For my son's high school graduation next summer (Jun 2011) I plan on bringing him on a father-son fishing trip for monster pike up in Canada. While thats "the plan" I have never tried anything like this before. Any recommendations on what province, lake (or lakes), good guides, and so forth that I should be looking into?

Saskatchewan (Great Slave Lake) is a top northern pike destination as well as Lake of the Woods. If you google Canadian Lakes + Pike you will see just how many lakes boast big pike. All you gotta do is pick one close to home because all lakes have pike averaging around 36" to start! Pick a couple out and come back and then ask for another opinion because there is way too many to list. Good luck!

I saw a Babe Winkleman episode on Lac La Matre that sure got my attention. The lake is catch and release only, and if memory serves there is only one place to stay on the entire lake(low pressure). It might be worth checking out. The video can be found at MyOutdoorsTV.com and probably on Babe's site as well. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

You need to decide how much you want to spend. Do you want to drive or do a fly-in. Black Bear Lodge in Red Lake has a nice drive to camp and charge $560 for a cabin, boat with motor and 3 meals a day. Go to Wollaston Lake Lodge and your paying $4200 - $7000 per person. Just a couple examples. One is a rustic do-it-yourself camp, the other a premire resort. The cheapest place is not always the best, however I have been to Black Bear Lodge many times and think they are pretty good for the price. You will have a better chance at a "trophy" at Wollaston, however I have caught many northern over 40in and walleye up to 28in out of Red Lake and have seen northern up to 47in and walleye up to 31in.  Hope this helps.

Chris

I must be brain dead. Does the All Canada Show come to anyplace near you? If so, it is probably worth a substantial drive and spending a day. I'm sure they have a web site, just don't have a link. One thing about this show- no boats, tackle etc, just lodges camps guides and outfitters. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

i've been to lake of the woods fishing for muskie and caught quite a few pike, many between 30" & 40". We stayed at a place called Red Wing Lodge. Best of luck!!!
The Muskies are coming Hooray Hooray!!!!

Red Wing Lodge up HWY 72 between EMO and Kenora, ON is bang on for big fish of several species! Can't go wrong fishing Lake of the Woods or Rainy Lake. Been there - done that!

WalleyeWayne, very good info and advice...thanks! I saw a piece about Great Slave Lake in the Dec/Jan NAFC mag and that's what got me thinking about a father-son trip. Appreciate it!

Thanks for the good advice! Best luck fishing this year...v/r, Scott
NAFC Life Member since 1998 scotttorg@verizon.net

Glad we could help. Be sure to come back and let us know what you decide upon...

Kesagami Lake.

I've been here on a fly-in.  I also use many of their outpost cabins, and have been extremely successful.  Depending on your budget, you may find that this is the finest lake in Canada.  Many professionals feel it is.  Check it out for yourself.  I'm just not sure where you are from, it could be quite a haul.  The lodge is really expensive, the outposts aren't too bad, but Kesagami Lake itself is spectacular.

http://www.kesagami.com/

Let me know what you've decided and how the trip was.

My name is Joe; I'm 60 & am a catch & release fisherman. I'm looking for a reasonably priced fly-in trip (quebec province) for me & my 2 sons for big pike. I'd love for my sons to experience the thrill of hooking a 45" great nothern like I did with my Dad when we flew out of chibougamau many years ago. We took a tent back then & swore we were the first ones to step foot on some of the lakes we fished. We stayed away from the cabins because most lakes were fished out. My fingers are getting sore; can I call u or u me @856-589-2895 if you've come across a good outfitter or fly-in pilot. Thanks Joe-V