Elbow Lake Outpost

Guests rate Leuenberger Air very highly. Almost every review gives 4 or 5 stars, and several come from repeat visitors. One family has fished with the outfitter for over 40 years across three generations, and another guest has been going since 1998. Many guests call the operation friendly, well organized and safe. Several say they plan to return, and one reviewer says everyone he talked to who had been there wanted to go back. The outfitter flies out of Nakina, Ontario, and guests stay at either the main Kag Lake Lodge or one of many outpost cabins.

Fishing is the main thing guests praise. Walleye numbers come up most often, with daily catches ranging from dozens to hundreds. One group of eight reported 2,054 walleye in a week at Percy Lake. Reviewers mention walleye over 30 inches, pike over 40 inches, lake trout (including 14 and 17 lb fish on Kag), brook trout, perch and whitefish. At Kag, guests say walleye are generally bigger than on the surrounding outpost lakes, though one says the larger fish come in lower numbers. Lodge guests praise the spacious, clean cabins with linens, indoor toilets and hot showers, the Tuesday fish fry, 6 am coffee delivery, and service-oriented staff. One reviewer called the food the best part of his week and recommended at least the Modified American Plan. Guests also like the housekeeping plan as a cheaper option. Outpost cabins are basic but comfortable, with lights, running water or showers, wood stoves, and boats and motors that worked reliably. Several guests mention the well-run air base, the turbo Otters and the staff's willingness to make special arrangements, such as carrying kayaks. Some outposts are the only cabin on their lake. Guests also praise the value for the cost.

Complaints are few and mild. One reviewer said the Kag Lodge boats (16 ft with 15 HP motors) were fine but not the best he had used at a lodge, and another called them decent. Kag is a very large lake, and reaching the pike weed beds at the south end took about half an hour by boat. One guest said the flight to Kag is longer than he is used to. Fishing can slow in bright, windless weather, as on one day that produced about 40 fish. One outpost cabin lacked a bathroom with the comforts of home. One reviewer found Elbow Lake fish plentiful but small, mostly under 4 pounds, on a trip about 30 years ago. The destination suits groups of friends and multi-generational family trips, first-time fly-in anglers, and anglers who want high-volume walleye and pike fishing, including those who like light tackle. Kag Lake Lodge suits those who want lodge comforts and larger fish and lake trout, while the outposts suit self-sufficient groups who want a private lake. Hunters, particularly for moose and ducks, and paddlers have also been accommodated.