Review Highlights
Guests rate Slate Falls Outposts very highly. Nearly every review gives 5 stars, and the two 4-star reviews are tied to bad weather rather than the outfitter. Reviewers often call it a "first class operation" and single out owner Ryan Runge, along with Verne Hollett and Andrea, for going the extra mile. Several repeat guests say they have used the outfitter for years. One has gone for 10 years, another has fished Canada for over 35 years, and others have rebooked for the following season. Reviews cover lakes including Lake St. Joseph (Root Bay), Arc Lake, Miniss Lake, and Lac Seul.
The fishing gets the most praise, especially walleye. Guests describe steady action, with 100-fish days mentioned for Arc Lake and Lake St. Joseph. One party of two estimated 600-700 walleye in a week, averaging about 20 inches. Others mention fish pushing the upper-20-inch range, and big pike turn up in reports from Arc and Miniss. One review also describes Lac Seul as a destination for muskie anglers. Reviewers also like the comfort of the outposts: solar lighting, refrigeration, comfortable mattresses, full kitchens with cookware, warm showers, big decks, dry boats with dependable motors, and boat slips. Satellite internet is available via generator, and guests say it can be left off for a fully off-grid stay. Service is a frequent theme. Guests mention clean, comfortable float plane flights, competent pilots, on-time flights, helpful caretakers, and quick responses by call or text if supplies like ice or minnows run low.
Complaints are rare. The only recurring caveat is weather: one group fished Miniss Lake in mid-September in rain, wind, and cool temperatures, and another had ice problems on St. Joseph at the start of a trip. Neither was blamed on the outfitter. One reviewer also noted that the fishing rewards paying attention to structure and technique rather than handing out success. The destination suits walleye anglers who want high numbers with a chance at larger fish, groups of friends, and first-time fly-in guests who want comfortable cabins and smooth logistics. Pike and muskie anglers will also find options, and so will guests who want a remote setting with modern comforts.
Read all 18 reviews
Jeff Simpson
Jan 12, 2026
Blog
Walleyes At Slate Falls Outposts
Our trip started on Lake St. Joseph, a massive system defined by long points, sweeping breaks, current influence, and endless transition water. One thing Slate Falls Outposts does exceptionally well is provide variety. Mid-20-inch walleyes came steadily, followed by bigger fish that tested drags and nerves. Several fish pushed the upper-20-inch mark, thick, healthy, and powerful — exactly what you expect from a remote, well-managed fishery. Remote Canadian fishing isn't only about numbers or size. It's about space. Silence. Time slowing down. Slate Falls Outposts delivers that in a way very few destinations still can. The cabins sit right on the water. The lakes stretch as far as you can see. Slate Falls Outposts is the kind of destination that doesn't hand you success — but if you respect the water, read the structure, and fish with intention, it will give you everything you came for and more. Big water. Big walleyes. Real adventure.
This lake
Ryan and his team deliver outstanding service. His locations, accommodations and access are one of a kind. Notably he's provided satellite internet coverage at his cabins powered via generator. If you want the total off grid experience you can have it, just leave the generator off. If you're running low on ice or minnows because of all the walleye you're bagging, he's quickly accessible and responsive via internet call or text.
Outfitter overall
Troy Lindner
Dec 21, 2023
Blog
Discover The Slate Falls Outposts: Arc Lake Outpost
Slate Falls Outposts have several locations for the quintessential wilderness escape! Nestled in Northern Ontario's untouched landscapes, they offer a blend of fishing adventures with some comforts of home. Owner Ryan Runge makes sure your trip is smooth from start to end. The float planes they use are pristine, making the flights in and out very comfortable. This outpost can accommodate 4-8 people in the main cabin, along with more room for 2-3 people in the back bunkhouse. The full kitchen, with all the utensils and cookware, makes breakfast and dinner a breeze. Arc Lake is filled with near endless walleye, hundred fish days! Pretty much every spot we stopped for walleye, produced a bite. If you're looking for a fun fly-in adventure, first-class service, off-the-grid outpost comfort with endless walleye mixed in with big pike…Arc Lake Outpost is a place worth checking out.
This lodge
stjoeguy
Apr 4, 2022
Forum
Ontario Outpost Fishing Trip – Need 2-4
The Root Bay camp is very nice and the fishing is fantastic. Slate Falls Outposts is a top-notch organization. Great time there last year, especially on the 'pin cushion' reef near the cabin and fishing from shore below the dam. Boats have a flat floor and an electrical connection to the motor for depthfinders. The cabin has a huge deck that's a good gathering spot. It's worth going back to again and again.
This lodge
gordy28
Sep 9, 2020
Forum
Video journal from our fly in trip with Slate Falls Outposts
Posted a video journal and photos of a fly-in trip to Lake St Joseph with Slate Falls Outposts. Stayed at their Root Bay camp and it was an unbelievable week. Thumbs up all around for Slate Falls Outposts and the Root Bay camp.
This lodge
David N.
Aug 4, 2019
Yelp
Slate Falls Outposts always provides a first class experience! The facilities at all lakes are top notch and the solar powered appliances and lighting are extremely welcome after a long day on the water. Verne, Ryan, and Andrea go the extra mile to ensure your trip will be all it can be.
Outfitter overall
David Nykiel
Jan 1, 2019
Outfitter
Slate Falls Outposts provides the best wilderness adventure. Verne, Andrea, and Ryan have continuously improved EVERYTHING in each location. Solar lighting, awesome refrigeration, comfy mattresses, professional cookware, dry boats with dependable motors, and anything else you could imagine! In addition, they are the nicest and most accommodating people you will ever meet.
Outfitter overall
Mike Borger
Oct 28, 2016
Forum
Miniss Lake With Slate Falls Outposts - The Full Report!
Fished Miniss Lake in mid September with Slate Falls Outposts, the second year in a row with Verne Hollett. Verne runs an impressive operation. Battled horrible weather with rain, wind and cool temps but persevered. Walleye fishing was easy with big numbers, and he caught a handful of giant pike. The lake is a walleye factory.
This lake
Slate Falls Outposts
We have had very good luck with salted minnows on Slate Falls Outpost fly-in trips. We have always fished Lake St. Joseph and the accommodations and service from Vern has always been first class. 100 walleye days per person are not uncommon with jigs and a salted minnow.
This lake
Exploring Giant Muskies at Slate Falls Outposts on Lac Seul
Fishing alongside James Lindner at Slate Falls Outposts on Lac Seul showed why the place has a legendary reputation among hardcore muskie anglers. Shallow rock flats and weed beds in back bays gave endless opportunities at giant fish, and a giant topwater muskie came right away.
This lake
Slate Falls Outposts
We have used Verne for 10 years - he is great to work with and will do about anything to accommodate his fishermen. Plan to arrive in Sioux Lookout with major ice issues on our outpost lake, St Joe's. In my opinion, a first class operation run by a topnotch guy.
This lake
Arc Lake Report - Slate Falls Outposts
Party of 2 flew in 9/4 and were fishing by about 2pm. Estimated 600-700 walleye for the week, averaging about 20 inches, mostly in 25-45 ft of water. The new cabin at Arc was great: room for 6, big deck with fish cooker and BBQ, solar lights and fridge, warm showers, boat slips and decking. Flight out was right on time. After about 30 years going north, never experienced this level of timeliness and service from a fly-in outfitter. Booked Root Bay with Slate Falls for next summer.
This lodge
We flew out of Slate Falls Outpost to go to Ragged Wood. They were so helpful and efficient. The flight was better than expected. I had never flown on a float plane, and it was smoother than expected. The staff were friendly, and also Cargo was a great help and distraction while we were waiting on the plane to pick us up.
Outfitter overall
Ryan and crew were excellent all the way around. From the pilots, the caretakers Russ and Marie, the guys helping load and unload the plane, the food plan, fishing information and map and directions around Lake St Joseph, could not have been better. Already booked for next year.
This lake
Slate Falls Outposts run a first class operation. Ryan goes the extra mile to ensure you have a great trip. I have been fishing in Canada for over 35 years and this is as good as it gets.
Outfitter overall
Best fishing in my life. Beautiful lake, competent pilots and much better than rustic accommodations than expected. Owner of outfit is great. The couple that helps out while on the ... (excerpt truncated by Google)
Outfitter overall
Miniss Lake With Slate Falls Outposts
Hey fellas, my group and I had the opportunity to fish Miniss Lake in mid September with Slate Falls Outposts in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. This was the second year in a row I've fished with Verne Hollett and just like last year it was a pretty great trip. Verne runs an impressive operation so that was no surprise at all. We battled some really horrible weather on our trip, with quite a bit of rain, wind and cool weather, but we toughed it out and persevered. I managed to figure out the pike - kind of. Considering what we faced in terms of weather and the size of the lake I was quite pleased catching a handful of giants. Precisely how and where we caught them was interesting I thought. Walleye fishing was predictably easy, and the other two members of my group who focused on them put some incredible numbers in their boat. I'm not going to say exactly how many here, but on a couple of days especially it was a lot!
This lake
Slate Falls Outposts run a first class operation. Ryan goes the extra mile to ensure you have a great trip. I have been fishing in Canada for over 35 years and this is as good as it gets.
Outfitter overall
Boats included
