Some lakes in the Chapleau area are home to an ever growing population of Smallmouth Bass. Our area is now one of the top destinations in Ontario for Trophy Smallmouth Bass because the bass have thrived in our clear rocky lakes. The Smallmouth Bass evolved in the Great Lakes' Water System and the Mississippi River basin. Through the illegal introduction of fish as well as eggs being transported by waterfowl, the bass have made their way into most of northern Ontario's lakes. They were once considered an invasive species but their popularity has given them game-fish status.
Our lodge is located on McLennan Lake, which does not have Smallmouth Bass. That does not mean that you can't experience the best Smallmouth Bass fishing you have ever had. We have lakes in the area that are just stuffed with bass. Guests have reported catching dozens of Smallmouth Bass in an afternoon on these lakes. The Smallmouth Bass are common in the 1 to 3-pound range but guests catch them commonly in the 4 to 5-pound range and every once in a while a 6-pounder gets caught.
We have a few Smallmouth Bass lakes within a 10 to 60 minute drive from the lodge. Ideally if you want to take advantage of the fantastic Smallmouth Bass fishing in the area you should have a pick-up truck, Jeep or SUV with a trailer hitch and 2-inch ball. 4x4 drive is an added bonus in the spring when some of the roads are muddy.
We have fishing boats on trailers ready to go. You just hook them up to your hitch and you are on your way. You can also bring your own boat.
July, August and September is when Smallmouth Bass fishing is at its best. In the spring they are down deep or spawning and not feeding. Small bass start to show up in June but the really big ones don't show up in the shallows until the spring minnows get big enough to eat. By July the big Smallmouth Bass are back in the shallows and hanging around rocky points, islands and shoals. On some of our lakes guests have reported running into giant schools of Smallmouth Bass and catching one after another all afternoon.
