Twin Lakes Outfitters
Nakina, Ontario
Family-run outfitter operating 20 fly-in outpost camps on 17 remote lakes north of Nakina, Ontario.
Overview
Twin Lakes Outfitters and Wilderness Camps is a fly-in outpost operation based in Nakina, Ontario, in the far north of the province. The business is owned and operated by Chad and Dawn Haakenson, who purchased the operation in 2006. Chad manages the on-the-ground work — maintaining cabins, boats, motors, and docks — while Dawn handles bookings and the business side. The outfitter reports that more than 80 percent of its guests are repeat customers.
The operation runs 20 outpost camps spread across 17 different fly-in lakes. All lakes sit within the Arctic Watershed, well north of Nakina, and anglers fly between 20 and 90 air miles from the staging base on Cordingley Lake to reach them. The outfitter also offers fly-in moose hunting packages in season.
Established: 2006
Highlights
The Fishing
Walleye is the primary target across all outpost lakes, with Northern Pike available on every lake as well. Two lakes offer Lake Trout fishing, and Brook Trout can be found in the rivers and streams connected to several lakes — at some camps year-round, and at others only in spring. Most lakes also hold jumbo Perch. Walleye are most common in the one- to three-pound range, with the four- to six-pound class also present, and occasional trophy fish over 30 inches reported by guests. Northern Pike over 20 pounds have been caught at multiple camps, with some reaching over 30 pounds. Brook Trout over six pounds and Lake Trout in the 25-pound range have also been recorded by guests.
Fishing is self-guided from boats provided at each outpost camp. Standard tackle for walleye includes jigs with white twistertails, with trolling along breaklines and working structural features also productive. Anglers fishing the Ogoki River system camps — including Esser Lake, Trapper's Run, and Patience Lake — have access to Brook Trout fishing throughout the season.
Accommodations
Each outpost is a housekeeping cabin equipped for self-sufficient stays. Most cabins have been recently remodeled and include a propane stove and fridge, woodstove for heat, hot and cold running water, and a shower. Additional amenities at many camps include a BBQ, fish fryer, solar lights, a solar chest freezer in an outbuilding, and a fish-cleaning house. Camps are sized to accommodate groups of two to eight people depending on the location. The cabins have no radios or phones and there is no cellphone service; satellite phones and texting devices are available for rent from the outfitter. Boats provided at each camp are typically 14-foot Lund, Naden, or Smokercraft with 8 or 9.9 hp Mercury motors; smaller portage boats are available at river camps.
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 drive to Nakina via Highway 11 and then Highway 584 north through Geraldton, then proceed roughly two miles to Cordingley Lake, where the outfitter's base is located. Guests are flown from Cordingley Lake into their outpost camps by Leuenberger Air Service, typically aboard a De Havilland Turbo Otter or Beaver for the main trip, with a smaller Cessna 185 used for mid-week check flights. Outpost camps are located between 20 and 90 air miles from the base. Guests are restricted to 130 pounds of gear per person on flight day.
Access:
Air bases:
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