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Cuddle Lake Outpost Camp

Silsby Lake Lodge & Outposts

Cuddle Lake, Manitoba — Near Ilford, MB

Access fly-in
Season May 23 – July 3
Pricing $$$

About This Outpost

Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy
A remote outpost camp on Cuddle Lake, known for trophy Northern Pike and Walleye fishing with virtually zero sport fishing pressure in the last 20 years. The camp sits at the bay where the Utik River flows in, providing outstanding spring fishing. Features recently renovated cabins including a large cabin with a new deck and expanded living room/lounge area. Guests also have exclusive access to adjacent Pritchard Lake via a portage trail, with three boats and a tent camp set up there. Access via short vehicle ride from the Silsby airstrip.

Reviews & Reputation

Summarized Review Highlights

Silsby Lake Lodge & Outposts, located in remote northern Manitoba near Thompson, carries a generally positive reputation among fishing guests, with most reviewers describing memorable trips and strong praise for the fishing, scenery, and staff. The lodge is operated by Sam Fett and family, who have decades in the outfitting business and appear to run a tight operation at the main Silsby Lake Lodge. There is one serious and notable exception: a former hunting guest reports that the lodge has held a $3,500 deposit for several years following a COVID-era cancellation, repeatedly promising a refund that has never materialized. This complaint is specific but significant, and prospective guests should be aware of it when considering deposit terms and cancellation policies.

On the fishing side, reviewers consistently praise the trophy pike and walleye opportunities, with catches including fish in the 40-plus-inch range. Walleye fishing is described as reliable and productive, and shore lunches of fresh pickerel are frequently mentioned as a highlight. The main Silsby Lodge with guided packages appears to outperform the self-guided outpost options for trophy pike — one group at High Hill Outpost noted that guests at the main lodge simultaneously landed 17 pike over 41 inches while the outpost group struggled to find large fish. Timing also matters: multiple reviewers suggest June or early July as the best window, with late summer producing fewer trophy-class northern pike. High Hill Outpost received mixed reviews for its physical condition, with minor maintenance issues noted (a broken oven, a clogged toilet), though an on-site camp manager was praised for being attentive and working to improve things. Staff at both the lodge and outposts are described warmly by the majority of guests, and the remote wilderness setting draws consistent admiration.

Silsby Lake Lodge is best suited for groups of fishing buddies targeting trophy northern pike or walleye, particularly those willing to fly in and embrace a remote, rustic setting. Families with children have also had positive experiences at the main lodge, where staff engagement with kids is specifically praised. First-time fly-in anglers may appreciate the guided lodge packages more than the self-guided outpost option, especially if trophy pike are the primary goal. Those considering the outpost camps should go in with realistic expectations about facilities, bring their own electronics, and plan their trip for early season to maximize chances at larger fish.

Summary generated May 25, 2026

Lake Information

Long remote lake known for trophy Northern Pike (documented catches of 41"–52") and excellent Walleye. The Utik River creates outstanding spring fishing at the bay where camp is located. Over 20 miles of bays, islands, and creeks to explore. Exclusive access to Pritchard Lake (just west, connected by rapids) and downstream access to Annesley Lake. Known for double-header trophy pike between 41"–52" in length.

Lake Name
Cuddle Lake
Province
Manitoba, Northern Manitoba
Lake Structure
Long lake; Utik River flows in at bay where camp is located; river access upstream and downstream; 20 miles of bays, islands, and creeks; west end has rapids connecting to Pritchard Lake; access downstream to Annesley Lake when water levels are normal
Fishing Pressure
Virtually zero sport fishing pressure in the last 20 years; catch-and-release policy

Fish Species

pike pike

Portage Lakes: Yes - pike, walleye (Pritchard Lake via portage trail; Annesley Lake downstream via Utik River) (2 lakes)

Accommodations

Lodging Type
Renovated outpost cabins; large cabin recently expanded with new deck and living room/lounge area
Amenities
Electricity: Yes - generator
Running Water: Yes
Hot Water: Yes
Shower: Yes
Sink: Yes
Toilet: flush
Heat: Yes
Marine radios for constant communication with main lodge

Other: Camp manager on-site; bedding, linens, pillows, comforters provided; refrigerator; oven/range; barbecue grill; deep freeze with ice; life vests, nets, boat coolers; FREE St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, and tackle bag; 3 boats and tent camp at Pritchard Lake accessible via portage trail; large cabin has new deck and living room/lounge with couches

Boats & Equipment

Boat Length
16 ft
Boat Brand
Alumarine
Motor
15 hp, 4-stroke
Seat Type
New boat seats with casting decks
Gas Included
Yes

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
Food package with choice of meats included; guests prepare their own meals; all cooking utensils, pots, pans provided
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

Direct charter flight from Winnipeg to Silsby and return, plus short vehicle transfer to Cuddle Lake camp; food package with choice of meats; FREE St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, and tackle bag; heated cabin with electric lights, refrigerator, oven/range, barbecue grill; deep freeze stocked with ice; beds with mattresses, linens, pillows, comforters; indoor plumbing (hot showers, flush toilet, full kitchen sink); cooking utensils, pots, pans; 16 ft Alumarine boats with casting decks and new boat seats; 15 hp 4-stroke motors, gas, nets, life vests, boat coolers; marine radios; camp manager; access to Pritchard Lake with 3 boats and tent camp

Not Included

Canadian taxes (RST & GST), overnight stays before/after trip, fishing license, beverages

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: Winnipeg, MB

Flight Time: 100 minutes

Flight Distance: 400 miles

Season & Booking

Season: May 23 to July 3

Minimum Stay: 3 days

Contact

Silsby Lake Lodge & Outposts
Winnipeg, Manitoba

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