Mastering Trophy Fishing at Cat Island Lodge

Pro Tips for Walleye, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike on Trout Lake

Cat Island Lodge, located on the vast waters of Trout Lake in Northwestern Ontario, offers one of the best fly-in freshwater fishing experiences in Canada. With over 99,000 acres of remote wilderness and deep, cold water, this lake is a haven for anglers chasing trophy-class walleye, lake trout, and northern pike.

Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or planning your first trip to Ontario’s Sunset Country, these techniques and insights—based on decades of local knowledge—will help you make the most of your stay.

Walleye Fishing Tips: Depth, Bait & Location

Walleye are a major draw for Cat Island Lodge guests. To increase your success, focus on main lake humps, wind-blown points, and structures in 18–25 feet of water.

Most anglers use:

• 1/4 oz jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics

• Rapala Jigging Raps

• VMC hair jigs

Vertical jigging is especially productive during calm conditions. Keep in mind: depth matters. Try to avoid fishing deeper than 30 feet, as studies show that walleye caught from those depths are less likely to survive if released.

Lake Trout: Vertical Jigging in Deep Water

Lake trout in Trout Lake are often found in deeper waters—90 to 105 feet—particularly during the summer.

Effective setups include:

• 3/4 to 1 oz white jig heads

• 4–5” paddle tails or tubes in white/pearl

• Drop shot rigs and heavy jigging spoons

Use your sonar to locate schools, drop your jig quickly, and reel up aggressively—lake trout love to chase fast-moving bait.

Northern Pike: Go Shallow and Bold

Northern pike are common across the lake and are especially active in shallow bays, weedy areas, and near river inlets.

Pike favorites:

• Spinnerbaits (yellow, chartreuse, white)

• Daredevil spoons

• Doctor Spoons

• Topwater frogs and buzzbaits

Make sure you're using a steel leader and a heavier rod setup—these fish are toothy and tenacious.

Additional Tips for Trophy Catches

• Book a guide: Cat Island Lodge’s team knows the lake intimately and will take you right to the action.

• Use quality gear: Don’t underestimate the size and fight of fish in Trout Lake.

• Practice catch and release: Protect the fishery by releasing larger spawning-size fish.

• Fish early or late: Low-light conditions are often best for aggressive bites.

Cat Island Lodge is known for producing memorable catches in a breathtaking setting. With the right technique and a bit of patience, you’re sure to hook into something special.