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Chimo Lodge & Outposts

Red Lake, Ontario

Fly-in fishing outfitter operating a main lodge on Roderick Lake and multiple remote outpost camps north and northwest of Red Lake, Ontario.

1 Lodge 9 Outposts
Locations 10
Max Guests 10
Species walleye, pike, lake trout, perch
Access fly-in
WiFi No
Only cabin/lodge Yes
Pricing $$$$$

Overview

Chimo Lodge & Outposts is the largest fishing outfitter in the Red Lake region of northwestern Ontario. The operation centres on a main camp situated on Roderick Lake, approximately 48 air miles northwest of Red Lake, and includes eleven fly-in outpost camps spread across remote lakes ranging from 44 to 100 miles north and northwest of Red Lake. Named outposts include Warwick, Hornby, Culverson, Keeper Lake, Keeper River, Wagin, Pine Island, Schultz, Marvin, Miller, and My Lake.

At most outpost locations, Chimo Lodge & Outposts is the only tourist outfitter on the lake, giving guests exclusive access to the water. The main camp on Roderick Lake is staffed with on-site managers around the clock, while the outpost camps operate on a self-guided, housekeeping basis. The outfitter uses Superior Airways Limited exclusively for float-plane transport, departing from their main float base at 68 Howey Street in Red Lake.

Best for: Groups and families seeking self-guided fly-in fishing on remote, lightly pressured lakes for walleye and trophy northern pike.
Best time: The operation runs a summer season; early season is noted for strong walleye and northern pike activity, with lake trout also available throughout the open water period.

Highlights

Largest outfitter in the Red Lake region
Main lodge on Roderick Lake plus eleven outpost camps
Walleye, northern pike, and lake trout
Sole outfitter on most outpost lakes
Boats and motors included at all locations
Access to portage lakes at several outposts
Float-plane access via Superior Airways from Red Lake

The Fishing

The primary target species across all locations are walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, with perch also present on Roderick Lake. Fishing at the main camp and outposts typically involves working mid-lake reefs and structure for walleye, while shallow weedy points and back-water bays hold northern pike including trophy-class fish. Northern pike in excess of 40 inches are reported at some outpost lakes. Several outpost locations, including those tied to the Keeper River system, offer access to portage lakes and river sections with rapids and waterfalls that hold additional fish. Roderick Lake's tea-stained water favours walleye activity in the early morning and late afternoon. All locations operate a catch-and-release policy for trophy fish.

Guests fish from 14-foot boats powered by 8 to 10 horsepower outboard motors, which are included at all locations. An upgraded 16-foot Lund Fury with a 20 hp motor and fish finder is available at an additional cost at the main camp.

Accommodations

The main camp on Roderick Lake consists of five housekeeping cabins built on-site from local pine logs, ranging from two to four bedrooms and accommodating up to ten people. Each cabin is equipped with a propane range, electric refrigerator, freezer, solar-powered 120V lights and electricity, hot and cold running water, a three-piece bathroom with shower, bedding, kitchenware, and a barbecue on the deck. The main camp also features running hot and cold water, flush toilets, showers, a 10-person co-ed sauna, and canoes and kayaks for non-fishing activities. Outpost cabins are also constructed from local pine logs and are similarly equipped with propane appliances, hot and cold running water, three-piece bathrooms, and solar power, though they operate without on-site staff.

Fish Species

perch walleye pike lake trout

What They Offer

Amenities available at one or more of this outfitter's properties.

Boats included
Gas included
Fish cleaning
Fish freezer
Northwestern Ontario Fly-in Fishing at Chimo Lodge

Northwestern Ontario Fly-in Fishing at Chimo Lodge

YouTube
4.4
Based on 19 reviews from across the web
Review Highlights

Guests rate Chimo Lodge & Outposts very highly. Many are long-term repeat customers, with several reporting 24 or 25 years of trips and groups that have returned annually since the mid-1990s. Reviewers call it a well-run operation, with the owners (Chris and Tammy) and staff attentive. One guest said the efficiency was the best they had seen in 24 trips to Roderick. The air service (Superior Airways, with its newer Cessna Caravans) also gets praise. Ratings are mostly 4 and 5 stars, with a few 3-star reviews, mainly about the age of the facilities.

Fishing is the consistent highlight. Guests report large walleye catches across several outposts, including Roderick, Hornby, Bearberry, Keeper Lake, Miller, My Lake and Schultz Lake. One group reported 500+ walleyes and 50+ northern pike over a week on a lake they had to themselves. Another angler caught 35 walleyes of 22 to 30 inches in about four hours on a portage lake. Pike of 40 inches come from Roderick, Marvin and Culverson. Portage lakes hold bigger walleye, and one reviewer said Miller was better than Keeper River for fish size. Cabins, boats and motors are reliable, and one cabin had solar power and satellite wireless. Roderick is a good fit for anglers who want tea-stained Shield water, portages and simple accommodations.

The main concern is aging facilities. Guests call Hornby "tired" and "past its prime," and ask for a fish cleaning house and better walkways to the dock and ramp. The Keeper Lake cabin is older but functional, and it was crowded with nine guests in an eight-man cabin. Accommodations are generally simple and functional rather than luxurious, and one reviewer said anyone wanting American Plan service should go elsewhere. One long-time guest noted a few "bumps in the road," which the owner addressed. A wildfire in one season delayed some trips and damaged some Roderick buildings and at least one guest's gear, though fishing at Hornby continued without problems. The destination suits groups of friends, experienced and repeat fly-in anglers, and walleye and pike anglers who care more about fishing quality than amenities.

Read all 19 reviews
TMF89 Oct 19, 2021
Forum
Re: Chimo's Hornby outpost
We'll be there the first week of August next year. Best fishing I've ever had on a fly-in, and I'll say that I've stayed in plenty worse, as far as cabins go.
This lodge
Hillbiehle Oct 12, 2021
Forum
Re: Chimo's Hornby outpost
I agree, it is past its prime. My first trip to Hornby was 1992 when the cabin was relatively new. I'm confident the new owners have every intention to upgrade at some point and I'll be excited to see that happen.
This lodge
RichA$1970 Oct 11, 2021
Forum
Chimo's Hornby outpost
June 11 for me. Wish the place would have burned this or last summer so they could rebuild it, as it's a tired outpost. A fish cleaning house would be a huge plus compared to the little table on the dock. They built a nice ramp walkway at Marvin that they need at Hornby, given the roots all over on the way to the ramp and docks.
This lodge
HLiskey@1968 Apr 4, 2021
Forum
Re: Anyone been to Miller lake outpost with Chimo lodge?
I have been there a few years back and I have also been to Keeper River outpost. Miller was the better lake for size of fish, and there were walleye right off the dock in the evenings while sitting around the fire. The portage lake had big walleye.
This lodge
olderfart Apr 1, 2021
Forum
Re: Anyone been to Miller lake outpost with Chimo lodge?
I haven't fished Miller but have fished 4 outpost lakes with Chimo and all had great walleye fishing. If you're catching lots of small fish, a change of depth or location will change the outcome. Any lake in that area of Ontario should provide a great experience.
Outfitter overall
Undeterred Oct 18, 2019
Forum
Definitely
We most certainly did have someone watching over us. We were prepping to load our gear into a boat and float as far from shore as possible. Because there was not enough room in the helicopter to take our gear, we left it on the shoreline and it was all consumed in the fire. The cabin survived, mostly unharmed, from what we were told.
Outfitter overall
RichA$1970 Jul 13, 2019
Forum
Hornby trip during the 2019 fire
I was at Hornby from July 1 to July 9. They were delayed due to the fire, which gave an extra 1.5 days of fishing. Fishing was pretty good at Hornby and we saw the smoke but had no issues. I believe the main camp at Roderick had 4 cabins in the main building burnt, and maybe one other outpost.
This lodge
Pink Unicorn May 11, 2017
Forum
Roderick experience
I have been fishing Roderick (or other Chimo outposts) for 24 years. Lately we go to an outpost in spring and Roderick in August. Caught a 40" pike on Roderick, another at Marvin and another at Culverson. Roderick is a great camp if you're looking for bigger shield tea-stained water, portages and simple accommodations. If you're looking for American Plan type stuff, best to go elsewhere.
This lodge
Guest (unnamed poster) Jan 27, 2003
Forum
RE: Chimo Lodge - Culverson Lake
We went to My Lake several years ago, about 1997. Fishing was very good, and the cabin was more than adequate. Peter has probably made some improvements since then.
This lodge
ROBBY Jan 27, 2003
Forum
RE: Chimo Lodge - Culverson Lake
I went to Chimo's camp at Keeper Lake last year and we had a ball. We caught walleyes until we were tired of it, and it seemed like we caught fish everywhere we stopped. The cabin was nice, older but functional. It was an eight man cabin and we had nine, so it was crowded. Next year we are going to Bearberry in September with ten guys.
This lodge
Dave Jan 23, 2003
Forum
RE: Chimo Lodge - Culverson Lake
I have fished Chimo's Roderick in June, and Hornby and Warwick (Bearberry) camps in Sept. Walleye fishing at Hornby and Bearberry can be good to great. Cabins, boats and motors always reliable. Our group of 5-8 has made annual trips with Chimo since 1995 and is scheduled to return to Bearberry this September. Over the years we have learned to roll with a few bumps in the road and Peter has responded.
This lodge
Mark Walters
Blog
An Outdoorsman's Journal: No-cares vacation at Chimo Lodge almost blows away
Newspaper column by a former Chimo camp manager describing a family stay on Roderick Lake. He says he tries to return every year, calls the camp "home away from home," and describes a no-cares vacation with walleye fishing despite a big storm.
This lodge
Dave Epenn
Outfitter
Schultz Lake was the most memorable. We portaged into one of the 2 portage lakes, and in about 4 hours I personally had 35 walleyes, the smallest 22 inches and the largest 30 inches.
This lodge
Ryan Bruinsma (long time guest)
Outfitter
This was my 24th trip to Roderick and the smooth efficiency was the best I ever had.
This lodge
Sasha Bere
Google
5-star Google rating with no text shown (the page lists it as reviewed 7 years ago).
Outfitter overall
Pablo S
Google
Paradise in the Boreal forest.
Outfitter overall
john Hopkins
Google
This resort is "World Class" fishing. Owners Chris & Tammy run a great camp.
Outfitter overall
STEVE WHITE
Google
With 25 years under my belt, through various providers, pleased to state that this was by far our best experience yet. The staff are attentive, and Superior Airways were fantastic to deal with. Love the new Cessna Caravans, fast. Keep up the great work.
Outfitter overall
Warren McLeod
Google
Definitely a 5 star experience. Great cabin, satellite wireless when needed, solar powered so no generator. Whole lake for 4 guys all to ourselves; 500+ walleyes, 50+ northern pike (1 at 40 inches), and a few perch. All catch and release, minus several lunches and dinners of the smaller ones. Catching fish on our own homemade lures was some of the best fun. A great time was had by all.
Outfitter overall

Getting There

All locations are accessible only by float plane. Superior Airways Limited provides exclusive air transport for Chimo Lodge & Outposts from its float base at 68 Howey Street in Red Lake, Ontario. Guests drive or fly to Red Lake, which is reached by highway from the south, about 110 miles north of Vermilion Bay on Highway 105. From the US border at International Falls, Minnesota, Red Lake is roughly a three-hour drive. Float-plane departure times for the main camp are between 5:00 and 7:00 am CST on Fridays, while northwestern outposts depart Saturdays between 8:30 and 9:00 am CST.

Access:

fly-in

Air service:

Red Lake, Ontario (Superior Airways)

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Locations

Satellite map of Chimo Lodge & Outposts lodges and air base
Contact
Chris LeBlanc Chimo Lodge & Outposts
Red Lake, Ontario
Box 860 Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0
Visit Website

Lodges & Camps

Lodge
Chimo Main Lodge, Roderick Lake

Roderick

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Outpost
Culverson Lake Outpost

Culverson • 4 guests

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Outpost
Hornby Lake Outpost

Hornby • 6 guests

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Outpost
Keeper Lake Outpost

Keeper Lake • 8 guests

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Outpost
Keeper River Outpost

Keeper River • 4 guests

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Outpost
Marvin Lake Outpost

Marvin • 6 guests

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Outpost
Miller Lake Outpost

Miller • 6 guests

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Outpost
My Lake Outpost

My Lake • 4 guests

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Outpost
Schultz Lake Outpost

Schultz • 6 guests

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Outpost
Warwick Lake Outpost (Bearberry)

Warwick • 10 guests

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