Root Bay Outpost - Lake St. Joseph - Slate Falls Outposts

About This Outpost

A solitary outpost on the extreme west end of Lake St. Joseph at the river outlet. Features a 3-bedroom main cabin plus a bunkhouse with an additional 4 beds. Three travel directions available: north to Cat River inflow, south to Root River outlet, or east toward Eagle Island (20 miles). Known for outstanding walleye size, especially at the 'Pin Cushion' river outlet narrows.

Accommodations

Lodging Type

Main cabin + bunkhouse

Max Guests

10

Bedrooms

3

Amenities

Electricity: Yes - solar

Running Water: Yes

Hot Water: Yes

Drinking Water: No

Shower: Yes

Sink: Yes

Toilet: outhouse

Heat: Wood stove

WiFi

Cell: No

Starlink satellite internet

Dock

Fish Cleaning Station

Fish Freezer

Other: Covered deck, propane BBQ, 3-burner fish cooker, firewood, boardwalks, solar fridge, propane stove/oven, USB phone chargers, inverter generator, block ice, life jackets, anchors, landing nets, minnow buckets

Fish Species

walleye pike

Boats & Equipment

Boats Included

5

Boat Length

15 ft

Boat Brand

Alumarine

Motor

15hp 4-stroke

Motor Start

electric start

Motor Brand

Honda

Seat Type

swivel boat seats with backrests

Gas Included

Yes

Lake Information

Lake St. Joseph is a 154,000 acre reservoir that stretches for more than 80 miles across NW Ontario and is well-known for its world-class walleye and pike fishing. This pristine wilderness fishery is renowned as a world-class "walleye factory" and the trophy pike fishing is relatively untapped. Featuring a diverse topography of deep-water structural reefs, expansive rocky islands, sheltered bays, and major river inlets like the Cat and Root rivers. Protected by strict regional conservation regulations and special licensing tags, its nutrient-rich, current-swept waters support phenomenal quantities of thick-bodied walleye, including frequent 30-inch catches, alongside aggressive trophy northern pike pushing up to the 50-inch mark.

Lake Name

Lake St. Joseph

Province

Ontario, Northwestern Ontario

Lake Size

154,000 acres

Lake Structure

Large body of water with world-class walleye and pike structure

Fishing Pressure

Light – several lodges and outpost camps exert limited pressure dispersed across this immense waterbody. Strict conservation regulations preserve the trophy fishery.

Meals & Services

Guide Service

not available

Reviews & Reputation

4.8

Based on 14 reviews from across the web

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 14 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

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stjoeguy Jun 21, 2024

Forum

Lake St. Joseph 6/8/24 - 6/15/24

Our 2024 trip to the Winoga Lodge outpost cabin on Lake St. Joseph is in the books. We were up there June 8 - 15, 2024 and the basics of our report will pretty much match other NW Ontario reports for that time. The lake level was high normal, mosquitoes got stronger as the week went on, some rain, high winds several days, fish were scattered, no real large fish and we probably caught fewer than average.

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stjoeguy Jun 14, 2023

Forum

Lake St. Joseph 6/3/23 - 6/10/23

Our annual trip to the Winoga Lodge cabin on Lake St. Joseph is in the history book and it was great. The border crossing at International Falls was very smooth in both directions.

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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.

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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

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stjoeguy Feb 5, 2017

Forum

Good walleye fishing lakes without using bait

The good news about the Winoga cabin is that the cabin is very nice with solar power, indoor plumbing, internet, on a sheltered bay, etc and good boats with 15 or 20 hp Mercs or you can bring your own boat. Many days you won't see any other boats at the Winoga cabin since it's 25 miles to the nearest cabin in any direction. Why travel 45 minutes to good fishing when you can sit in the middle of it?

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Hillbiehle Jul 11, 2011

Forum

Lake St. Joe / Winoga Lodge Report

Just returned from a great trip at Lake St. Joe. We booked through Winoga Lodge. Dick was a fantastic host and the cabin was the "Hilton". He took us to the outpost very early Saturday morning so we could get fishing quickly, took us around in his twin engine boat, fished the various reefs and marked up the map with other areas to check out. The counter said 53 fish the first morning. The majority of the walleyes were between 19" and 21" with many over 23"; the largest was 28". I do recommend trying out Lake St. Joe at least once; and without a doubt recommend Winoga Lodge.

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drlee May 16, 2008

Forum

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

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Blog

Lake St. Joe's Moose Hunt at Winoga Lodge

The lodge is fully equipped and even has a walk-in cooler and wifi. For such a remote location, this place definitely exceeded our expectations. We had a blast catching a pile of fish in a couple of hours. If you are looking for a great moose hunting location with some world-class fishing and great accommodations, you should really check out Winoga Lodge and Lake St Joe Adventures.

This lake

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Forum

Boat-In Outpost In Ontario

The Winoga Lodge outpost cabin on Lake St. Joseph is about as close as a boat-in cabin can come to a fly-in outpost cabin. It's a boat-in cabin 27 miles from the nearest cabin. I've stayed with both Winoga Lodge and Camp Lake St. Joseph and they're both great.

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Forum

Top Drive too camps?

The Winoga Lodge cabin is excellent and in the middle of great fishing, but it's more than $1,000. It's still a big lake, but at the Winoga cabin you're only fishing 5-10 minutes away.

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stjoeguy

Forum

Where ya going this summer and why?

The June trip is to the Winoga Lodge outpost cabin on Ice House Bay, where I've been going since about 2007. Obviously, the fishing is great, but another aspect that I really enjoy is the solitude. The cabin is 20 miles from any other cabins. The feeling of having the whole lake to yourself is great.

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connaughty

Forum

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

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Mike Nowack

Google

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.

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Videos — 6 clips from YouTube

A Tour Of Slate Falls Outposts Root Bay Camp

YouTube

Verne Hollett Discusses Lake St Joseph

YouTube

Lake Saint Joseph - Fish Factory Of The North

YouTube

Walleye Bonanza On Lake St Joseph!

YouTube

Journey To An Angling Paradise - Root Bay On Lake St Joseph

YouTube

Flight Into Slate Falls Root Bay Outpost Camp

YouTube

What's Included

Included

Flights in and out, fully equipped outpost, boats, motors and gas, solar fridge, chest freezer and lights, inverter generator, block ice, high-speed satellite internet, hot water on demand, Honda 15hp electric start 4-stroke motors, nets, minnow buckets, life jackets, anchors, boat slip docks, boat seats