Fishing
Fishing North Spirit Lake
Trophy northern pike, walleye, lake trout and blue walleye on a lake system no other lodge shares, north of Red Lake, Ontario.
Seasons
When Is the Best Time to Fish?
Late May to early June is best for big northern pike and numbers of walleye. Mid to late summer brings bigger walleye and aggressive pike, and September brings cooler weather and bigger fish, with only a slightly slower bite.
Trophy pike & walleye numbers
- The best time of year for big northern pike and for numbers of walleye.
- Lake trout are up near the surface and easier to catch than in midsummer, though they remain the most challenging fish in our area.
Bigger walleye, aggressive pike
- Walleye size up and stay in good numbers.
- Pike get aggressive and give great action, with large pike coming out of deeper water.
- Fishing the weed beds is fast action for mid-size pike.
- Lake trout go deep for cold water in midsummer, so they are fished in the deepest parts of the lake.
Cooler days, bigger fish
- Cooler weather and slightly slower fishing, but bigger fish.
- As the water cools, lake trout begin moving back toward shallower water.
Species
What Fish Can You Catch?
Walleye
Numbers peak in late May and early June. Through mid and late summer, walleye size up and stay in good numbers.
Recent trophy: 34 inch walleye, August 2026
Northern Pike
Late May and early June are best for big pike. In summer they turn aggressive, with large pike moving out of deeper water and fast action on mid-size pike in the weed beds.
Recent trophy: 45 inch northern pike, July 2026
Lake Trout
The most challenging fish in our area. In late spring they are near the surface and easier to catch; in midsummer they go deep for cold water, and as the water cools in September they begin moving shallower again. Trout Lake offers eye- and arm-popping lake trout action.
Recent trophy: 34 inch lake trout, July 2026
Blue Walleye
Blue walleye are found in some of our lakes, with high populations in Lakewood, one of our portage lakes. Access to Lakewood depends on trail conditions and water levels; we let you know when you arrive.
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch can be targeted on request. Just let your guide know you want to fish for them.
Whitefish
Whitefish are also caught in our waters, and are part of the forage our pike, walleye and lake trout feed on.
Forage
What Baitfish Are in the Lake?
The main forage in our waters is ciscoes (tullibee), whitefish, emerald shiners and yellow perch. Live minnows are not allowed; we provide frozen minnows at an extra cost. Nightcrawlers and leeches work well if you choose to bring them yourself. No live or frozen bait can be brought across the border.
- Ciscoes (tullibee)
- Whitefish
- Emerald shiners
- Yellow perch
By the Numbers
The lakes, and who has them to themselves
- Family owned since
- 1974
- Guests max per week
- 28
- 40 min flight from Red Lake
- 110 mi
- On the entire lake system
- Only lodge
- North Spirit Lake
- 15 × 6 mi
- Margot Lake
- 18 × 1 mi
The Lakes
Exclusive Lake Access
Sole Access to Multiple Lakes
Guests at North Spirit Lake Lodge are blessed with sole access to multiple lakes.North Spirit Lake is 15 miles by 6 miles and dotted with islands.
Margot Lake is 18 miles by 1 mile.With many bays and points, plus intimate portage lakes, you have endless water to explore.
Trout Lake has the added attraction of eye- and arm-popping Lake Trout action!
Recent Trophies
Trophy Fishing
North Spirit Lake Lodge is the only fishing resort on the entire lake system and only accessible by air. Hundreds of square miles of pristine water, multiple lakes and rivers, shared by a maximum of 28 guests per week.
July 2026
34 inch Lake Trout
August 2026
34 inch Walleye
July 2026
45 inch Northern Pike
Ready to Land Your Trophy Fish?
Prime weeks fill up early. Reach out to Bill and Valerie to check availability and lock in your week.