Coles Lake Outpost

Guests describe Pipestone Fly-In Outposts as an outstanding, well-run operation. Nearly every review is 5 stars, with two 4-star ratings that carry little detail. Many reviewers are repeat customers. Some mention three, four, or five trips, years of returning to the same lake, or a trip becoming a family tradition. Several say they have used other fly-in outfitters and rate Pipestone above them, and one says earlier trips with other outfitters were mostly disappointing. Owner Mike Henry is named often as honest, fair, hospitable, and easy to work with on planning. Reviewers also mention that he and Kelly learned guests' names before arrival and that he sat with one group at the airbase to hear their stories.

The fishing is the most consistent praise, and reviews cover many lakes. At Wabakimi, guests report big northern pike, including fish of 40 to 46 inches, and trips of 270 to 300+ fish. Smoothrock Lake reviewers mention large walleyes, lake trout up to 38 inches, and northerns. Kenoji Lake is described as beautiful and full of fish, with northerns of 39 to 44 inches and plenty of walleye for shore lunch and dinner. At Coles Lake, guests report many walleyes in the low to mid 20-inch range, some of 25 to 27 inches, and native brook trout where the river flows in. Oliver Lake is praised for its scenery, portages, wildlife, and fishing. Slender Lake guests report large smallmouth bass and northern catches plus a 42-inch muskie. Cabins and furnishings are called top-notch or first class for remote locations, and several reviews note reliable, well-kept boats and motors, with spare outboards kept at outposts. Pilots are described as professional and skilled. One guest praised the food planning and the camp shower. Reviewers also mention the catch-and-release programs, including photo-and-release for brook trout.

Complaints are very rare. The one practical caution is access at Coles Lake. One angler said it took two days to work out access to the brook trout river through deadfall, rocks, and current before the fishing turned amazing. A forum reviewer also noted that fish in the upper size range were less common at Kenoji in the 1990s, and that catch and release has since been encouraged on some lakes. The destination suits trophy northern pike and walleye anglers, groups of friends, and families or multi-generational groups. Reviewers mention fathers and sons, a nephew, and a family trip each year. It also suits first-time fly-in guests and anglers who want brook trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, or muskie, and reviewers note that even beginners caught nice fish.