Map of Gowganda Lake
Our lodge is located at the north-end of Gowganda Lake. Shaped like a Z, this lake has 36 miles of shoreline. The distance from the dam at the north end is only 5 miles from the waterfalls at the south end. The picturesque hamlet of Gowganda is located on the northeast tip of the lake. The rest of the lake is uninhabited. The average depth of the lake is 26ft. with its deepest hole over 150 feet, being just below the waterfalls. There are many 60ft. and 70ft. holes as well as many shoals, drop offs and sunken islands.
In the spring Walleye and Northern Pike can be found in the east branch of the Montreal River. Later on in the year the Walleye, Northern Pike and Lake Trout are in the deeper water and around the heavily structured areas of the lake. In September, when the water temperature decreases, the Northern Pike and the Walleye move into shallower waters. Northern Pike Pike and Smallmouth Bass are very aggressive at this time of the year. Smallmouth Bass can be fished on this lake as early as ice off (we have no closed season on Bass or Pike). They go on biting until the very end of the season.
Max Depth: 152.7 feet
Average Depth: 29.6 feet deep
Shoreline: 36.4 miles (Not counting islands)
Elevation: 930 feet about sea level
Coordinates: 47°39'02"N - 080°47'07"W
Main Water Source: Montreal River
Max Spring Water Flow: 882.5 feet³ per second
Gamefish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout & Smallmouth Bass
Remote Backcountry Fishing Lakes
Fishing is a lot of fun and when you inject adventure and anticipation into the equation it brings your fishing vacation to a whole new level. We have boat caches on several remote backcountry lakes as well as other lakes and streams that require a canoe. The backcountry lakes and streams have Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout and the rarest trout in the world, the Aurora Trout.
Many of our fishing guests come to our lodge because we are located right in the center of all these fishing opportunities. If you have any questions about or back lakes please feel free to contact us.
Stumpy Lake: Walleye & Jumbo Perch
Stumpy Lake: Approximately 3-1/2 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, it has a maximum depth of 22ft and has an average depth of 8ft. Years ago it was nothing but a river however due to the installation of a hydro dam, Stumpy Lake was born. Stumpy gets its name honestly due to the thousands of trees that still remain rooted to the bottom of the lake. These trees make excellent cover for the abundance of Walleye and Perch and they also make for many snags so bring lots of jigs!!! You can access stumpy with your own 4x4 vehicle, however, be warned the road is very poor. You may also use your own ATV or you can use our Truck Shuttle and we will take you in.
Round Trip is only $50.00 per person. The shuttle leaves at 9:00 a.m. and returns latest 5:00 p.m. However, we are flexible with the times if needed. There are two 16ft. and one 14ft blue steel boats available.
Wapus River & Penassi Lake: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass & Jumbo Perch
This river and lake combination has everything, breathtaking beauty, plenty of wildlife, and fantastic fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Small Mouth Bass. Special mention has also to be given to the Perch in this system. The structure of the river is rocky and the maximum depth of 22ft. The average depth is around 11ft. Many moose, bear, beaver and bald eagle have been sighted on this system.
We don't keep a boat at this location. Boat shuttle is a flat fee of $40.00 per boat
Montreal River's Obushkong Lake: Walleye, Northern Pike & Smallmouth Bass
Obushkong Lake: This is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of 20ft. and an overall average of 8 ft. The depth of the river at the north end varies from 2 - 30 ft. depending on the time of year. It is approximately 12 miles long and almost a mile wide. An extension of the Montreal River, this lake is mainly rock structure while the river is heavily weeded, perfect for Pike. Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass are plentiful in this lake. There is also Whitefish, but they are usually only caught in the fall. This lake is accessible by driving your own vehicle. It is approximately a 5 minutes car ride down Edith Lake road, then boat across Edith Lake to the portage point. Take a 5-minute walk to Obushkong Lake. There are three 16' blue steel boats available.
Dinny Lake: Approximately 1-1/2 mile long and 1/2 mile wide, it has a maximum depth of 45ft. with the average depth being 8ft. The shoreline structure consists of rock; stumps and weeds provide great ambush points for these aggressive predators. Access to this lake is by driving your own vehicle to Edith Lake; take the trail just before the green outhouses. Walk time about 15 minutes. There are two 14' aluminum boats
Hangingstone Lake & Frying Pan Lake: Stuffed with Smallmouth Bass
Hangingstone Lake: This lake is approximately 2-1/2 miles long and 1/4 mile wide. The northern half of the lake consists of mainly rock structure while the southern half is mainly weeks. It is not uncommon to hear stories of large catches in this very prolific lake. The maximum depth of this lake is approximately 20ft. and the average depth is 20ft. Accessed by boating to the south end of Gowganda Lake just 1 km to the right of the Falls, docking your boat on the dock provided, then walking about 25 minutes following the markers. There is one 16' blue steel boat and one 14ft. aluminum boat available there.
Frying Pan Lake: This lake is directly adjacent to Hangingstone Lake and is about half the size and about the same depth. Mainly rock structure with the exception of the south end which is weedy. While quantity of fish is generally less, the quality tends to be better than in Hangingstone. There is a 14ft aluminium boat available.
A shuttle is available to get into Frying Pan $50.00 per person round trip.
Both lakes are stuffed with Smallmouth Bass including big trophies.
Cripple Lake: Big Northern Pike
This is a new addition to our family of lakes. It hosts large Nothern Pike. Please ask at the lodge for more information on boat access for this lake.
We tow a boat & motor as far as the road goes and then shuttle your group through the bush the last mile to the lake. We charge a flat fee of $40 for this shuttle service. The fishing in this lake is awesome and well worth the fee if you really like catching big Northern Pike.
Elkhorn Lake: Stuffed with Smallmouth Bass & Walleye
Approximately 3-1/2 miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide, its rugged shoreline, many islands and rock shoals make it a Bass Angler's paradise. On many occasions, this lake has been renamed from "fishing" to "catching". It has a maximum depth of 80ft. with an average depth of 20ft.
Accessed by A.T.V., your own 4x4 or you can take our Shuttle at a cost of $50.00 per person round trip. The Elkhorn shuttle leaves our docks after 9:00 a.m. and returns for you at 5:00 p.m. There are three 16' steel blue boats available there.
Babs Lake
It is still a new lake for us so we ask for your patience and feedback. Locals have fished this lake with great reviews. It is so clear; you can see the bottom down 20 ft. Best fishing in early spring, fall and ice fishing in the winter.
Dobie Lake: Rainbow Trout
Dobie Lake has Rainbow Trout. This is a canoe only lake. No motors are allowed.
Tips for trolling deep for Lake Trout out of a canoe (off site)
Duncan Lake: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass & Perch
Surface Area: 2795 acres
Max Deth: 132 feet
Mean Depth: 24.7 feet
Boat Shuttle: flat fee of $40.00 per boat shuttle.
Duncan Lake is known for giant Walleyes over 10 pounds and Northern Pike in the 15 to 20-pound range.
MNR Aurora Trout Lake #21
We are very fortunate to be within driving distance of MNR Lake #21. This lake has been stocked with the rarest trout on Earth, the Aurora Trout.
Aurora Trout only existed in Whitepine Lake and Whirlygig Lake. They disappeared from these lakes in the 1960s as a result of acid rain. Angling for Aurora Trout was closed across the province in 1983. Aurora Trout were classed as an endangered species in 1987. It was just a miracle that someone caught one and alerted the MNR. They net the lakes and caught 28 trout, which are the ancestors of all existing Aurora Trout today. Since the Russian Blue Trout is now classified as extinct, the Aurora Trout is now considered the rarest trout in the world.
The world record Aurora Trout is 6 pounds, 10.24 oz caught by Luc Pilon in 1999. It is illegal to have any motors on Aurora Trout lakes. You will need to fish for them from a canoe.
Aurora Trout season is August 1st to October 15 for 2020 and 2023. Each Aroura Trout lake is open for a couple of months every three years.
Tips for trolling deep for Lake Trout out of a canoe (off site)