Walsten Outposts
Kenora, Ontario
Fly-in and drive-in outpost operator running nine remote fishing lakes in northwestern Ontario's Trophy Waters region.
Overview
Walsten Outposts is based in Kenora, Ontario and operates eight fly-in outpost camps plus one drive-in outpost on lakes within Ontario's Trophy Waters Conservation Area in northwestern Ontario. The outpost lakes served include Roger Lake, Lount Lake, Snowshoe Lake, Trout Lake, Joe's Lake, Nance Lake, Chase Lake, and the drive-in Separation Lake on the English River system. Guests book an entire lake exclusively for their group, with no other parties sharing the water.
In 2022, Alf Moncrief, Rob Perchuk, and Derek Grandbois took ownership from Kevin and Lizzy Walsten, continuing the operation while investing in cabin renovations and new builds. Both Alf and Rob are pilots and are known to personally fly guests in and out of camps. The outfitter also offers guided and unguided big game hunts for moose and bear in addition to fishing.
Established: 1962
Highlights
The Fishing
The primary target species across the outpost lakes are walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout, with muskie available on some lakes connected to the English River system. All lakes fall within the NWO Trophy Waters Conservation Area, which prohibits taking fish home — anglers may keep fish to eat on-site but must otherwise practice catch and release, a policy that has contributed to larger fish populations over time. Each lake has a distinct character: Lount Lake is part of the English River system and holds walleye, pike, and bass; Trout Lake features spring-fed, cold, clear water suited to lake trout and bass; Chase Lake sits on a three-lake chain with Eagle and Midway Lakes; and Nance Lake has tea-colored, mineral-rich water that supports strong walleye and pike habitat. All trips are self-guided housekeeping packages; guests bring their own groceries and fish on their own schedule using the boats and motors provided at each camp.
Accommodations
Cabins vary by lake but are generally self-catering housekeeping units equipped with fully functional kitchens, propane BBQs, Blackstone grills, outdoor fish fryers, lake maps, first aid kits, and drinking water. Several outposts have separate sleeper cabins and a main dining or communal cabin — Lount Lake, for example, has two sleeper cabins plus a main dining cabin with a screened-in porch, powered by solar with a generator backup. Roger Lake has two cabins accommodating up to 15 guests total, with a screened-in porch, wrap-around deck, flushing toilets, and an icehouse. Boats and motors, gas, and standard camp gear are included at all outposts. Guests are responsible for bringing their own food and personal gear, with a 100-pound per-person weight limit for floatplane access. Meals are not provided by the outfitter.
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
Most outpost camps are accessed by floatplane from Walsten Outposts' dock in Kenora, Ontario. Flight times to the fly-in lakes range from approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on the destination. Kenora is located roughly two hours from Winnipeg and about 2.5 hours from International Falls, Minnesota. The one exception is Separation Lake, which is a drive-in camp reached by driving 72 km north of Kenora on Highway 658 and the English River Road — about an hour's drive.
Access:
Air bases:
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