Pickle Lake Outposts

Overview

Pete Johnson's Pickle Lake Outposts is a fly-in fishing operation offering ten wilderness outpost camps in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The outfitter is based in Pickle Lake, Ontario and has been running fly-in fishing trips since the early 1990s. Guests can choose from ten separate outposts spread across remote lakes and river systems accessible only by float plane.

The business was founded by Pete Johnson, who flew guests to the camps for over 30 years. Following Pete's passing in 2021, his wife Betty and daughter Christine took over operations. General manager Christine Johnson now runs the day-to-day business, having learned the operation from her father from her early teens. The outfitter also operates Osnaburgh Airways, the float plane service used to fly guests to and from the camps.

Highlights

The Fishing

The primary target species across all ten outposts are walleye and northern pike. Outposts range from smaller lakes with limited fishing pressure, such as Forester Lake, where anglers return repeatedly for consistent walleye action, to large trophy fisheries like North Caribou Lake (over 81,000 acres), where guests regularly catch and release northern pike in the 18 to 22 lb range. Both lake and river fishing are available depending on the chosen camp. The South Pipestone outpost, for example, sits on a calm five-mile section of the Pipestone River system that produces walleye and northern pike.

The outfitter also has drop camps for anglers who prefer a more self-sufficient experience, as well as canoe trips and moose hunts. Each outpost is the only camp on its lake or river section, so anglers fish private water with little to no outside pressure.

Accommodations

Accommodations vary by outpost but generally consist of cabins equipped with running water, hot showers, propane refrigeration, a range and oven, gas BBQ, boats, and motors. Larger camps such as North Caribou sleep eight to ten guests and include solar power and an InReach communication device. Smaller camps such as Forester Lake sleep four to six. Some locations, including South Pipestone, are rustic tent camps rather than cabins. All outposts are self-guided and self-catered. Guests bring their own food and supplies within a 100-pound-per-person gear allowance. Meals are not provided by the outfitter.

Fish Species

What They Offer

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

Meal plans

Boats included

Gas included

Fish cleaning

Fish freezer

Getting There

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Locations