Jun 29
If you’ve never done a fly-in fishing trip before, the concept sounds almost too good to be true — board a floatplane, land on a lake…
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If you’ve never done a fly-in fishing trip before, the concept sounds almost too good to be true — board a floatplane, land on a lake…
If you’ve ever wanted to disappear for a few days and fish waters most people will never see, this is the kind of trip you’re after. Fly in
Fly In Fishing Lodges That Actually Take You Off the Map
If you've been searching for fly in fishing that goes beyond renting a boat on a crowded lake, you already know what you're looking for. You want water no one else has touched. You want walleye and northern pike stacked so thick they're almost embarrassed to hide. And honestly? You want the kind of quiet that only comes when there's no road in.
That's exactly what you get at Green Island Lodge's Remote Outposts — and it's why anglers from across the USA keep coming back year after year.
Why Fly In? Because Driving Just Doesn't Cut It Anymore
Look, I get it. Most guys start with a drive-in resort. Nothing wrong with that. But after you've fought for a fishing spot with three other boats on a Saturday morning in Minnesota, something shifts. You start wondering what's up there — past the paved roads, past the boat ramps, past the cell signal.
That's the fly in difference.
From Fort Frances, Ontario — just minutes from International Falls, Minnesota — Green Island Lodge launches float planes into a wilderness most anglers will never see. We're talking 10 remote outpost camps, scattered between 155 and 240 air miles northeast of the base. The only way in is by air. That flight alone? Worth the trip. You'll see hundreds of sparkling lakes laid out below you like nature just... forgot to stop.
What Fly In Fishing Minnesota Anglers Actually Experience
Here's the thing about fly in fishing Minnesota — and when I say "Minnesota," I mean that whole northern border corridor that bleeds into Canada — the fish are bigger. The lakes are emptier. And the whole vibe shifts the moment that floatplane touches down and the engine cuts.
At Green Island Lodge's outpost camps, you're not sharing the water with anyone. You are the water. You pick your spot, fish all day, cook what you catch at camp, and fall asleep to loons. Fresh-caught walleye over a fire? That's what the locals call "the prime rib of the North" — and well, they're not wrong.
These aren't glamping situations either. The camps are set up for serious anglers who came to fish, not to Instagram their breakfast. You get what you need. And you leave with stories you'll still be telling in ten years.
Choosing the Right Fly In Fishing Lodge
Not all fly in fishing lodges are created equal. Some sell the dream and deliver a crowded lake with dull gear. Here's what actually separates a great fly in experience from a forgettable one:
Float plane access — true fly in means no roads, period
Multiple lake options — more camps mean more flexibility based on target species and season
Decades of experience — Rusty Myers, the base operation behind Green Island Lodge, has been running float planes into the Ontario wilderness for 75+ years
Proximity to the US border — Fort Frances is right across from International Falls, MN, making the drive from most Midwest cities genuinely manageable
Species variety — walleye, northern pike, lake trout, smallmouth bass... it's all there
One thing I've noticed with first-timers: they underestimate how much the isolation adds to the catch rate. Less fishing pressure equals more fish. Simple as that.
According to a recent overview of fly-in fishing in Canada, anglers who make the jump to remote outpost fishing consistently report higher catch rates and a dramatically better overall experience compared to traditional resort fishing. And from what I've seen firsthand — that tracks.
Planning Your Trip: What to Know Before You Go
A few practical things that catch people off guard:
Pack light. Float planes have weight limits. Every pound counts.
Book early. Prime summer weeks fill up fast, especially for groups of 4–6.
Bring a fishing license — you'll need an Ontario non-resident license, which you can get ahead of time online.
Weather happens. Build a buffer day into your travel schedule. Float planes don't fly in heavy fog. That's not a complaint — that's wilderness.
The drive to International Falls from most parts of Minnesota or Wisconsin is straightforward. From the Twin Cities, you're looking at roughly 4–4.5 hours. Cross the border, head to Fort Frances, and by the time you're airborne, every hour of that drive feels worth it.
FAQs About Fly In Fishing
What fish can I catch on a fly in fishing trip in Ontario?
The main targets at Green Island Lodge's outposts are walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. Walleye in particular are abundant on these remote lakes because fishing pressure is almost nonexistent. Most lakes see only a handful of groups per season.
How far is Green Island Lodge from Minnesota?
The float plane base in Fort Frances, Ontario is just minutes from International Falls, Minnesota. It's one of the most accessible remote fly in destinations for US anglers — specifically those coming from the Midwest.
Is fly in fishing worth the cost?
Short answer: yes. Fly in fishing vacations in remote Ontario are often comparable in price to a Caribbean resort trip — but the experience is completely different. You're not poolside. You're catching trophy fish on water that's barely been touched.
Do I need prior float plane experience to book a fly in trip?
Not at all. The flights are handled entirely by experienced bush pilots, and Green Island Lodge has been doing this for decades. You just show up, board, and hold on for one of the most memorable 20–30 minutes of your life.
What's the best time of year for fly in fishing in Minnesota/Ontario?
Late May through early September is prime season. Walleye and pike are most active in late spring and early summer, while lake trout peak in cooler water. Book early if you're targeting a June or July window — those dates go first.
Bottom Line
Honestly, if you've been on the fence about a fly in fishing trip, the only regret most guys have is waiting this long to book one. Green Island Lodge's remote outposts aren't just a fishing trip — they're a reset. You fly in, you disappear from the world for a few days, and you come back with a cooler full of fish and a head full of space.
The drive from Minnesota is easy. The float planes are ready. The fish are waiting.
Book your remote outpost trip at Green Island Lodge →
Nice Walleye!
www.jacksonslodge.com