Thunderhook Fly-Ins
Armstrong, Ontario
Fly-in outfitter operating over eleven outpost camps and two lodges in Ontario's Wabakimi Provincial Park, based in Armstrong Station.
Overview
Thunderhook Fly-Ins is based at Armstrong Station, Ontario, and operates a seaplane airbase on Highway 527 that serves as the departure point for all trips. The operation offers three distinct fly-in options: more than eleven remote outpost camps scattered across Wabakimi Wilderness Provincial Park, the Smoothrock Resort on 24,000-acre Smoothrock Lake, and the Whitewater Retreat overlooking a 26,000-acre lake. The outfitter is currently owned and operated by the Scott Family, who took over after previously being customers themselves.
The company reports a repeat clientele rate in excess of 80 percent and has been serving fly-in anglers for decades. Guests flying to any destination are transported by certified air carriers, including De Havilland Turbine Otters and De Havilland Piston Beavers operated by NDK Air Ltd., maintained to Transport Canada standards. All packages include the round-trip flight, accommodations, boat use, and unlimited fuel.
Highlights
The Fishing
The lakes and waterways within and surrounding Wabakimi Wilderness Provincial Park hold walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and brook trout. Walleye are the primary target species across most of the outpost lakes, rivers, and flowages, with anglers reporting high catch counts. Northern pike are present throughout the system, including trophy-sized fish in weedy bays and shallows. Lake trout are found in the deeper, cooler lakes, and brook trout are available at select outpost locations such as Shabuskwia Lake. Specific outpost lakes on the roster include Attwood, Luella, Pringle, Smoothrock, Shabuskwia, Keezhik, Whitewater, and Machawian Lakes.
Anglers fish from 14-foot and 16-foot Lund boats equipped with Yamaha and Mercury outboard motors, swivel seats with cushions, life jackets, and landing nets. The motor fleet is updated annually. Guiding is available at Smoothrock Resort for those who want assistance navigating the large lake.
Accommodations
Accommodation options range from fully equipped housekeeping cabins at the Smoothrock Resort and Whitewater Retreat to more remote outpost cabins. Smoothrock Resort features shore-front cabins with electric appliances, fully equipped kitchens, propane grills, screened-in porches overlooking a sandy beach, a modern double shower house, a centrally located fish cleaning house, a fully stocked store, and satellite Wi-Fi. Whitewater Retreat offers beachfront cabins accommodating two to eight people under a housekeeping plan, with wood stoves, refrigerators, cooking ranges, and satellite Wi-Fi. All cabins include bedding, bath towels, and basic supplies. The outpost cabins include screened-in fishing houses, fully equipped kitchens, and hot and cold running water. Before departure, guests can overnight at the airbase in a six-unit bunkhouse.
Fish Species
What They Offer
Amenities available at one or more of this outfitter's properties.
Getting There
Guests drive to the Thunderhook airbase at Armstrong Station, Ontario, located on Highway 527. From the airbase, all destinations are reached exclusively by float plane, operated by certified carrier NDK Air Ltd. using De Havilland Turbine Otters and Piston Beavers. Armstrong Station is in Northwestern Ontario, positioned within access range of the Wabakimi Wilderness Provincial Park system. The airbase provides a staging area with a bunkhouse, screened gazebo, and breakfast service for guests arriving the night before their flight.
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