatively shallow and consistent depth, abundant aquatic vegetation, and over 100 miles of shoreline provide productive conditions throughout spring, summer, and fall.
At the main lodge, anglers fish from 16-foot aluminum boats powered by electric-start 15 hp Yamaha 4-stroke motors. Outpost guests use 14-foot aluminum boats with motors. Depth finders, landing nets, safety cushions, life jackets, and one tank of gas per boat per day are included. The three outpost lakes — Hornell, Mantricia, and Warrington — are self-guided, lightly fished waters that also target walleye and northern pike. Hornell Lake connects to Little Hornell Lake by river, and anglers can access Keygo Lake via a short portage for additional fishing.
Accommodations
The main lodge building is constructed of logs, and separate guest cabins are built of log-sheeting, lined and insulated. Cabins at the main lodge are equipped with comfortable beds, linens, blankets, towels, propane cooking stoves, wood heaters, refrigerators, hot and cold running water, flush toilets, showers, and 24-hour electricity from on-site generators. Satellite internet, telephone service, television, and an ice-making machine are also available. Outpost cabins feature fully equipped kitchens with propane cook stoves, barbecues, deep fryers, fridges, and freezers; two-bedroom layouts with bunk beds; hot and cold running water with shower; and a 24-hour satellite phone at each location. The Warrington Lake outpost has two large cabins accommodating up to 14 guests total, plus a central building with shared shower facilities and a flush toilet.
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 into the main lodge and outpost camps by float plane, departing from Red Lake, Ontario, which serves as the staging base. Superior Airways is the noted air carrier for transfers. The main lodge on Little Vermilion Lake is 18 air miles north of Red Lake, while the outpost camps are approximately 145 to 149 air miles north. Floatplane departures from Red Lake are typically scheduled between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. Guests with their own aircraft can use the Red Lake Airport, which has a 5,000-foot paved strip. Round-trip air transport from Red Lake is included in outpost rates. A baggage limit of 95 pounds per person applies.
Access:
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