Summarized Review Highlights
Oak Lake Lodge & Outpost enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation among guests, with the vast majority of reviewers awarding it five stars and many returning annually — some for over 20 years. Owners John and May Naimian are frequently mentioned by name and credited with building a genuinely warm, well-run operation. Guests consistently describe feeling welcomed like family from the moment they arrive at the dock. The lodge accommodates a maximum of around 32 guests at a time, which contributes to the personalized atmosphere. The trip requires a float plane to reach — arranged through Wilderness Air — and reviewers note it takes some logistical planning, but nearly all say it is well worth the effort. The cost is acknowledged to be high, though most reviewers describe it as good value given the overall experience.
The fishing is the centerpiece of nearly every review and the praise is consistent and emphatic. Walleye fishing is described as exceptional, with guests routinely reporting 100 or more fish caught per day across a boat, and trophy-sized catches in the 27–29.5 inch range mentioned repeatedly. Northern pike up to 42 inches and strong smallmouth bass fishing — including a dedicated hike-in lake — round out the options. Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm, and shore lunches of freshly caught walleye prepared on the rocky shore are a recurring highlight. Meals at the lodge — breakfasts and dinners included in the American plan — receive strong marks, with guests citing homemade desserts, hearty breakfasts, and dinners featuring items like prime rib and glazed chicken. Cabins are described as clean and comfortable, with in-cabin bathrooms, hot showers, and coffee delivered to the door each morning. Housekeeping is attentive and daily maid service is noted. The lodge operates a catch-and-release policy that several guests credit for improving fish size and abundance over the years.
Honest criticism is rare but not entirely absent. One reviewer found the lodge food disappointing for the price, citing overcooked eggs, steaks that appeared frozen and heavily marinated, and vegetables that seemed canned or frozen rather than fresh. The same guest noted that cabin mattresses were hard and that the bathroom showed some wear. A separate reviewer described the cottages as "spartan but serviceable." Guests should also be aware that this is a genuinely remote fly-in location with no nearby stores, limited wi-fi access, no cell service, and only a satellite phone available for emergencies — reviewers recommend packing thoroughly and considering medical evacuation insurance. Mosquitoes can be significant, particularly at evenings. Oak Lake Lodge is best suited for dedicated walleye and pike anglers — whether first-time fly-in guests or seasoned Canadian fishing veterans — as well as multi-generational family groups, groups of buddies with annual trip traditions, and anyone looking for a fully hosted, full-service experience rather than a self-catering outpost. Several reviewers specifically noted it works well for older guests and children alike.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 32 reviews
John R (380JohnR380)
Feb 25, 2026
TripAdvisor
Great fishing. Great facilities, and welcoming Staff
Group visit with friends. Not an inexpensive trip but well worth every dollar. John is a great host and his staff are first class.
This lodge
tcaldwell60
Jan 7, 2026
TripAdvisor
Scenic beauty and fishing
10 of us met to discuss work issues and ended up enjoying the best trip of my life! The accommodations were fabulous and the food was 5 star quality. Needless to say the scenic beauty and abundance of fish was a huge factor in choosing Oak Lake Lodge. It takes a bit of effort to make the trip but we will be retuning every year.
This lodge
DBBatavia
Jul 7, 2025
TripAdvisor
Great fishing, comfortable accommodations and beautiful setting
I originally went to Oak Lake Lodge with business associates who had been there the previous year. We had gone to an island lodge on Lake of the Woods but they said this is a different experience and it was. John and May Naimian are very welcoming, attentive and appreciative hosts. Their guides staff are very experienced and will do their best to make your fishing a memorable outing. They are friendly, helpful and engaging. They want to have fun too so we set up contests between boats and the guides got the winnings. May and Arlette handle the dining with delicious breakfasts and dinners. The cabins are spotless and comfortable with coffee delivered in the morning. Don't over pack. Your clothes for fishing can be worn more than once. We are scheduled to return to Oak Lake in 2026 and eagerly looking forward to seeing friends. Oh, and fishing.
This lodge
lloydvhansen
Mar 11, 2025
TripAdvisor
UNBELIEVABLE FISHING EXPERIENCE
This was a trip of a lifetime for me and my youngest son. To top it off my 82 year old father was also able to come. We could not have asked for a better experience. Staying at the lodge was out of this world. They had coffee ready in your cabin in the morning and all three meals everyday were simply scrumptious. My son who is a picky eater loved everything they served. The staff is incredibly friendly. AND THE FISHING - YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT. The first day we landed we were on the lake within the hour and cought over 100 walleye. We caught so many fish that my father stopped fishing because his hands and arms were sore. We even had one time where all three of us hooked a walleye at the same time (triple). When we got back to the lodge, my son fished off the dock and pulled in a nice 32" northern and a 23" walleye. We hiked up a small path to another small lake with a boat waiting for us and caught over 80 small mouth and small northern's. Cabin's were very comfortable and showers and bathroom were great. We even fished two days on our own (no guide) and caught plenty of fish. In all I am sure we caught over 300+ fish. We caught so many fish (rain or shine) that it was hard to come back to Minnesota and fish. The experience was unbelievable and John, his wife, and all the staff were so friendly. We will be coming back to Oak Lake Lodge soon. It was a memory that we will have forever.
This lodge
Michael S (L7699OCmichaels)
Feb 1, 2025
TripAdvisor
Best Food, Fun, Fishing Anywhere
John, May and crew are the best host's anywhere in Canada! Food, Fun Fishing and Friends with the best accommodations and staff that sees to your every need!!! Amazing.. I will be back again in 2025….. for more of the "tap, tap, lift" technique catching monster fish at Oak Lake. Thank you!!!!!
This lodge
finder45
Jul 1, 2024
TripAdvisor
Exceeds expectations!
Have been fishing in Quebec and Ontario for over 50 years, staying at both remote fly-ins and various lodges. My son went with me multiple times, but not in the past 20 years. He and his 2 sons (10 and 13) joined me and he and I wanted the 2 boys to catch the Canadian fishing fever. They were "hooked" within a few minutes and didn't want to leave. The accommodations are superb, and John and his staff help create great fishing memories, even in the rain! Caught more walleye the first day than some entire trips in the past. Can't recommend Oak Lake Lodge enough!!
This lodge
Kevin M (G2092MSkevinm)
Dec 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
God's Country / Spectacular
First Class Fishing, Guides & Food. Service & Meals are outstanding with coffee at your cabin every morning. After 20+ years John, May & Guides are like family. Fishing gets better every year. Look forward every year to this trip.
This lodge
Larry K (Journey753419)
Dec 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
Great trip!
John & May are the best hosts ever. Fishing was great many walleye in the 20"- 26" bracket. Large northerns (2- 42"). Shore lunches are superb, accommodations and meals are excellent. Guides are friendly and knowledgeable. Will return!
This lodge
Dan B (danbY7335ZP)
Dec 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
Unparalleled fishing and outstanding service!
2023 was one more memorable experience in over 20 years of unparalleled fishing and hospitality at Oak Lake. A special place with incredible fishing, first rate accommodations, amazing food and outstanding staff, Oak Lake never disappoints. John and May have created a real gem!
This lodge
Dasher Lowe (dasherlowe)
Oct 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
Best fly-in in Canada
Great fishing, awesome accommodations and the most friendly staff. I have been to numerous Canadian fly-in and this was by far the best. John and his team know how to put on a first class experience. I will be back to enjoy their resort again next year.
This lodge
Chris J (H2101TKchrisj)
Jun 17, 2023
TripAdvisor
Best Fly In Fishing Camp in Canada!
This is the 3rd trip to Oak Lake Lodge. I have been going to Canada every year since 1998 on fly in fishing trips. Oak Lake Lodge is far and away the best! I mean the best for fishing, accommodations, and service. One day we didn't get started until 10:30am and still caught 134 fish by dinner. The small mouth fishing is the best anywhere. We use strictly artificial and no live bait. Biggest walleye was 28.5 inches and biggest northern was 39.5 inches. John and his people do everything in their power to make your trip spectacular and memorable. If you haven't been to Canada before and are looking where to go, look no farther. And if you are a seasoned Canadian fishing veteran like me, change it up one year and you will never go back to your previous destination(s)!
This lodge
Christopher J (V6281YVchristopherj)
Jun 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
Fishing Heaven
I went up to Oak Lake this June with my family for the third time in the last 5 years, and I can honestly say we will not be looking for any other fishing lodge. This place has everything you could ever need. It really is the easiest lake to fish of all time. You pull up to any spot that looks fishy, use your favorite lure, and you will catch as many fish as your heart desires. We did not use a single piece of bait and caught over 100 fish per day on each boat. And on top, the owner of the lodge, John and his staff, go to the extremes to make sure you are taken care of and always is sure to check in to make sure you have everything you need. We had amazing meals for breakfast and dinner, but my favorite is the shore lunch that the staff will put on for you on any given day. All you do is show up with your walleye, eat, and leave. I cannot say enough about this place. Oak Lake lodge is the real deal and you will not be disappointed in ANYTHING they have to offer.
This lodge
Zeke Z (541zekez)
Aug 1, 2021
TripAdvisor
ZFINC 2021 - First guests in 1 1/2 years post Covid
ZFINC 2021 @Oaklakelodge in Canada had every barrier against us. 7 hour border crossing, Covid 72 hour test window closing; walking across border; missing float plane! Yet First guests in 1 1/2 years. 1300 fish, 80 dozen minnow, 39 in pike, 27 1/2 walleye. Outstanding accommodations & service. Outstanding guides. Outstanding food. All Worth it.
This lodge
john (JasonA72)
Nov 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
What a fishing Meca!!
Oak Lake is one of the finest fishing destinations you will find. The accommodations are the best thanks to John and his staff which makes the trip even more enjoyable. The walleye support weight as do the northerns and smallies. We fish the spring every year which is a great time of year at Oak Lake. Its not at all unusual to boat hundreds of fish every day and then relax on the deck of the cabin to share stories. John and May run an impressive operation and the support and friendship they share with the guests is impossible to duplicate!!!
This lodge
Zeke Z (541zekez)
Aug 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
Fishing; Food; Guides, Hosts EXTRAORDINAIRE !
This was my third visit to Oak Lake Lodge in 6 years. John Namian (owner) continues to provide outstanding Fishing experience and accommodations. I have doubled my attendee list with each visit to include a tournament called ZFINC (Zeke's Fly IN Canadian) fishing tourney. We give traveling trophies for Longest Fish and Most Fish. Over 300+ fish were caught by the 6 of us over 2 1/2 days. John even let us fish an extra morning no charge for guides since our plane back to MN did not leave to later evening on departure day. FIRST CLASS Fishing Experience. cant wait to ZFINC 2021!
This lodge
Brad Kucera (bradkucera)
Dec 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Buddies For Life 2018
We had 21 very happy buddies for life this August! Oak Lake's staff handled ALL of us - from breakfast, to shore lunch to guides! We have made our pilgrimage to Oak Lake every year since 2002 and are already booked for 2019! The fishing is some of the finest in the world regardless of weather. Excellence in serving Oak Lake's guests is paramount. In 2019 we are bringing our sons AND daughters to experience. Best of all - John Naimian, his family and staff are now our Buddies For Life! Happy New Year John and May! Brad Kucera
This lodge
hudr0
Sep 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Fantastic location, fishing, and staff
First time to Oak Lake Lodge. Their online web site is accurate and up to date. Fishing for walleye in September is hot. 40 to 60 fish per day is common. Nice size fish. Then throw in an occasional northern and the fun never stops. Our guide Robert is great. The cabins are well appointed and immaculately clean. The food is absolutely fantastic. Over all John and May run a top notch operation. He has put 19 years in building a class act operation. Most impressive, every staff person from guides to house keeping to cooks to John and May all are consistently smiling.
This lodge
MNbrad
Aug 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
A first class fishing experience
John, the owner, sets a high bar for first class, friendly service. His staff follows suit - from the fishing guides to the kitchen and housekeeping staff. The Walleye fishing is fantastic! The sweet spot was 18" - 24" fish. We caught an occasional pike, with the largest being 39". We found that an ultralight rod with 6lb line was the best combination for a fun and successful day. Oak Lake Lodge has a catch and release policy that has improved the fishing and size of the catch since the last time we were there in 2006. You can keep as much as you can eat for shore lunch. It is prepared by your guide. The sides vary on a 4 day rotation, with my favorite being the french fries. The cabins and lodge are new. Hot water for the showers is plentiful. Our family of 5 stayed in a cabin with two full bathroom and 4 bedrooms. Each bedroom had two beds, so there was plenty of space. The float plane pilots from Wilderness Air were great. We never felt the planes touch the water on landing. I will be going back.
This lodge
Mike D (mikewdemarco)
Aug 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Fishing Paradise
My father and I took our second trip to Oak Lake Lodge this year and it maintains an impeccable standard for fishing resorts. John, the lodge owner / operator, provides each customer a tailored, first-class experience rarely found for fishing / vacation spots in today's world. Outside of the 10/10 fishing experience, with experienced guides, delicious shore lunch, exceptional scenery, and massive pike / walleye / small mouth, the breakfast / dinner entrees and comfortable cabins are an unexpected and welcome addition given the remoteness of the lodge. I look forward to this trip ever year as time to spend with my father, frankly a lodge and experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
This lodge
Robert G (robertgJ5288CU)
Jun 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Great fishing but poor food
Fishing: The fishing for walleye is unbelievably good. I caught ten walleye within 20 minutes off the dock. Other places on the lake are just as good. We caught them on almost every type of lure. Minnows and jigs, spinners, surface bait. I even caught a walleye on a figure 8 at boat side. Our guide was a funny guy and seemed very knowledgeable about finding fish even though he had less than a weeks experience on that lake. Food: The shore lunch was pretty good but it would be nice to have more variety in the seasonings. Beer batter would be nice, some spicy Cajun, or even some different premixed bread crumbs. The food at the lodge was disappointing. The steaks clearly frozen, then soaked in wine vinegar for a long time. Medium rare steaks had no color. The scrambled eggs were over cooked and too rubbery. Vegetables were either canned or frozen. With frequent flights to the lake, I would think that fresh food could be brought in more easily. Or they could grow fresh foods by growing their own garden. Cabins: the cabins were ok. They were nice enough but could use some updating. Our bathroom sink had large rust spots. The mattresses were harder than hospital beds. Overall I was a bit dissapointed with the quality of the lodge and food for the price paid.
This lodge
Kelly C (KellyC751)
Jun 28, 2017
TripAdvisor
Closest place to Heaven ?
All the T's crossed and I's dotted by John, the owner of Oak Lake Lodge prior to our arrival in Canada. John made our motel reservation for the night prior to our departure to the resort. We were able to focus on the beautiful countryside as we drove from Winnipeg to Vermillion Bay. Our adventure started on Tuesday, June 19th as we boarded the float plane headed to Oak Lake Lodge. Upon arrival, we were greeted by not only the owner but all of the staff! Handshakes and hugs like we had known each other forever!! Our bags were carried to our cabin and our fishing guide was not far behind. For the next five days we were treated like royalty - great food, good conversation with other guests (max capacity 32) and fabulous fishing. Each day a shore lunch is prepared by your guide - fish, potatoes, different salads, tarter sauce and ketchup were included. My husband and I caught a lot of fish, saw multiple bald eagles, bears and other wildlife around the lake. This is a private resort and the only way in is via float plane arranged by the owner. Need to get away from cell phones, wifi, television and have coffee delivered to your cabin every morning --- check this place out!! I could probably go on for days about this place but it would be better if you check it out yourselves!
This lodge
BobandNancy C (b0bandnancyc)
May 1, 2016
TripAdvisor
Our Three Day Trip
My son and I just completed a three day trip to Oak Lake Lodge. We caught about 300 fish, with four Northern Pike 40" or longer. We caught many large walleye and several large smallmouth. Our guide Zoel was fantastic keeping us on the fish. The food was really outstanding and the shore lunches with fresh walleye were awesome. This was a trip of a lifetime we will always remember. Thank you John, Zoel, and the staff at Oak Lake Lodge.
This lodge
Tdalton123
Aug 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Simply the best!
Our family has been coming to Ontario, Canada fishing for over 75 years and three generations recently returned from Oak Lake Lodge, a special place where the entire experience is first class. We have decided that Oak Lake is our favorite spot. You will pay more for this type of an experience but will enjoy an outstanding value. The fly in service is safe and timely; we were fishing by 9 am after flying in. The accommodations are clean and simple amidst a setting that only God can create. The fishing has consistently been outstanding with eight of us catching 300-500 fish daily. We caught 20 inch walleye regularly and topped out with a 28 inch fatty pulled in by our 82 year old patriarch on a rod he calls "Old Yellar." The guides were outstanding servicing our family from ages 13 to 82 with equal kindness. Ernie has been a fixture at Oak Lake guiding for over 23 years now and has an infectious personality. All of the guides were as excited as we were to catch fish! The owner John is genuine with a service oriented heart. He will bend over backward to make sure that you are happy. The shore lunches of fresh fried walleye are like dining as a king. The breakfasts and dinners are served with tasty precision satisfying even the most challenging of diners. We had pancakes, eggs, bacon, etc for breakfast at 730 am and then prime rib, lasagna, glazed chicken, etc for dinner at 6:30 pm. The kids were whole-heartedly welcomed and fished off the dock every night pulling in several nice fish (26 inch walleye, 34 inch northern). Book early but leave room for us to return!
This lodge
Brad K (598bradk)
Feb 25, 2015
TripAdvisor
Oak Lake is a Gold Standard for fishing, food, and service
I have fished Ontario since 1985, in nearly all venues. After 911, my Buddies For Life trip found Oak Lake in 2002. We have been back every year since, 3 years twice per year! It truly is legendary fishing, and beautiful. But Ontario is that - legendary and beautiful. New readers of this review need to know it is John & May Naimian, their guides, their staff, their food, their shore lunches, their quality motors and equipment, their on-time relationship with Wilderness Air, and their professionalism that make the difference. And yes, their legendary fishing. John & May are GOOD friends of ours. They have never disappointed and we are headed back again this year! Twice. Brad Kucera, Leawood, KS
This lodge
Ninette M (ninettem2014)
Jan 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Impeccable!!!
Definitely going again! Fun starts when you board the plane & doesn't end! I say this, as you will be left reminiscing about the spectacular time you've had for a long time. Upon arrival, at the dock you are greeted by the guides and owners. It's a very warm welcoming feeling. The guides assist with your luggage right to your cabin. The cabins are beautiful and all have a rustic yet modern decor. The landscape is breathtaking and each cabin has its own spectacular view of the lake. What makes this fly in location even better, are the staff. If you've landed tired, after a five minute or less conversation with any one of the staff you will be pumped up to get out and haul in a big one! These guides know where it's at! Never a disappointment. Kitchen staff are incredible and the meals are home made delicious! This truly is a fishing experience you don't want to miss out on!
This lodge
JDW25Wisconsin
Nov 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Best Fly in Fishing
We've been to Oak Lake Lodge four times. It's a fly-in experience, American plan lodge on Oak Lake. Oak Lake is a premier walleye and Northern pike fishery and also has musky. We fished almost exclusively for walleye. And by premier I mean that in four days, four of us caught 726 fish (we used counters). That's almost 6 fish/hour/person. We had 5 walleye over 27 inches (the biggest being 29.5) and more than 10% of the walleye we caught were over 22 inches. We also caught 38, 36, and 34 inch northern. The food is outstanding - both breakfast and dinner at the lodge and the guide prepared shore lunches out on the lake. John is a tremendous host. The guides are excellent. The housekeeping and kitchen staff served us with nothing but a smile. The cottages are spartan but serviceable. The scenery is unforgettable. We will continue to return.
This lodge
Zeke Z (541zekez)
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
A Fisherman's Delight
I can honestly say I have not been unplugged and off the grid (no text, emails, phone, etc) for over 25 years in my career until I came to Oak Lake Lodge...and you know what, I never missed a thing...how gratifying to know you can do it and the world does not end. (Satellite phone available for emergencies). I had an incredible experience and met some wonderful people in your staff and guests this past weekend. Hospitality, Food, (especially the made from scratch desserts), Guides, Fishing, and Welcome atmosphere was remarkable! Zeke
This lodge
Jerry K (JerryK34)
Aug 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Always a wonderful place to be
Just got back from a week at Oak Lake Lodge-Aug 2-8 2014. Back in 2000 this was to be the fishing trip of a lifetime, but instead it has become an annual trek and one that is so good each year that I already am looking forward to it again in 2015. Many of the people in the group I fish with have been coming up to Oak Lake for 25 or more years so that alone says something about the lake, the river, the fishing experiences that both provide, and of course the wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Food and lodging are fantastic. Fishing and guides are truly the best there is--and the lake produces very healthy populations of fish because the English river flows into and out of the lake and keeps food and currents moving in a large portion of the lake. Go for walleye, northern pike and you'll also be likely to catch some smallmouth bass and maybe even a musky, although they are rare. Over the years the cabins have been well maintained and even new cabins with great floor plans have been added in place of the oldest structures in the camp. You'll never know you are as remote as you are when you have hot/cold water and in-cabin bathrooms with showers, electricity, and great, even gourmet level meals with oh-so tasty desserts each day in the lodge, not to mention the shore lunches which I never tire of. I can say few bad things about the place and over the years it has been consistently well run and staffed by the same people and they know what they are doing. If you want to try a fly in but are intimidated by the prospect of being too remote, this is a place you'll immediately feel comfortable in and you WILL have a great time with world class fishing at your command.
This lodge
R W (RW558)
Mar 31, 2014
TripAdvisor
8 years in a row and counting
Awesome getaway. Wonderful staff. Maid service daily. 3 square meals with one of them being lunch-the fresh fish you caught that morning prepared by your guide on the rocky shore. Or you can go out by yourself without a guide. Private lake so you won't see many other boats if any at all. If you need something there are a few items available for purchase but you better pack everything you can think you may need because this is a remote fly-in fishing camp and there's no drug store nearby although they do have plenty of water, soda, and beer for purchase. I highly recommend you purchase MedJet insurance if going because if an injury occurs and you need immediate medical care than your bill can easily be $30,000 or more to be airlifted out. Weather can be hot or cold in summer so prepare for both. There is one TV in the main dining lodge with satellite. One phone in the office. Wifi is password protected due to high cost of data but I believe you can get on from 2AM-5AM for free if you are an early riser or a night owl. Bring bug spray. Mosquitos can be rough particularly at night. Typical day with guide is fish for walleye in morning and either more walleye or pike, muskie or smallmouth in afternoon. There is a smallmouth lake that you can hike to but you need to reserve a spot as there is only one boat on that lake.
This lodge
SueJ211
Aug 1, 2013
TripAdvisor
memorable trip
Just returned from our first ever fly in Canadian Fishing trip. John and his staff were friendly, accommodating and professional. Izzie our fishing guide for 3 days made the trip memorable. Lodging was clean and comfortable, meals a pleasant dining experience, daily shore lunches with lots of fresh walleye exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend.
This lodge
P_Miller60192
Jun 1, 2013
TripAdvisor
Week In Paradise
Oak Lake Lodge was more than I could ever have expected. After spending 5 full days with the best walleye fishing I have experienced, along with excellent meals and a beautiful cabin, I would reccomend this lodge to anyone that is a true outdoorsman looking for a great fishing trip. This place is great for people from age 8 to 80!
This lodge
First time to Oak Lake Lodge
First time to Oak Lake Lodge. Their online web site is accurate and up to date. Fishing for walleye in September is hot. 40 to 60 fish per day is common. Nice size fish. Then throw in an occasional northern and the fun never stops. Our guide Robert is great. The cabins are well appointed and immaculately clean. The food is absolutely fantastic. Over all John and May run a top notch operation. He has put 19 years in building a class act operation. Most impressive, every staff person from guides to house keeping to cooks to John and May all are consistently smiling.
This lodge