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Outpost

Little Makokibatan Lake Outpost

Brace Lake Outfitters

Little Makokibatan Lake (Big Makokibatan Lake accessible), Ontario — Near Nakina

Max Guests 6
Access fly-in
Season May 16 –
Pricing $$

About This Outpost

Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy
Deluxe single cabin outpost on Little Makokibatan Lake, opened in 2020. Self-guided or can arrange guided services. Part of the Albany River system with access to both Little Makokibatan and Big Makokibatan lakes plus Albany River.

Reviews & Reputation

5.0
Based on 3 reviews from across the web
Summarized Review Highlights

Brace Lake Outfitters, located north of Nakina, Ontario and accessible by float plane through Nakina Air Service, has built a strong and consistent reputation among fly-in anglers and hunters. The overwhelming majority of reviews are enthusiastically positive, with many guests returning multiple times over several years and describing owners Kyle and Teri Polesky as attentive, hardworking, and genuinely invested in their guests' experiences. The personal connection guests feel with the owners and staff is a recurring theme, with several reviewers describing the camp as feeling like family. The operation has been featured on fishing television programs including The New Fly Fisher and Fishin Canada, which reflects its standing in the fly-in fishing community.

Guests consistently praise the quality and variety of fishing, particularly for walleye and northern pike, with multiple reviewers reporting trophy-class fish in the 24–40 inch range and high catch volumes. The cedar strip boats and reliable outboard motors receive frequent compliments. The main lodge cabins are described as well-appointed, clean, and recently renovated, with modern amenities including hot and cold running water, flush toilets, wood stoves, and wrap-around decks. The food is a standout highlight across nearly every review, with meals like Prime Rib and Beef Wellington mentioned specifically. The outpost camp on Little Makokibatan Lake, situated on the Albany River, draws particular attention for its exceptional walleye fishing and remote feel, though it is noted as slightly more rustic than the main camp. Beyond fishing, the operation also offers black bear hunting, and one reviewer speaks highly of Kyle's guiding expertise in that area.

There are very few complaints across the reviews. The most notable recurring caveat is weather — multiple trips were affected by storms, extreme cold, high winds, and high water levels, which are inherent risks of remote northern Ontario fishing and outside the outfitter's control. One reviewer noted that high water made loading and unloading boats awkward and left the camp location feeling wet. A visitor also mentioned that finding fish required more effort on one trip than expected, though fish were still caught. One reviewer advised planning a full week rather than a shorter stay to make the most of what the area offers. Overall, this destination appears best suited for serious walleye and pike anglers seeking remote, high-quality fishing with above-average amenities, repeat visitors who appreciate a personal relationship with an owner-operated camp, fathers introducing younger anglers to fly-in fishing, and groups of fishing buddies comfortable with occasional weather-related challenges.

Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 3 reviews
Scott Mills Jul 12, 2023
Blog
Return to Makokibatan – High Water / Strong Wind and Big Walleye
Having fished this lake the year before, it comes down to three main things: Big Water, Big Wind, Big Walleye. The high water meant our unloading was a bit of a slog, but after many treacherous walks on the floating boardwalk, we had most of our gear in the cabin. While it made for a wet camp location, and a bit of pain to load in and out of boats, it meant that there was really nothing preventing you from fishing those hard to reach places. Several more great Walleye holes were now available, and we were rewarded each and every time. This trip produced the highest number of big Walleye for either of us. Any picture shown here, the fish is at least 24 inches long, which we consider to be a big fish. We both landed 28 inch Walleye, a new PB for each of us (but still shy of our 30in goal), and the number of fish that were 22/23in that we hand landed and released was too high to count. If you are comfortable with an outpost camp, one that is a touch more rustic than others (but still very well-equipped), and are in search of some big Walleye, do yourself a favour and put Makokibatan Lake with Brace Lake Outfitters on your list.
This lodge
Scott Mills Apr 3, 2022
Blog
Best Walleye Fishing EVER! – Little Makokibatan Lake Outpost
It was summer 2019 when I was at Brace Lake Outfitters for my second time, and having another amazing trip. I was in the main lodge chatting with owner Kyle Poleski when he said he had something he wanted to show me. It was the location of an outpost camp he had just acquired on Little Makokibatan Lake, which is a widening of the Albany River. In Spring 2022, four of us headed out for what we expected would be a great experience, but turned out to be the best Walleye fishing ever. The cabin has running hot and cold water provided from a water tower, a full size freezer, fridge/stove, wood stove and all the cutlery/utensils you will need. There is a BBQ on the small deck, a generator to provide electricity, and an outdoor privy. 'The Cut' is about as automatic a fishing spot as you will ever find. I would not be exaggerating to say that we would get on runs of catching a fish on every cast. The average size was simply outstanding. Our average fish was about 20-22 inches, and we didn't bother to photograph anything that wasn't at least 24 inches. We boated over 100 Walleye during one afternoon session alone. Our cabin was on a wonderful sandy beach, ideal for evening camp fires. Bald eagles, beavers, bush trails on every stretch of shore. If you like remote destination, amazing quantities of fish, incredible average size, and the knowledge that you are in a location that few anglers have, or will ever get to, call Kyle and Brace Lake Outfitters. You won't regret it.
This lodge
Pete Bowman / Fish'n Canada TV
Blog
Episode 546 – Brace Lake Makokibatan Outpost
On this trip to Brace Lake Outfitters Makokibatan Outpost camp, it was about the outstanding fishing we encountered. In talking to Kyle Polesky, the lodge owner, Pete was told about an amazing Brook Trout, Walleye, and Pike destination that he wanted to get us to film. This location is not just a lake (Makokibatan) in the middle of the Ontario forest. This is a lake formed on one of the most famous Brook Trout rivers in the world, the 982-kilometer-long Albany River. This was music to our ears! The outpost camp is perfect for both anglers as well as hunters. Kyle is always on the pulse of all his fishing opportunities and this location is no exception. From hotspots he's acquired in the past, to current intel from other anglers trying new areas, there's always the potential for a great day of Walleye fishing. Sure enough, once we got to the shore lunch area, that's when things started to rock & roll! Brace Lake Outfitters is committed to providing anglers with unforgettable fishing expeditions in the heart of Ontario's wilderness. It's where the best fishing in Ontario begins! A once in a lifetime experience.
This lodge

Videos — 3 clips from YouTube

Walleye Factory- Makokibatan Lake

Walleye Factory- Makokibatan Lake

YouTube
Cabin Walkthrough of the Makokibatan Outpost Camp.

Cabin Walkthrough of the Makokibatan Outpost Camp.

YouTube
CATCHING CANNIBAL PIKE! | Episode 546: Brace Lake Makokibatan Outpost

CATCHING CANNIBAL PIKE! | Episode 546: Brace Lake Makokibatan Outpost

YouTube

Lake Information

Little Makokibatan Lake spans approximately 7 km x 1 km (11 km x 1.5 km per source). Linked to Big Makokibatan Lake measuring approximately 30 km x 2.5 km. Albany River enters at west end and exits at east end. Trophy pike over 40 inches common. Walleye and brook trout fishing available. Downstream rapids provide trophy brook trout habitat.

Lake Name
Little Makokibatan Lake (Big Makokibatan Lake accessible)
Province
Ontario, Albany River System, North of Nakina
Lake Structure
linked lakes, river system with navigable upstream routes and rapids

Fish Species

pike walleye pike brook trout

Portage Lakes: Yes - access to Big Makokibatan Lake and Albany River system

Accommodations

Lodging Type
single cabin, self-guided
Max Guests
6
Total Rooms
1
Amenities
Electricity: Yes
Running Water: Yes - hot/cold
Hot Water: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shower: Yes
Sink: Yes
WiFi
Sat Phone included
Dock

Other: deluxe accommodations, modern comfort with wilderness adventure

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
None - self-catering with meal order options available
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

cabin rental, boat, Sat Phone

Not Included

meals, guide service, fishing licenses

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: Nakina

Season & Booking

Season: May 16 to

Minimum Stay: 7 days

Contact

Brace Lake Outfitters
Nakina, Ontario

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