Outpost
Esnagami River Outpost Camp
Esnagami Wilderness Lodge
Esnagami River, Ontario — Near Nakina
About This Outpost
Reviews & Reputation
Esnagami Wilderness Lodge on Esnagami Lake near Nakina, Ontario consistently earns high praise across a wide range of reviewers, from first-time fly-in guests to seasoned anglers who have fished around the world. The overall sentiment across all reviews is overwhelmingly positive, with multiple guests describing it as their favourite fishing destination and many returning year after year. Owners Eric and Sue Lund are mentioned by name repeatedly and are credited with creating a welcoming, personal atmosphere that makes guests feel like family. The lodge's position as the only outfitter on an 18,000-acre lake with 120 miles of shoreline is frequently highlighted as a significant draw.
Guests consistently praise four areas: fishing quality, accommodations, food, and staff. The fishery — built up through decades of catch-and-release conservation — produces strong numbers of walleye, northern pike, and brook trout, with walleye approaching 30 inches and pike in the high 30-inch range mentioned across multiple reviews. The cabins are described as clean, comfortable, and fully equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, and electricity. Meals receive strong praise, including made-to-order breakfasts, freshly baked bread and desserts, and well-remembered shore lunches featuring freshly caught walleye and pike. Guides are described as experienced and highly effective. The fleet of handcrafted cedar strip boats is also singled out as a thoughtful touch. On the American plan, guests note that cabins are tidied daily, meals are handled entirely by staff, and luggage is delivered by utility vehicle — reviewers describe it as a genuinely hands-off experience from arrival to departure.
There are no recurring complaints in the available reviews. The one honest caveat that surfaces is the float plane ride itself, which one reviewer described as turbulent and uncomfortable — though they also noted others in their group found it unremarkable. No concerns about value, cleanliness, staff, or fishing quality appear in any of the reviews. This destination appears best suited for groups of friends or couples seeking a comfortable, full-service lodge experience, anglers targeting walleye and pike in a remote and lightly pressured fishery, and fly fishers interested in brook trout on moving water. It also comes across as a strong fit for milestone or special-occasion trips — one review centred on a father's 70th birthday — and for first-time fly-in guests who want genuine wilderness access without sacrificing comfort.
Read all 1 review
Videos — 9 clips from YouTube
Lake Information
The Esnagami River feeds into Esnagami Lake and is noted for Trophy Brook Trout and excellent Walleye fishing, with good Northern Pike fishing as well. Both spinning and fly fishing enthusiasts enjoy angling from boats and Scott Freighter Canoes, or by wading the seemingly endless number of runs, pools, and riffles. Located approximately 25 miles from the main lodge.
Fish Species
Accommodations
Amenities
Other: Gravity-fed water system, enclosed heated outdoor shower, propane BBQ, foam mattress pads in bunk cabin, landing nets and life jackets included
Boats & Equipment
Meals & Services
What's Included
Included
Round-trip floatplane service, cook cabin with propane fridge and stove/oven, pots/pans/plates/cups/utensils/cutlery/coffee percolator, propane BBQ, foam mattress pads (bunk cabin), 2 boats/canoes powered by 9.9 HP Mercury outboard motors, all fuel during stay, landing nets and life jackets
Not Included
Groceries/food, applicable taxes, guide fees if opted for, personal items
Getting There
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Cordingly Lake floatplane base, Nakina, Ontario
Flight Distance: 25 miles
Season & Booking
Season: May 23 to August 28
Minimum Stay: 7 days
Contact
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