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Outpost

MacSmith Lake Camp

True North Airways

MacSmith Lake, Ontario — Near Azilda

Max Guests 6
Access fly-in
Pricing $

About This Outpost

Only cabin on the lake — Complete privacy
MacSmith is a round lake approximately 1.5 miles in length with many islands and bays. Surprisingly deep for its size, with a big shoal in the central part. Walleye are found from the central shoal towards the northwest island. Bass at the lower part and rocky east shore. Pike biggest near the dock. A hiking trail at the south end leads to 'The Pothole' with a row boat and more walleye and pike.

Reviews & Reputation

4.0
Based on 2 reviews from across the web
Summarized Review Highlights

True North Airways — operating under the name Sudbury Aviation and based near Azilda, Ontario — carries a strong overall reputation among fly-in fishing guests, with the large majority of reviewers rating their experience at the top of the scale. The outfitter is repeatedly praised for its professionalism, reliability, and the warmth of owner Marg and her staff. Guests with 15 or more years of repeat business describe it as among the best fly-in operations in the province, and several reviewers note specific operational details that build trust: a confirmed mid-week check-in flight where staff actually land and verify conditions, and consistent punctuality on fly-out day. The floatplane service itself is described as courteous, safe, and well-maintained.

Fishing is the clear draw, and guests report strong numbers across multiple species — walleye (pickerel) in the 16–20-inch range, smallmouth bass up to 3–4 pounds, northern pike, and occasional larger fish. Lakes like MacSmith are described more as numbers fisheries than trophy destinations, though the consistent action — anglers reporting 30–40 fish over seven days — is a major point of satisfaction. Cabins are universally called clean, functional, and well-equipped with propane appliances, wood stoves, bunk beds, and on-site saunas. No one describes them as luxury accommodations, but the consensus is that they deliver exactly what a remote fishing camp should.

The one honest cautionary note comes from a detailed mid-range review: the MacSmith camp was found to be missing some basic kitchen items, had no oars or boat safety kits, and lacked enough certified PFDs for all guests. Anglers are advised to confirm equipment details in advance and consider bringing their own personal flotation devices to be safe. Beyond that specific concern, complaints are rare across the reviews. This destination is best suited to groups of fishing buddies or pairs looking for a true remote outpost experience — particularly those targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, or pike — and to repeat fly-in anglers who value reliability and a well-run operation over amenities. It is not positioned as a family resort or a trophy-hunting destination, but for anglers who want consistent action, solitude, and a no-fuss bush camp, the reviews point consistently in one direction.

Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 2 reviews
John P Jun 5, 2020
TripAdvisor
@the_pottsy1 on Instagram check my page see my fishing videos
Well it was a trip I will never forget I've been there sudbury aviation 3 times Mc Smith lake once it was a small lake but loaded with bass pike pickerel we caught lots of fish all day long it is well worth having the hole lake to yourself peace full, nice cabin at night time when your in bed you can here the loons on the lake I loved it getting up in the morning early to go fishing the mist on the water breathtaking we caught so many fish in seven days that I caught in a life time the owner of Sudbury aviation was amazing women Marg the plane's are safe the cabin nice the best time ever Marg thanks so much ????????? worth it
This lodge
Bill R Jul 30, 2017
TripAdvisor
Macsmith Lake mid-summer
Flying off Whitewater Lake near Azilda, ON, Sudbury Aviation flies anglers to eleven outpost lakes that offer walleyes, northern pike, smallmouth bass, brook / speckled trout, and lake trout. The flying service was courteous & professional. MacSmith Lake (W, NP, SMB) is approximately 1.5 miles in length, with numerous islands and weed-rimmed bays. For a smaller lake, it is surprisingly deep, with a large, mid-lake shoal. Many parts of the lake feature stretches of rocky shoreline. The Macsmith camp accommodates six, but is better suited to parties of two to four. The vertical log cabin is equipped with propane appliances (refrigerator-freezer, lights, stove, BBQ) - all in good working order - bunk beds, a wood stove, kitchen counter & sink, table & chairs for six. However, the kitchen lacked a few important items (milk jug, glasses, spatula). Water must be carried up from the lake. On site is a second lot building - a sauna. The boats and 8-HP motors at the camp were among the best that the Northern Ontario Fisherman has ever used at outpost camps but there were no oars and not enough paddles for the three boats. Neither were there boat safety kits or enough certified PFDs for guests, so anglers are advised to bring their own. At Macsmith Lake, the consistency of the smallmouth bass fishing was a pleasant surprise. Mornings and evenings, bass would aggressively jump any topwater bait and go aerial to free themselves (which they very often did). Afternoons, bass were found along the distinct weed lines in the many back bays of Macsmith Lake. More a numbers lake than a trophy fishery, bass in the 1 to 3 pound range are the norm, with the occasional 4 lb. fish hooked (though not always landed). Walleyes at Macsmith are a little more challenging, but they are there for the catching early and late in the day or under overcast skies. The mid-lake shoal, while a snag-fest, is the best spot on the lake, but we caught several nice fish in the 16 to 18-inch range trolling fast-breaking shorelines and rocky points. Pike will be pike and invariably show up when fishing for bass or walleyes, shallow or deep, over rocks or near the weedlines, no matter the lure, bait or technique. For the most part, Macsmith northerns range from 2 to 5 pounds, but surely larger fish are there.
This lodge

Lake Information

MacSmith is a round lake approximately 1.5 miles in length with many islands and bays. Surprisingly deep for a smaller lake, with a big shoal in the central part. Walleye from the shoal toward the northwest island, bass at the lower/east shore, biggest pike near the dock. A hiking trail leads to The Pothole lake with a row boat and more walleye and pike.

Lake Name
MacSmith Lake
Province
Ontario, Sudbury, North Part
Lake Structure
Round lake ~1.5 miles long, many islands and bays, surprisingly deep, big shoal in central part, rocky east shore

Fish Species

walleye pike pike

Portage Lakes: Yes - walleye, pike (hiking trail at south end leads to The Pothole with row boat) (1 lakes)

Accommodations

Lodging Type
cabin
Max Guests
6
Beds
6
Amenities
Sauna
Dock

Other: Row boat at The Pothole portage lake, propane refrigerator, stove, cooking/eating utensils, ice and ice box, free midweek check flight

Boats & Equipment

Boat Length
12-14 ft aluminum
Motor
8 HP 4-stroke
Motor Brand
Yamaha
Seat Type
boat cushions
Gas Included
Yes - unlimited fuel included

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
No
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

Cabin, 12-14 ft aluminum boat, Yamaha 8HP 4-stroke outboard motor, unlimited fuel, propane refrigerator, stove, lights, cooking/eating utensils, ice and ice box, live bait upon request, free midweek check flight

Not Included

Food, beverages, fishing tackle, rods, reels, sleeping bags, pillows, life jackets, toiletries, towels, fishing license

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: Whitewater Lake, Azilda, Ontario (1 Airport Road, Azilda, ON)

Flight Distance: 35 miles

Season & Booking

Check-in Day: Saturday or Wednesday

Location

47.053535, -81.080268 — Coordinates extracted from embedded Google Maps iframe on camp page

Contact

True North Airways
Sudbury, Ontario

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