Newsletter

Our newsletter provides information on Canadian fishing & hunting

5/26/2020

COMING HOME TO FLETCHER LAKE LODGE

Jeanne MacLean has owned and operated Fletcher Lake Lodge in Northwestern Ontario for 39 years. During all those years she has always looked forward to welcoming a lot of guests that return year after year. It is like going back home for them. They have become like family to Jeanne and her staff.

Her “family” and first time visitors all arrive by Canadian bush planes out of Kenora, Ontario. When “family” arrive there are lots of hugs, smiles and laughter. When “first timers” step off the plane onto the dock and look around, big smiles appear and you hear them saying things like “WOW, this is awesome!” or “Oh my gosh, this is perfect.!” And, that is before they are even on the water catching trophy smallmouth, walleye, northern pike and muskie.

Between catching fish there are always sightings of moose, bear, lynx, loons, bald eagles plus fantastic scenery, sunsets and sunrises. Did I mention sitting around a campfire? The “first timers” soon realize what Jeanne’s “family” already know. This special lodge on this special lake and the memories they will make will remain in their hearts and minds forever. They are now “family” too.

Don’t take my word for it though. Here are what some of Jeanne’s guests have to say –

“Jeanne, thanks again to you and your staff for my 15^th consecutive, knockout fishing trip with you at Fletcher Lake. Of course, the fishing was fantastic. I must tell you that the facilities, staff, food and lodge are frosting on the cake. I can hardly wait to come back 15 more times.” – Paul

 “For the past 35 years, three generations of our family have come to Fletcher Lake Lodge. During these trips, the ladies of the family have enjoyed their experience as much as the men and can’t wait to come back and fish again. The walleye, northern and smallmouth fishing has continued to improve with each trip and our family always catch trophy fish in each species every year. Jeanne and her staff provide a warm family welcome. We can’t wait to keep coming back. –Nancy

 “Fletcher Lake Lodge is an outdoor paradise, made even better by Jeanne and her staff. They are hands down the best hosts anyone could ask for. You really feel like you are part of the family when you stay here. – Abby

 “I just wanted to thank you again for the top notch fishing trip. Will definitely be spreading the good word about Fletcher Lake Lodge and the fantastic people who make it a family like atmosphere. See you next trip.” – Jason

Fletcher Lake Lodge was established in the mid 1960’s and is the only lodge on the lake. Jeanne purchased it in 1982. In 1995 they implemented a conservation fishing practice in order to ensure a healthy fishery for many years to come. Five years later Jeanne teamed up with the Ontario Government to create a unique Trophy Waters program that has dramatically increased both the quality and the quantity of fish in Fletcher Lake. It has set this area of Canada apart from many other regions in regards to trophy fish being caught, documented, pictures taken in case they want to have replica mounts made and the fish is then released back into the water.

Guests have a choice of a full service, fly-in American plan or a housekeeping package. The lodge is nestled into a bay with a sand beach and great fishing right from the dock. During the 2019 fishing season guests caught over 261 trophy walleye, northern and smallmouth along with many eaters and that doesn’t include all the other fish that were released. There are also two portage lakes north of Fletcher Lake that are fantastic muskie and perch fishing.

You can eat fish everyday if you want and enjoy all the other delicious home-cooked meals.

Even though a high percentage of guests are “family” and return every year, there is almost always room for “first timer’s”. Go to https://www.fletcherlake.com/ and check it all out. Then call Jeanne at her office in Minnesota at (218) 386-1538 or at the lodge (807) 224-3400 and tell her you want to come home.

SPECIAL NOTE

 As I write this, the Canadian border and Canadian provinces are closed. “family” and “first timers” can’t come home. Jeanne cannot travel to her lodge. All because of COVID-19. Everyone is very familiar with how this virus has changed the world we live in. Jeanne is unsure when she will be allowed to return to her beloved lodge and the beautiful area surrounding it.

 Hopefully you can just disregard this and Canada is starting to open back up and Jeanne’s “family” and “first timers” will be able to come this year. All Jeanne can do is wait. Those who have reservations for this year are waiting too and hoping for a call or email from Jeanne telling them it’s time to come home to Fletcher Lake Lodge.