What Is American Plan Fly-In Fishing? A Guide for Ontario Anglers
If you’re researching fly-in fishing trips in Canada, you’ve likely come across the term American Plan—especially when comparing fishing lodges in Northern Ontario. While the term is widely used across the industry, what’s included can vary from lodge to lodge.
Here’s a clear explanation of what American Plan fly-in fishing means, how it compares to other lodge plans, and what makes the experience at Cat Island Lodge unique.
What does “American Plan” mean?
In the fishing lodge and hospitality industry, American Plan refers to a package that includes:
Lodging
Breakfast, Lunch (can be packed with advance notice or a classic shore lunch on the water), & Dinner
Boat, gas, or additional perks
In simple terms, at a minimum all meals and lodging are provided during your stay. This structure is sometimes referred to as full board in traditional hospitality settings.
For fly-in fishing lodges- where guests arrive by floatplane and are surrounded by remote wilderness- American Plan packages are the industry standard because they remove the need to transport food or manage logistics in remote locations.
Why American Plan is ideal for fly-in fishing trips
Fly-in fishing destinations are intentionally remote. Once you arrive, there’s no grocery store, no restaurant down the road, and no reason to spend time worrying about supplies.
American Plan fly-in fishing allows anglers to:
Focus entirely on fishing and time outdoors
Enjoy lodge-prepared meals after long days on the water
Eliminate the need to plan, pack, or transport food
Experience the traditional rhythm of a northern fishing lodge
Meals become part of the experience- whether it’s a hot breakfast before heading out, a shore lunch during the day, or dinner shared back at the lodge.
What’s typically included in an American Plan fly-in fishing package
Across Northern Ontario, American Plan fly-in fishing packages generally include:
Lodging
All meals prepared daily
Additional inclusions- such as flights, boats, fuel, or guides- vary by lodge and are often what differentiate one experience from another.
This is why it’s important to look beyond the term American Plan and understand what a specific lodge includes.
American Plan vs. Housekeeping Plan
If you’re comparing fishing lodges, you may also see Housekeeping Plan offered.
According to Northern Ontario Travel, the difference is straightforward:
American Plan: Lodging with all meals prepared and served by the lodge
Housekeeping Plan: Lodging only, with kitchen facilities so guests can prepare their own meals
For fly-in destinations, American Plan is often preferred because it removes the need to transport groceries by plane and allows guests to fully relax once they arrive.
Housekeeping plans can work well for drive-in or easily accessible lodges, but for remote fly-in fishing trips, American Plan offers convenience, comfort, and simplicity.
What Cat Island Lodge includes in its American Plan fly-in fishing packages
While American Plan defines the meal structure, Cat Island Lodge’s fly-in fishing packages go beyond the basic definition to provide a truly seamless experience.
At Cat Island Lodge, American Plan fly-in fishing packages include:
Round-trip floatplane flights to and from the lodge
Lakeside accommodations on Trout Lake
All meals, including hearty breakfasts, shore lunches, and home-cooked dinners
Boats and fuel for your fishing days
Full access to lodge amenities
Exceptional fishing for species like walleye and northern pike
By including flights, meals, boats, and fuel, Cat Island Lodge offers a streamlined fly-in fishing experience where guests can focus entirely on time on the water—without hidden logistics or add-ons.
Why anglers choose American Plan fly-in fishing in Ontario
Ontario is known for its vast lakes, untouched shorelines, and world-class fishing. Fly-in lodges provide access to waters that see minimal fishing pressure, and American Plan packages make those trips simple, comfortable, and immersive.
For many anglers, American Plan fly-in fishing offers the perfect balance:
Remote wilderness
Comfortable accommodations
No guesswork around meals or logistics
More time focused on fishing
It’s fishing the way northern lodges have done it for generations.
Experience American Plan fly-in fishing at Cat Island Lodge
At Cat Island Lodge, our American Plan fly-in fishing packages are designed to provide a complete, worry-free northern fishing experience—starting the moment you board the floatplane.
From round-trip flights to lodge-prepared meals and days spent exploring pristine water, everything is built around helping you focus on what matters most.