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Sutton River Brook Trout Float Trip

Hearst Air Service

Sutton River, Ontario — Near Hawley Lake (starting point)

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Max Guests 6
Access fly-in
Season Late July – Early September
Pricing $$$$$

About This Camp

Self-guided float trip on the Sutton River through Polar Bear Provincial Park. At least 7 days to float the river in its entirety; 9 to 10 days is ideal. Hearst Air supplies return flight from Carey Lake to Hawley Lake, 17' Royalex canoes (1 per 2 people), and shotgun permits for the park. Guests supply all camping equipment, food, paddles, fishing gear, GPS, and personal items. Crystal clear water, pebble bottom, up to 100 fish per day. Both native and sea-run speckle trout. Strict 320 lb weight limit per person (body weight plus gear).

Accommodations

Lodging Type
Tented camping (self-supplied)
Max Guests
6
Amenities
Electricity: No
Running Water: No
Hot Water: No
Drinking Water: No
Shower: No
Sink: No
Heat: No
A/C: No
Cell: No
Satellite communicator recommended (guest-supplied)

Other: Designated camping stations with platforms, overhangs, firepits, and drying areas (noted for Attawapiskat; Sutton has open camping along river). Shot gun permits for Polar Bear Provincial Park included.

Fish Species

brook trout

About Us   Boats & Equipment

Boats Included
3
Boat Length
17 ft
Boat Brand
Royalex canoe
Gas Included
Yes

Lake Information

The Sutton River is world-renowned for trophy brook trout. Both native and sea-run speckle trout present. Crystal clear water and pebble bottom. No rapids or white water; 80% wadeable. Up to 100 fish per day; 3–5 lb brookies on fly rods or spinning reels. Best time is last week of July through first week of September when sea-run trout are present. Polar bears present in the area.

Lake Name
Sutton River
Province
Ontario, Hudson Bay Lowlands / Polar Bear Provincial Park
Water Clarity
Crystal clear, pebble bottom
Lake Structure
River - no rapids/white water, 80% wadeable
Fishing Pressure
Very low - extremely remote

Meals & Services

Meals Included
No
Guide Service
not available

Reviews & Reputation

Review Highlights

Hearst Air Service, based in Northern Ontario, has built a strong reputation among fly-in fishing and hunting clients over many years. The overwhelming majority of reviews are five stars. Guests frequently return for multiple trips (some for nearly two decades) and bring family members or expand their groups. The operation is run by the Veilleux family, and guests repeatedly name Melanie and George as responsive, organized, and patient with first-time clients. Guests consistently say the outfitter delivers what it promises: reliable logistics, well-maintained aircraft (including a turbine Beaver, Otter, and Cessna Caravan), and remote access to lakes that see very little fishing pressure.

Guests consistently praise several specific elements. The fishing is exceptional across multiple lakes. Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch are the primary targets, and pike exceeding 40 inches come from lakes like Napken and Pym Island. One group of three anglers tallied 600 fish in a single week. Cabins are basic but well-equipped, clean, and solid, better than many reviewers expected for such remote locations. Boats and motors are reliable. Guests appreciate the mid-week supply check-ins, including delivery of ice and bait. Guests call the staff, including pilots, skilled, friendly, and professional. The outfitter also accommodates hunting trips, and a moose hunt group reported a successful harvest and smooth logistical support. French-speaking guests have also reviewed the service positively.

The caveats are minor. Cabins are rustic and outpost-style, typically three rooms with an external outhouse, which suits some guests perfectly but is worth understanding before booking. Weather in Northern Ontario can be unpredictable. One reviewer noted a bumpy flight due to conditions, and July temperatures can swing cold enough to require a fire. One reviewer mentioned a bear entered partway into the cabin during the night, which is part of the remote wilderness context. Fish size at some lakes skews toward average rather than trophy-sized. Walleye in the 13 to 21 inch range and pike up to 30 inches are common, with larger fish possible but not guaranteed at every lake. This destination is well suited to groups of friends, fathers and sons, couples, and repeat anglers looking for high-volume action in genuine wilderness. It also works well for first-time fly-in guests given the thorough pre-trip communication. Serious trophy pike anglers may want to ask specifically about lakes like Napken or Quantz, which more consistently produce larger fish.

Videos — 3 clips from YouTube

Sutton River Trout with Hearst Air Service | Ontario

Sutton River Trout with Hearst Air Service | Ontario

YouTube
Hearst Air Service - Fly Fishing in the Attawapiskat and Sutton River

Hearst Air Service - Fly Fishing in the Attawapiskat and Sutton River

YouTube
Exploring the Sutton River

Exploring the Sutton River

YouTube

What's Included

Included

Return flight from Carey Lake to Hawley Lake and back, 17' Royalex canoes (1 per 2 people), towing to first rapids from Hawley Lake, shotgun permits for park

Not Included

Camping equipment, food, fishing gear, paddles, maps, GPS, personal items, shotgun (suggested 1 x 12-gauge per canoe), bear bangers/flares, fishing licence, 13% HST

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: Carey Lake, Hearst, Ontario (17 miles west of Hearst on Hwy 11)

Flight Time: 150 minutes

Season & Booking

Season: Late July to Early September

Minimum Stay: 7 days

Location

Map preview of the lake and surrounding area

Contact

Hearst Air Service
Hearst, Ontario

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