The Outcast Loc: NE Michigan

Got a last minute chance to go on a fly in fishing trip to Norhern Ontario for 9 days of fishing.
At first was not going to go because only had 4 days notice, but thought what the heck, only live once.
So, after a 11 hour drive to Nakina Ontario, which was our jump off point, and a one hour float plane flight, we landed at Boreal Forest Outfitters outpost cabin on White Clay Lake. 2 hours later we were on the water, exploring out knew home for the next 10 days.
It was a new lake for the group, 1st time fly in for me.
Info was abundant walleye and norhern pike to 40lbs!
1st day was a bit slow, finding out way. Probably caught 20 walleye or so between us, and a few small slime dogs😎. Had plenty of walleye for dinner, and enjoyed our 1st fish dinner out of 8 we would have!
As we got more familiar with the lake, we discovered that most of the walleyes were residing in 8-10 feet of water , and were hitting jigs and assorted cranks cast and trolled.
Any pinch points and rapids also had bunches of fish. This Lake is on the Ogocki River system, and current across lake points provided great concentrations of fish.
1st big Northern, 40”er, came on day 2, on a Rapala scatter rap tail dancer in 10’ of water.
We hit the inlet of the Ogocki River on day 3, and caught dozens of 15-22” walleye there. Also caught the ever present northern, up to 35” or so. We had to use steel leaders, or lost lures were the rule. It didn’t seem to deter the walleyes or pike. The water was stained a tea color, and I am sure that helped.
The days are running together now, but we hit the inlet of the Raymond River, a lot smaller and slower than the Ogocki River. Not as many walleye, but a few. We slowly fished our way down stream, and found the 2nd”HotSpot” of our tip. It was a side bay, off the river, that had a mostly sandy bottom and depths to 20’. At first, we thought nothing would be in there, but we’re were wrong! The 10-12 acre bay was LOADED with fish! We caught over 100 walleyes, 10-12 perch to 12” long and several pile over 38”. I caught 2 myself over 40”! Definitely PB’s for me!
Scenery was fantastic, and as we explored further found the Ogocki River gorge, which was about 2 miles long, and had water depths up to and over 200’!
Needless to say, we had a great time, ate fish everyday, lunch and dinner, weather was fantastic with highs in the 70’s, mostly sunny every day until the 8th and 9th day when we had light rain in am, but cleared after noon. The day we left the weather was rainy and foggy, and out flight out was delayed 6 hours due to fog.
Our group seen 4 bears for the week either walking the shore or swimming the lake. We did not see any moose but I got a partial trail cam pic of one.
The outfitter advised us not to dump fish guts near camp, but to dump them as far as possible to deter the bears. So every evening after cleaning our days catch, I would take a boat and go across bay and dump them on an island. I had a trail cam with me, so I put it on the fish guys, and got 918 pics! Mostly eagles, Turku vultures Ana Ravens. I also got a fox one night, and one day I got partial pics of a moose.. but only of it’s legs and lips!

Out post camp


Dan and 1st 40”er


Ogocki River rapids


Rapids


Typical crankbait, this was a Rapala DT 6


40” northern, 22lbs


42” northern
Attached file:
(Download)

Ogoki river gorge


Gorge2


Gorge 3

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

WOWIE ZOWIE Outcast! Sure glad you decided to make the journey into Canada with your group! What a fabulous trip, outstanding results...and plenty of memories to ponder once the snow starts to fly around Northern MI! Great idea about setting up that trail cam on the island! Hard to get that close to eagles any other way! Thanks for sharing the story and awesome photo spread!

The Outcast Loc: NE Michigan

Thanks Yaker!
Nice to “see’ you. It was very cool. I have a 2nd post as well about the trip. Moderators moved it around and it actually got delayed for some reason….

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Awesome trip Outcast! Nice Pike and Eyes, and some beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing.

The Outcast Loc: NE Michigan

Thanks Fred!
The pike were dogging the walleyes, 4-or 5 times we would set the hook on a walleye and have it promptly snatched by a giant northern. I actually caught a walleye about 18” long and it launched out of the water with a big pike attached! Pretty awesome..those fish had no problem eating them walleyes

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Those Pike are definitely big enough to eat a full size Eye.

Cougar Loc: Tennessee/Michigan

Nice to hear from you Fishyaker. Hope all is well and your enjoying Fall in Northern Michigan?? I’ve been up in Michigan several times around Sand Lake and I’m going to spend a few weeks Deer hunting in November. Glad to hear from you again on the Forum.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Yes...I did notice that...which I thought was a bit odd. Both posts were enjoyable to review!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you cougar. It has been a very busy Summer, and we are enjoying the transition into the Fall season. There is a nice splash of foliage color showing up and my wife and I typically try to go for at least a dozen "touring drives" until the leaves are gone!

Good luck on your MI deer hunt this season...hopefully a large antlered buck will be found standing in your crosshairs at the perfect time!

Cougar Loc: Tennessee/Michigan

Thanks and enjoy your Fall drives. Get ready for snowmobiling season. Let you know how deer season goes.