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Outpost

Dufault's Island Outpost

Halley's Camps

Umfreville Lake / English River, Ontario — Near Minaki

Max Guests 11
Access boat-in
Season May – September
Pricing $$

About This Outpost

Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy
A newly rebuilt boat-in outpost cabin situated on Dufault's Island on the north side of Umfreville Lake on the English River, 5 miles north of Caribou Falls Landing. Only one cabin on the island offering complete privacy. Features a large kitchen with 10' dining table, two refrigerators, propane stove, screened-in deck, 2 indoor bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers, solar power with generator backup, and CPAP-friendly outlets. Guests drive to Caribou Falls Landing then are transported by boat (~10 minutes). Optional fly-in also available (20-minute flight).

Reviews & Reputation

Summarized Review Highlights

Halley's Camps draws overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple platforms, with the vast majority of guests describing their stays as exceptional or among the best fishing trips of their lives. The reputation that emerges from most reviews is one of a well-run, professional fly-in operation with a loyal repeat clientele, including guests who bring multiple generations of family members back year after year. One negative account does stand out, however, in which a reviewer describes a hostile confrontation on the ice with an individual they identified as the owner, including a physical threat. This incident is worth noting for prospective guests, though it stands in stark contrast to the experience described in every other review.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the fishing, which appears to be the central draw. Species mentioned include Northern Pike — with at least one catch reported at 45.5 inches — smallmouth bass, walleye, and pike on the English River. The float plane access to remote lakes is frequently highlighted as a major part of the appeal. Beyond the fishing itself, reviewers speak highly of the lodging, describing cabins as modern, well-maintained, and comfortable. Staff and guides receive repeated compliments for being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic. Shoreline shore lunches with freshly caught fish are specifically called out as a memorable part of the experience. Boats and equipment are also mentioned positively.

Based on the reviews, Halley's Camps appears best suited for groups of friends or family looking for a guided fly-in fishing adventure in Ontario's backcountry, particularly those targeting Northern Pike and smallmouth bass. It also appeals to multigenerational groups, as several reviewers mention bringing children, grandchildren, and adult family members. First-time fly-in anglers may find it approachable given the guided format and well-appointed accommodations, while experienced anglers will likely appreciate the access to remote, productive waters. Anyone sensitive to the one reported conduct concern may want to look into it further before booking.

Summary generated May 25, 2026

Videos — 2 clips from YouTube

Halley's Camps - English River 2020

Halley's Camps - English River 2020

YouTube
Northern Pike at Umfreville Lake, Ontario - YouTube

Northern Pike at Umfreville Lake, Ontario - YouTube

YouTube

Lake Information

Nestled at the southeastern tip of Dufault Island on Umfreville Lake on the English River. Surrounding waters dotted with islands and rich structure, full of fish May to September. Many nearby lakes and waterways accessible by boat. Great walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass fishing close to the island.

Lake Name
Umfreville Lake / English River
Province
Ontario, Northwestern Ontario
Lake Structure
Islands, varied structure, moving river water on English River system
Fishing Pressure
Low - remote island, only cabin on island

Fish Species

walleye pike smallmouth bass walleye pike

Portage Lakes: Yes - walleye, pike, smallmouth bass (Umfreville, Gib, Twelnor, One Man, and more by boat)

Accommodations

Lodging Type
Log cabin
Max Guests
11
Amenities
Electricity: Yes - solar with generator backup
Running Water: Yes
Hot Water: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shower: Yes
Sink: Yes
Toilet: flush
Heat: Woodstove
Satellite phone included (minutes extra)
Dock

Other: Screened-in deck, 2 refrigerators, propane kitchen stove, propane fish cooker, propane BBQ, deck chairs, lake maps, landing nets, paddles, minnow and leech buckets, life jackets, depth finder in boats, 5-gallon jugs of drinking water, ice provided, woodstove, box spring beds, pillows and mattress pads, kitchen utensils/dishes/pots/pans, coffee pot, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, axe, clothesline, supply boat delivery every other day, bait pre-order available, CPAP-friendly

Boats & Equipment

Boats Included
5
Boat Length
18'
Boat Brand
Lund
Motor
25hp 4-stroke
Motor Start
Electric start/tilt
Motor Brand
Yamaha
Seat Type
Swivel seats
Gas Included
Yes - all gas included
Shore Lunch Kit: Yes - propane fish cooker and BBQ provided

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
None - fully equipped kitchen provided; guests bring own food
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

Transportation to and from outpost by shuttle boat from Caribou Falls Landing; 18' Lund boats with new 25hp motors (electric start/tilt) with swivel seats, life jackets, paddles, minnow buckets, and depth finders; all gas, ice, and 5-gallon jugs of drinking water; fully equipped kitchen with dishes, utensils, electric fridge, propane stove, fish cooker and BBQ; solar power with generator backup; supply boat every other day with ice/water

Not Included

Food/provisions (optional provisioning $65 USD/person/day), fishing licenses, tackle, sales taxes, satellite phone minutes, boat and motor insurance (optional $25 USD/boat/day, $500 deductible)

Getting There

Access: boat-in

Air Base: Caribou Falls Landing (boat-in, 10 min / 5 miles); optional fly-in 20 minutes from Kenora

Flight Time: 20 minutes

Season & Booking

Season: May to September

Minimum Stay: 3 days

Contact

Halley's Camps
Kenora, Ontario

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