Outpost
Clifton Lake Outpost
Gangler's North Seal River Lodge
Clifton Lake, Manitoba
About This Outpost
Accommodations
Amenities
Fish Species
Boats & Equipment
Lake Information
Clifton lake is large and fed by both the Laurilla and Johnson River systems, major waterways into the North Seal. It offers excellent fishing for the "Canadian grand slam" – with big pike, lake trout, walleyes, and arctic grayling. A popular day fly-out from the main lodge, Clifton has produced grayling to 22?, lakers to 42?, walleye averaging 20-26? with the largest a 32?, and sensational pike over 50 inches.
Meals & Services
Reviews & Reputation
Guest sentiment about Gangler's North Seal River Lodge is strongly positive. The large majority of reviews are 5-star, and many come from repeat guests who report returning for 10, 18, 20 or 25 years. Owner Ken Gangler is mentioned often, usually for greeting guests at the plane and for his hands-on hosting. Lower ratings are a small minority, and most of them concern outpost camps rather than the main lodge.
Guests consistently praise the fishing. They describe large numbers of pike, walleye, lake trout and grayling, with days of 40 to 100+ fish common. Many report trophy or Master Angler pike of 40 inches or more, and several mention completing the Grand Slam. Fly-out trips to remote, lightly fished lakes are repeatedly called a highlight, and fly fishers say pike, trout and grayling take flies well. Guides are described as knowledgeable and personable, and several guests kept the same guide all week. Food is widely called excellent, including shore lunches, and dietary restrictions and allergies were handled well. Cabins are described as comfortable and clean, and Starlink internet is mentioned favorably. Camp managers at the outposts (Maria, Bain, Clifton, Burnie) are often singled out for friendliness and hard work. Many reviews also praise the eco-tours and northern lights viewing, with wildlife sightings (wolves, caribou, bears), esker hikes, ATV rides and kayaking. Non-anglers rate these highly.
Recurring concerns are mostly about outpost camps. Several reviewers report worn or leaking boats and motors, and rocky lakes (Bain, Burnie) where boats hit rocks and motors were damaged. A few guests were upset by repair charges or by a lack of acknowledgment from the owner afterward. The owner disputed some of these accounts. A few Maria Lake guests said the advertised portage lakes were unavailable, and one said this was not communicated beforehand. Some reviewers said outposts and mini-lodges are comfortable but rustic and do not match the "five-star" description. Other practical notes: early-season weather can be windy and wet, a late ice-out can slow fishing, black flies and mosquitoes can be a problem at certain times, the tackle shop is limited, and travel is long because the lodge is remote. Guests also mention that the fishing is expensive, though some feel it is worth it.
The destination suits trophy pike, walleye and lake trout anglers, and fly-fishing enthusiasts who want a lot of action. It also suits groups of friends and father-son or family trips, including first-time young anglers and older guests. The main lodge, with fly-outs, is the most consistently praised option. Non-fishing travelers who want northern lights, wildlife and guided hikes are well served by the eco-tours. Outpost guests should expect simpler facilities and should check boat and motor condition and which portage lakes are actually accessible.
Read all 6 reviews
Getting There
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Thompson, Manitoba
Season & Booking
Season: June to September
Location
Contact
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