Makokibatan Lake Lodge

Guests rate Wilderness North very highly. Nearly every review is 5 out of 5 stars, and one is 4 out of 5. Many reviewers are repeat visitors, some returning for decades (one since 1997, another 13 trips across the company's lodges), and several say they have already rebooked. Others with experience at 25 or more fly-in trips in Canada call it among the best they have taken. The reviews cover several locations, including Miminiska Lodge, Striker's Point on Whitewater Lake, Makokibatan, Dawn Lake, Ogoki, Arril Lake and outposts such as Zig Zag and D'Alton Lake.

Guests consistently praise the fishing, the staff and the food. Walleye turn up in very large numbers, often 16 to 24 inches, with some reaching 25 to 26 inches. Several groups report catching hundreds or even thousands of fish over a trip. Guests often mention northern pike over 35 inches, with a few 40 to 45 inchers. Reviewers describe the staff as attentive, friendly and willing to handle any request, from firewood and ice to filleting fish and cooking shore lunch. They also mention staff setting up boats each day, and some say a first-time boat driver was coached through it. Meals are plentiful and excellent, including a hot breakfast, shore lunch and a multi-course dinner. Lodging is clean, comfortable and modern, and Miminiska has a variety of cabin types, a main lodge with a bar, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Reviewers also praise the pilots and the pre-trip communication and planning. Several mention surprise celebrations for birthdays or anniversaries. The setting is remote. One group saw only one other boat all week, and others report wildlife such as eagles, otters, beavers and bears.

Complaints are few. The most notable is weather delays on fly-in and fly-out days. One Miminiska group left Thunder Bay about eight hours late and was delayed again on the way out, which shortened their fishing time, though they said the fishing itself was still excellent. One guest noted very low water on Lake Miminiska, which called for care when exploring. One reviewer found the fishing excellent but saw no master angler walleye. The destination suits groups of friends, company outings, and multigenerational or father-and-son trips. It is a good fit for anglers who want high-volume walleye fishing with a chance at big pike, and for first-time fly-in guests who want full service. Fly anglers will also find it of interest, since a Trout Unlimited writer praised the fly fishing for walleye and pike at Striker's Point.