Back to All Lodges
Outpost

Merekeme Outpost

White River Air

Esnagi Lake, Ontario — Near White River

Max Depth 75 ft
Access fly-in
Pricing $

About This Outpost

Located in Merekeme Bay at the north end of Esnagi Lake, 38 miles (20 minutes) northeast of the White River Air base. The cabin is 28x40 ft of wood frame construction with built-in beds and foam mattresses, propane lighting, wood-burning airtight stove for heat, full-size propane refrigerator with top freezer, full-size propane cookstove with oven, hot and cold running water in kitchen and full bathroom (added in 2002), all cooking utensils and dishes supplied, and a large deck with gas barbecue. Classified as a Deluxe outpost cabin.

Reviews & Reputation

Summarized Review Highlights

White River Air earns overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple platforms, with nearly all guests rating their experience at or near the top of the scale. The company has built a strong long-term reputation, with many reviewers noting repeat visits spanning years or even decades. Guests consistently describe it as a well-run, family-operated business where the professionalism and friendliness of the staff — from phone staff like Brandi to dock hands and pilots — stand out as a defining feature. The fly-in experience itself, including the bush plane flights and the privacy of having an entire lake to oneself in the Canadian wilderness, is frequently described as a highlight that exceeds expectations.

Fishing quality receives high marks across a range of species, including walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and brook trout. Specific lakes such as Jembi, Bulldozer, and Gourlay are mentioned by name with praise for consistent catches. Cabins are described as clean and well-equipped, and the boats and aircraft are noted as reliable and well-maintained. The few criticisms that do appear are relatively minor: one first-time guest noted a lack of upfront communication about available equipment such as an inverter and boat anchors, and the absence of any lake or fishing briefing on arrival. Another reviewer mentioned a flooded and decaying dock caused by beaver activity that the outfitter was apparently unaware of. One guest noted that while their total catch was solid, their initial fishing expectations were perhaps too high. None of these concerns were repeated across multiple reviewers or described as trip-ruining.

White River Air appears best suited for anglers of varying skill levels who want a remote, self-guided fly-in outpost experience in Northern Ontario. The range of lakes and camp sizes makes it a reasonable fit for groups of friends, returning anglers chasing walleye or pike, and even families or first-time fly-in guests. The blog review also highlights it as a viable option for fly-fishing enthusiasts targeting brook trout on smaller lakes. Guests who prefer a fully guided or heavily hand-held experience may want to clarify expectations in advance, but those comfortable with a do-it-yourself setup will likely find the operation reliable and the fishing rewarding.

Summary generated May 25, 2026

Videos — 3 clips from YouTube

Flight Into Lodge Eighty Eight On Esnagi Lake - YouTube

Flight Into Lodge Eighty Eight On Esnagi Lake - YouTube

YouTube
CRAZY WALLEYE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO | The Fish'n Canada Show Episode 550: Esnagi Lake in Late Summer - YouTube

CRAZY WALLEYE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO | The Fish'n Canada Show Episode 550: Esnagi Lake in Late Summer - YouTube

YouTube
Fishing With The Girls On Esnagi Lake - YouTube

Fishing With The Girls On Esnagi Lake - YouTube

YouTube

Lake Information

Esnagi Lake is 27 miles long and varies in width from 1 mile to 10 miles. The structure is sandy and rocky with numerous weedbeds. Depth averages about 15 ft but reaches as deep as 75 ft in spots.

Lake Name
Esnagi Lake
Province
Ontario, Northern Ontario
Max Depth
75 ft
Avg Depth
15 ft
Lake Structure
Sandy and rocky with numerous weedbeds

Accommodations

Lodging Type
Cabin
Cabin Size
1,120 sq ft
Amenities
Electricity: Yes - generator
Running Water: Yes
Hot Water: Yes
Sink: Yes
Toilet: flush
Heat: Yes - wood-burning airtight stove

Other: Large deck with gas barbecue; all cooking utensils and dishes supplied

Boats & Equipment

Boat Length
14 ft
Motor
9.9 hp, 4-stroke outboard
Gas Included
Yes

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
No
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

Floatplane transportation to and from cabin, propane fridge, propane stove, propane lights, gas grill, boats, motor, unlimited fuel, hot and cold running water, indoor washroom

Not Included

Fishing license

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: White River, ON

Flight Time: 20 minutes

Flight Distance: 38 miles

Location

48.6999, -84.4033 — Coordinates extracted from embedded Google Maps URL on outpost page: 48°41'46.4"N 84°24'12.5"W

Contact

White River Air
White River, Ontario

Spot an error on this page or have a suggestion?

More from White River Air

Bulldozer Outpost

Outpost • Bulldozer Lake

View Details →
Cornish Outpost

Outpost • Cornish Lake

View Details →
Dayohessarah Outpost

Outpost • Dayohessarah Lake

View Details →
Gourlay Outpost

Outpost • Gourlay Lake

View Details →
Hambleton Outpost

Outpost • Hambleton Lake

View Details →
Jembi Outpost

Outpost • Jembi Lake

View Details →
Nameigos Outpost

Outpost • Nameigos Lake

View Details →
Pickle Outpost

Outpost • Pickle Lake

View Details →
Pike Outpost

Outpost • Pike Lake

View Details →
Pinei Outpost

Outpost • Pinei Lake

View Details →
Shekak Outpost

Outpost • Shekak Lake

View Details →
South Garnham Outpost

Outpost • South Garnham Lake

View Details →