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Outpost

Zig Zag Outpost

Wilderness North

Zig Zag Lake, Ontario — Near McKenzie Lake Base

Max Depth 170 ft
Max Guests 8
Access fly-in
Pricing $$

About This Outpost

Zig Zag Lake is a 7-mile long widening of the Jackfish River with very strong current flow allowing for consistent action throughout the summer. Copious amounts of walleye feed some truly giant northern pike. A 200ft wide channel allows access to Crescent Lake. Average walleye size is 18-20 inches; average pike is 32 inches with many over 40 inches. Accommodates up to 8.

Reviews & Reputation

Summarized Review Highlights

Wilderness North earns consistently strong praise across guest reviews, with nearly all reviewers awarding the highest possible ratings. Guests range from first-time fly-in visitors to anglers who have been returning annually since the 1990s, and the tone across reviews is one of genuine enthusiasm rather than polished promotion. The outfitter operates multiple remote lodge locations in Northern Ontario, accessible by float plane or wheeled aircraft out of Thunder Bay, and the overall reputation is that of a well-run, detail-oriented operation that delivers on its promises.

Fishing is the primary draw, and guests consistently report exceptional walleye and northern pike action, with multiple reviews describing trophy-sized fish caught in high numbers. Shore lunches, where staff fillet and cook the day's catch, are a frequently mentioned highlight. Beyond fishing, the lodges themselves receive high marks — accommodations are described as substantially more comfortable than the word "cabin" implies, with some properties offering multi-bathroom A-frames, full homes with gathering lounges, and fireplaces. Staff attention is a recurring theme: guests repeatedly note that requests, large or small, were handled promptly and cheerfully. Food quality, including full hot breakfasts, shore lunches, and multi-course dinners at higher-end properties, is praised across multiple reviews. At the more full-service lodges, amenities such as Starlink Wi-Fi, a tackle shop, a bar, and satellite TV are also noted positively.

Across the reviews collected here, there are no recurring complaints or significant concerns raised by guests. Every reviewer describes a positive experience, and several are repeat customers spanning decades. This absence of critical feedback may reflect a self-selected group of satisfied guests, so prospective visitors should be aware that fly-in fishing trips in remote Northern Ontario inherently involve factors like weather delays and rustic travel logistics, though none of the reviewers flagged these as problems. This destination appears best suited for groups of fishing buddies focused on walleye and pike, corporate or organizational groups seeking a premium all-inclusive remote experience, and returning anglers who value consistent service and proven trophy fisheries. Families and first-time fly-in guests are also mentioned, suggesting the operation accommodates a range of experience levels.

Summary generated May 25, 2026

Lake Information

7-mile widening of the Jackfish River. Strong current produces consistent walleye and pike action all summer. Access to Crescent Lake. Avg walleye 18-20in; avg pike 32in with many over 40in.

Lake Name
Zig Zag Lake
Province
Ontario, Northwestern Ontario
Max Depth
170 ft
Avg Depth
15 ft
Water Clarity
Dark, Tea-Stained
Lake Structure
River-like current flow; large rapids at upper and lower ends; holes ranging 60-170ft; channel access to Crescent Lake
Fishing Pressure
Low - remote outpost

Fish Species

walleye pike pike walleye

Portage Lakes: Yes - walleye, pike (Crescent Lake via 200ft channel) (1 lakes)

Accommodations

Lodging Type
Cabin
Max Guests
8
Bedrooms
2
Amenities
Electricity: No
Running Water: Yes
Hot Water: Yes
Shower: Yes
Sink: Yes
Toilet: outhouse
Heat: Yes - woodstove
WiFi
Satellite Wi-Fi internet for emergency contact

Other: Two bedrooms with four bunks; indoor washroom with shower, sink & hot/cold running water; outdoor toilet; propane lights & gas water pump; woodstove for heat; screened-in fish-cleaning station; minnow buckets, anchors, landing nets, safety kit in boats

Boats & Equipment

Boats Included
1
Boat Length
16 ft
Boat Brand
Lund SSV
Motor
20hp
Motor Brand
Yamaha
Seat Type
padded swivel seats
Gas Included
Yes

Meals & Services

Meal Plan
Housekeeping
Meals Included
None - self-catered; propane stove with oven, propane refrigerator with top freezer, outdoor gas grill & cooker, cookware and utensils provided
Guide Service
not available

What's Included

Included

Return flights from McKenzie Lake Base, cabin for up to 8, propane stove & oven, propane refrigerator, cookware and utensils, outdoor propane grill, propane lights, woodstove, gas water pump, satellite Wi-Fi, screened fish-cleaning station, 16ft Lund SSV boats with 20hp Yamaha motors and gas

Not Included

Meals (housekeeping), taxes (13%)

Getting There

Access: fly-in

Air Base: McKenzie Lake Base

Season & Booking

Minimum Stay: 4 days

Location

50.4833, -88.3283 — Coordinates from listed location: 50 29.0 N 88 19.7 W

Contact

Wilderness North
Armstrong, Thunder Bay, Ontario

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