TRIP PLANNING
HOW TO PLAN YOUR OAK LAKE LODGE TRIP
While our packages include everything you’ll need to get from Vermilion Bay to Oak Lake, there are still a lot of details to take care of. Don’t worry. Our team is here to help.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS
Step one is giving us a call. After you book your trip with us, we will send you an email that covers everything you need to help plan for your Oak Lake Lodge trip.
The only way to get here is to fly. After a short, overnight stay in Vermilion Bay, you’ll catch a float plane directly to Oak Lake.
You’ll be out on the water the same day you land. After unpacking and settling in your private cabin, you’re ready to start fishing.
International travel regulations can change, so please review them.
Please make sure to:
- You bring proper identification.
- Find out what you can bring and what you cannot.
- If you are eligible to enter Canada.
You can find more information and answers to these questions through the Canadian Border Services Agency website.
Please call us to discuss any questions you have about travel.
Our guests fly from Vermilion Bay, Ontario, Canada, to our lodge in a float plane.
Your package includes round-trip airfare from Vermilion Bay, Ontario, to our lodge.
You can get to Vermilion Bay a few ways.
IF YOU’RE DRIVING
Many of our guests from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska choose to drive directly into Vermilion Bay. There is secure parking at the float plane airport when you arrive for your flight.
IF YOU’RE FLYING
If you’d like to keep your flight in the USA and drive across the border, you can catch a flight to International Falls, MN. From there, you can rent a car or hire a car service to get you to Vermilion Bay.
You can also fly directly to Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is a larger airport, and flights are more consistent than in smaller towns. The drive from Winnipeg to Vermilion Bay is about 3 hours on the Trans Canada Highway.
We provide a Trip Planning Email Series containing detailed information to guide our guests' travel into Canada after booking.
BASIC PACKING GUIDE
THE LODGE
Lodge guests have a strict weight limit of 60lbs per person. Along with all clothes and personal items for the trip, we also recommend you bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Complete rainproof gear
- Waterproof shoes
- Hooded sweatshirt
- Warm jacket
- Insect repellent
- Fishing gear
- Fishing vest
- Medicines, bandaids, and other essential first aid items
THE OUTPOST
Outpost guests have a strict weight limit of 100lbs per person. Along with all clothes and personal items for the trip, we also recommend you bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Complete rainproof gear
- Waterproof shoes
- Hooded sweatshirt
- Warm jacket
- Insect repellent
- Fishing gear
- Fishing vest
- Medicines, bandaids, and other essential first aid items
- Bed linens and towels
- Soap and shampoo
Outpost guests will also have to bring all food and drink for their trip.
FISHING GEAR
It’s best to bring a variety of lines, lures, and hooks with you. However, if you forget a lure, we have a tuck shop at the Lodge.
FISHING RODS:
Two-piece graphite works well (light and can be packed in a tube for easy travel)
LURES AND TACKLE
- Jigs, spinners, bucktails, spoons of various colors and sizes
- Lots of casting bait — we sell live minnows and bait at the Lodge
- Barbless hooks and a variety of lures
COMPREHENSIVE PRINTABLE PACKING GUIDE
WEATHER
For a general idea of what the weather at Oak Lake will be like, check the forecast for Grassy Narrows, Ontario. Even in the summer, it is best to prepare for cooler weather and rain. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but if you come prepared, it won’t stop you from having an excellent time on the water.