Andrew Lake Lodge
South Leland Lake, Alberta — Near Fort Smith, NT
Andrew Lake Lodge, operated by Dan and his team, has earned strong praise from guests who have visited for both fishing and hunting trips. The overall sentiment across reviews is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing it as one of the best lodges in northern Alberta and returning year after year — one reviewer noted it was their fifth trip with the outfitter. Dan and his staff are specifically called out for creating memorable, well-organized experiences in a remote fly-in setting.
Guests highlight the quality of the wilderness experience beyond just the activities themselves, including exceptional wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, and northern lights. The moose hunting in particular draws serious hunters, with one guest harvesting a 55-inch bull that ranked among the top Pope and Young bulls ever recorded in Alberta. The remote, fly-in nature of the operation appears to be a major draw, offering access to areas with genuine big-game populations and unspoiled scenery.
There are no recurring complaints across these reviews, though one hunter noted that nearly three-quarters of a 14-day hunt was spent sheltered due to extreme winds, which is worth noting as a reality of operating in northern Alberta's wilderness. Moose hunting success also requires hard work and some luck, as game is not guaranteed. Based on the reviews available, this destination appears best suited for serious hunters — particularly archery or trophy moose hunters — as well as anglers and outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with remote fly-in conditions and variable northern weather.
South Leland Lake is the best lake in the operation for species variety, offering lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and whitefish. Over 100 km of shoreline to explore on the Leland system. Some of the best fishing is where the north and south lakes join and at the rapids inflow. Lake trout average 3–5 lbs with some in the teens. Pike reach 40"+ and 20+ lbs trophy class. The rapids between North and South Leland lakes are a prime fishing zone. Ice typically breaks up May 9–16, earliest of the three lakes in the operation.
Other: BBQ and picnic tables, fire pits, camp chairs; central building with shower; 400-gallon gravity-fed water tower; spare boats and motors; tools and engine spare parts on-site; canoe available; life jackets and landing nets included; downriggers and sonar fish finders available for rental; beverage and grocery pre-order freight flight available; free overnight pre-trip accommodation in Fort Smith; free parking in Fort Smith
Return air charter flights (from chosen departure city), 2 nights/3 days private cabin accommodation, cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, fridge and freezer, BBQ, stove, dishes, unlimited boat use and fuel, life jackets and landing net, satellite telephone, fly-in camp checks, free beverage order flight, baggage allowance (100 lbs from Fort Smith; 50 lbs free + $1.50/lb up to 100 lbs from Fort McMurray/Edmonton), free overnight pre-trip accommodation in Fort Smith, free parking in Fort Smith. Group of 6+ gets exclusive use of all 3 cabins.
Taxi between airport and floatplane base if required, sleeping bag and pillow, food and liquor, fishing gear and licenses, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, cups and utensils, GST; Starlink wifi rental $25/day (optional)
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Fort Smith (Reliance Airways floatplane base, 6 km southeast of Fort Smith); Fort McMurray (McMurray Aviation); Edmonton International Airport
Flight Time: 15 minutes
Season: Mid-May (as early as May long weekend) to Early October
Minimum Stay: 2 days
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