Eric Lake Outpost

Gateway North Outfitters has an outstanding reputation among its guests, and every reviewed trip received a perfect five-star rating. Many reviewers are repeat visitors. Some return for multiple consecutive years and even book their next trip before leaving. The outfitter is run by Lucas and Nicole, with staff including Hunter, Trevor, and others. Guests routinely single them out by name for their attentiveness, professionalism, and logistical coordination. Guests name pilot Trevor several times as a standout, and one guest noted his ability to safely navigate a fogged-in lake. Reviews show genuine enthusiasm from experienced Canadian fly-in anglers who say Gateway North matches or exceeds what they have found elsewhere over decades of similar trips.

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the trip. Fishing is the central draw, with walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike all receiving strong reviews across multiple lakes including Trout Lake, Highrock, and Lake Erie. Guests regularly report walleye in the 25 to 28 inch range, smallmouth bass frequently measured 18 to 20 inches, and pike up to 37 inches were landed. Daily catch totals were often high, with one group logging 444 walleye over a trip. Guests describe the cabins as beautiful, well-maintained, and set in scenic locations. They say the equipment, including boats, Yamaha motors, generators, and appliances, works reliably. The food pack provided by the outfitter drew consistent praise, with guests highlighting the quality of the meat and sides included. One reviewer suggested guests bring their own favorite seasonings rather than extra food. A recently added Blackstone flat-top grill at some cabins was a particularly popular addition with multiple groups.

Reviews contain virtually no recurring complaints. One guest noted that fishing on Highrock during a challenging weather stretch produced smaller walleye than expected, though trophy-sized fish were still caught. Another said fish were not caught on every cast at Trout Lake, though the scenery and occasional trophy fish more than compensated. These are minor observations rather than criticisms, and no reviewer raised concerns about value, safety, communication, or any operational shortcomings. Gateway North Outfitters suits groups of friends or fishing buddies, particularly those targeting walleye and smallmouth bass, who want a well-organized, remote fly-in trip with reliable equipment and high-quality accommodations. It also works well for experienced Canadian anglers with high expectations, as well as those doing their first fly-in who want a professionally managed trip with minimal hassle.