Little Vermilion Lake Outpost - The Rock

Howey Bay Resort & Outposts in Red Lake, Ontario has an exceptionally strong reputation among guests, with virtually every reviewer rating it at the highest possible level and many describing it as a place they return to year after year — in some cases for a decade or more. Long-time owners Dave and Marg are mentioned repeatedly by name and are credited as the heart of the operation, described as warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each guest's experience. The transition to new ownership noted by one group of repeat visitors did not diminish their satisfaction, and the resort's consistency across seasons and ownership changes appears to be a defining characteristic of how guests perceive it.

Guests consistently praise several specific aspects of the resort. The cabins — both at the main Red Lake location and at the fly-in outpost camps — are frequently described as clean, well-maintained, and more comfortable than expected, with amenities including hot showers, cable TV, air conditioning, hot tubs on certain decks, propane appliances, and solar power at the remote outposts. The fishing is a central draw, with walleye, northern pike, perch, and lake trout all mentioned; guests describe excellent results whether fishing from the main resort or fly-in lakes. Staff are praised for going out of their way to help guests find fish, provide gear and supplies on-site, and handle small conveniences like minnows, gas, and fish cleaning facilities. Bear hunting is also mentioned positively, with one reviewer citing a near-100% success rate. Perks like free local golf course access and regular float plane resupply runs to outpost cabins add to the overall value guests describe.

Negative reviews are essentially absent from this set of feedback — no recurring complaints about food, equipment failures, poor fishing, or service gaps appear across the reviews. The one candid note that stood out was a lighthearted comment from a female guest who had to adjust to life without a hair dryer at the remote outpost cabins, which she acknowledged was simply the nature of a fly-in wilderness setting. Prospective guests should come in with that understanding: the outpost experience is intentionally off-grid and rustic, even if more comfortable than many comparable options. This resort appears best suited for groups of friends or family members looking for a dependable, comfortable Canadian fishing getaway, repeat anglers targeting walleye and northern pike, first-time fly-in guests who want a well-supported remote experience, and hunters interested in bear. It also works well for non-fishing partners or family members, given its proximity to the town of Red Lake and the peaceful atmosphere described at the outpost camps.