Silsby Lake Lodge & Outposts
Silsby Lake, Manitoba — Near Ilford, MB
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.
Crystal clear glacial lake on the 55th parallel, 400 miles northeast of Winnipeg. Home to some of the largest Northern Pike in the world. Also produces excellent Walleye fishing averaging 22 inches with many in the 24-28 inch range. The creek between Silsby and High Hill Lake (the 'Aquarium') is off-limits in spring during spawn.
Other: 4 guest cabins with private bathrooms; main lodge dining room and lounge with TV; daily housekeeping; bonfire pit; FREE St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, and tackle bag; unlimited frozen minnows and/or nightcrawlers; life cushions, two-way radio, fish finder, and cooler on each boat; Lowrance fish finders and Icom radios on boats; livewell; evening fishing available for $80/boat extra; 4,000-ft private all-weather airstrip; Winnipeg Coordinator to assist guests before/after trip
Direct charter flight from Winnipeg to lodge and return; air-conditioned modern cabin with 24-hour electricity; coffee maker in cabin; all home-cooked meals (breakfast, shore lunch, dinner); FREE premium wines with dinner; FREE St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, and tackle bag; FREE WiFi, satellite phone, laptop, scanner, copier, printer; unlimited ice; unlimited frozen minnows/nightcrawlers; daily housekeeping; 18 ft Crestliner Kodiak boat with Yamaha 40 hp 4-stroke motor and gas; Icom radio, Lowrance fish finder, life cushions, cooler; experienced guide per boat
Canadian taxes (RST & GST), overnight stays before/after trip, fishing license, beverages; evening fishing: $80/boat extra; guide gratuity: $50/guest/day; chef/waitress/cleaning gratuity: $20/guest/night
Access: fly-in
Air Base: Winnipeg, MB
Flight Time: 100 minutes
Flight Distance: 400 miles
Season: May 23 to September 6
Minimum Stay: 3 days
55.507226, -95.691947 — Coordinates extracted from embedded map on Lakes page
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