Dow Lake Outcamp

Guests rate Burntwood Lake Lodge very highly. Nearly all of the reviews are 5 out of 5, with one 3-star forum review. Reviewers describe the trip as memorable, many plan to return, and one is on a second straight year. Several call the hospitality and the staff's effort outstanding. Reviews come from walleye and northern pike anglers, bear hunters, a group of 13 friends, and a multi-generational family trip.

Guests most often praise the staff, the food, and the fishing. Chef Michel and the meals are mentioned repeatedly, along with desserts, fish fries, and shore lunches. One blogger rated a guide's shore lunch on the Burntwood River among the best they have had. Guides are described as knowledgeable and hard-working, and reviewers name Paige, Randy, Izzy, and Tammy. Walleye fishing is a highlight. One reviewer reported plenty of good-sized fish close to the lodge, and another found very high walleye numbers, with good pike fishing and pike around 90 cm. Guests also like the spacious lodge and the scenery. They describe boats with reliable motors that staff clean and refuel each night, and an excellent dock. The fly-in, by float plane or by helicopter from Snow Lake, is part of the experience. A family reviewer said staff took good care of an elderly relative. Bear hunters also praised the guiding and support, and one noted that the trip would have been worthwhile even without a harvest.

Complaints are few. The one critical review, from a visitor who drove from Winnipeg to Snow Lake, said fishing was slow after cold weather arrived just before the trip. It also said the lodge gives little guidance on where and how to fish unless you hire a guide, which was $125 per day in that review. The same reviewer advised checking whether your insurance covers lower-unit damage, because there are many rocks, and said a GPS and depthfinder are useful. The blogger noted that no pike reached Master Angler size on that trip. The lodge appears well suited to walleye and pike anglers, groups of friends, and families, including multi-generational ones. It also suits first-time fly-in guests who want a staffed lodge with meals and guides, and bear hunters. Anglers who want to find fish on their own should plan to hire a guide or bring their own electronics.