4.6
Based on 5 reviews
from across the web
Summarized Review Highlights
True North Airways — operating under the name Sudbury Aviation and based near Azilda, Ontario — carries a strong overall reputation among fly-in fishing guests, with the large majority of reviewers rating their experience at the top of the scale. The outfitter is repeatedly praised for its professionalism, reliability, and the warmth of owner Marg and her staff. Guests with 15 or more years of repeat business describe it as among the best fly-in operations in the province, and several reviewers note specific operational details that build trust: a confirmed mid-week check-in flight where staff actually land and verify conditions, and consistent punctuality on fly-out day. The floatplane service itself is described as courteous, safe, and well-maintained.
Fishing is the clear draw, and guests report strong numbers across multiple species — walleye (pickerel) in the 16–20-inch range, smallmouth bass up to 3–4 pounds, northern pike, and occasional larger fish. Lakes like MacSmith are described more as numbers fisheries than trophy destinations, though the consistent action — anglers reporting 30–40 fish over seven days — is a major point of satisfaction. Cabins are universally called clean, functional, and well-equipped with propane appliances, wood stoves, bunk beds, and on-site saunas. No one describes them as luxury accommodations, but the consensus is that they deliver exactly what a remote fishing camp should.
The one honest cautionary note comes from a detailed mid-range review: the MacSmith camp was found to be missing some basic kitchen items, had no oars or boat safety kits, and lacked enough certified PFDs for all guests. Anglers are advised to confirm equipment details in advance and consider bringing their own personal flotation devices to be safe. Beyond that specific concern, complaints are rare across the reviews. This destination is best suited to groups of fishing buddies or pairs looking for a true remote outpost experience — particularly those targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, or pike — and to repeat fly-in anglers who value reliability and a well-run operation over amenities. It is not positioned as a family resort or a trophy-hunting destination, but for anglers who want consistent action, solitude, and a no-fuss bush camp, the reviews point consistently in one direction.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 5 reviews
John P
Jun 5, 2020
TripAdvisor
@the_pottsy1 on Instagram check my page see my fishing videos
Well it was a trip I will never forget I've been there sudbury aviation 3 times Mc Smith lake once it was a small lake but loaded with bass pike pickerel we caught lots of fish all day long it is well worth having the hole lake to yourself peace full, nice cabin at night time when your in bed you can here the loons on the lake I loved it getting up in the morning early to go fishing the mist on the water breathtaking we caught so many fish in seven days that I caught in a life time the owner of Sudbury aviation was amazing women Marg the plane's are safe the cabin nice the best time ever Marg thanks so much ????????? worth it
This lodge
TheTraveller314
Sep 16, 2019
TripAdvisor
Great fishing and great people
We've done a couple of fly-ins with Sudbury Aviation. Marg and her team are great! They're friendly, have great customer service, and make sure to take good care of you. The cabins we've been in have all been clean and well equipped with propane fridges/stoves and a wood stove. They also had a wood burning sauna. The cabins are no-frills but they have what you need for a great week of fishing. The two lakes we've been on had great fishing. 3-4lb bass, 18-20" pickerel, 30" pike. Most of us caught about 30-40 fish over seven days. More than enough to eat and lots to release.
Outfitter overall
Bill R
Jul 30, 2017
TripAdvisor
Macsmith Lake mid-summer
Flying off Whitewater Lake near Azilda, ON, Sudbury Aviation flies anglers to eleven outpost lakes that offer walleyes, northern pike, smallmouth bass, brook / speckled trout, and lake trout. The flying service was courteous & professional. MacSmith Lake (W, NP, SMB) is approximately 1.5 miles in length, with numerous islands and weed-rimmed bays. For a smaller lake, it is surprisingly deep, with a large, mid-lake shoal. Many parts of the lake feature stretches of rocky shoreline. The Macsmith camp accommodates six, but is better suited to parties of two to four. The vertical log cabin is equipped with propane appliances (refrigerator-freezer, lights, stove, BBQ) - all in good working order - bunk beds, a wood stove, kitchen counter & sink, table & chairs for six. However, the kitchen lacked a few important items (milk jug, glasses, spatula). Water must be carried up from the lake. On site is a second lot building - a sauna. The boats and 8-HP motors at the camp were among the best that the Northern Ontario Fisherman has ever used at outpost camps but there were no oars and not enough paddles for the three boats. Neither were there boat safety kits or enough certified PFDs for guests, so anglers are advised to bring their own. At Macsmith Lake, the consistency of the smallmouth bass fishing was a pleasant surprise. Mornings and evenings, bass would aggressively jump any topwater bait and go aerial to free themselves (which they very often did). Afternoons, bass were found along the distinct weed lines in the many back bays of Macsmith Lake. More a numbers lake than a trophy fishery, bass in the 1 to 3 pound range are the norm, with the occasional 4 lb. fish hooked (though not always landed). Walleyes at Macsmith are a little more challenging, but they are there for the catching early and late in the day or under overcast skies. The mid-lake shoal, while a snag-fest, is the best spot on the lake, but we caught several nice fish in the 16 to 18-inch range trolling fast-breaking shorelines and rocky points. Pike will be pike and invariably show up when fishing for bass or walleyes, shallow or deep, over rocks or near the weedlines, no matter the lure, bait or technique. For the most part, Macsmith northerns range from 2 to 5 pounds, but surely larger fish are there.
This lodge
Andrew E
May 21, 2017
TripAdvisor
Quality flight training and superb views.
I spent a few days with the flying school side of Sudbury Aviation, I completed a Sea Plane endorsement for my licence, and most of the bush pilots course that they offer. The standard of instruction is excellent, the aircraft well looked after and the atmosphere is great. Sudbury Aviation also offer fishing trips and run remote lake side lodges many miles from the roads, I haven't stayed in one but visited as part of a trip out from base. The accommodation is basic as befits the location, log cabins with bunks, a wood stove and kitchen as well as a sauna and a remote lavatory. The flying school operates year round, on floats in summer and skis when the lakes are frozen, I think the cabins are summer only. My overall experience was excellent, and I will return to fly the rest of the bush course and build experience in this sort of aircraft, thoroughly recommended.
Outfitter overall
Have used Sudbury Aviation for the last 15 years for our annual fly in fishing trip, best camps in the province, great cabins and equipment, been fly in fishing trips for over 25 years wish we would have used Sudbury sooner. Marg and her staff are great to deal with and very friendly. Most outfitters in the province tell you they will check in with you mid week but they don't, not so with Sudbury Aviation they fly in mid week and actually land and make sure all is ok and when they tell you you will be picked up at 9 am on fly out day you must be ready, they're always on time. Can't say enough about Marg and her team great people to deal with.
Outfitter overall
