Dog Lake Missanabie

[phidelt157]

We are considering a drive in to Dog Lake near Missanabie (not Thunder Bay) in July of 09. In particular, we were looking at Fox's Den Lodge. Does anyone have any information on either the lake, the portage lakes, or this outfitter?

Thanks in advance,


157

Two of us went to Dog Lake and stayed at Foxs Den Lodge. The facilities were OK but we received very little attention from the camp manager.

We found the fishing to be very poor on Dog Lake. My fishing partner in a week did not catch a single fish on that lake (he is a very experinced Canada fisherman), I only caught a few fish and they were very small. We caught almost all our fish in portage lakes and then it was very slow.

As you can tell I cannot reccomend this lake or lodge. It appears you live in Indianapolis area, I live in Carmel if you would like to contact me on this subject.

[lenray]

The lake has the correct name. Guys who really know the lake can catch fish. We fish smaller outlying lakes that we use a quad to get into. Some are 5-15 miles out in the bush from Dogger.
It is a nice area with the game preserve coming right up to the town limits with many bear and moose to be seen.
Maybe look at Ash Lake out a few miles.

If ya really want the fish go up into NW ontario and go up the rivers like we do and portage and camp 25 miles from where ya leave your truck and catch until your arms hurt.

We left Dogger behind 10-12 years ago.

[fishergirlz]

My friends and I stayed at Fox's Den on two occasions. The first time we went was at the end of July, the weather was hot perfect for Pike fishing! We caught lots of nice Pike in the day and some nice Walleye at sunset. The next visit was late Aug. again good fishing, especially in the portage lakes. The cabin was clean and the lodge, meals, and scenery were great!

[lobo1]

We tried this area one year - about ten years ago and did not fare too well for numbers of fish or size. Also I did NOT use the outfit you are asking about and am not ripping them in particular. Maybe if you hit it just right........at ice out - peak moon phase - prestorm etc.
I would consider this an area of "pressured fishing" and plan accordingly with subtle live bait presentations etc.


good luck
lobo1

[lenray]

Listen very closely to what lobo1 says and has written. I have seen pics of this man's fishing and he knows what he is doing with a pole line and bait.

Read between the lines or just plain read the lines--if 777 things line up perfectly including the sun and all of the planets and all of their moons you might not have to eat all of the fish sticks you brought up with you.

BUT DO BRING FROZEN MRS. PAULS WITH YOU.

[lobo1]

Not sure about all that Len but I am quite sure that I have learned to enjoy the journey a "little" further down the road to where most people haven't been yet.....rewards for the patience of the trip (miles)always have paid off - as you know very well!

take care -

steve

[pike50plus]

Much better fishing lakes in that area, that would be a no chioce for me!

[Mikep007]

I've been fishing in Canada for 8 years now, once to twice a year with two fly-ins. I've been to Totomenai at Whitefish Lake, Wanikewin on the Pickerel River and fly-ins with Wilderness North and Air Ivanhoe. I've travelled with guys that have fished Ontario for 30 years.

I've booked with Fox's Den for June 21 and am willing to give them a try. I can't believe a 14,000 acre Ontario Lake with seven portage lakes contains no fish (judging from these posts). I think if you're going to answer phidelt197's question, you at least need to state more details.

The fact is walleye fishing generally is poor in Ontario in August (hot summer months), unless you're close to the great lakes or go downrigger deep. The last three years I've fished Ontario in August and caught exactly three walleye (but killed on perch, bass and pike). Any given week can just plain suck as well -- all fishermen know it's about weather and location on the water and none of you (naybe fishergirlz) have really talked about the timing, water conditions or weather patterns.

Can anyone that's been to Dog Lake give us timing, reasonable stats on fishing and more details on their experience?

[lobo1]

I really don't like to flat out disagree but your statement that fishing is generally poor in Ontario in august is not accurate. Many a 100 fish days are had in august on quality waters if you choose to fish them.....and this can still be done with light tackle and jigs - not riggers etc.
This area described in this thread can make for a good vacation - I would certainly go there again but now I would know going in - to NOT expect great fishing - at any time of the year. Catching a ton of fish or a shot at a trophy CPR may not be what everybody wants in a vacation - just keep in mind to bring some groceries and you will be all set.
This is not to say that there wont be any good fishing - because there will be - but FOR ME - I would have in my brain that the fishing will be slow - then I might be pleasantly surprised. This theory is totally opposite for where I fish now. Cold front, heat wave, T-storms, may, june, july, august - I am catching fish - period - and lots of them. If I don't catch a ton a fish - then I would be very disappointed - but this hasn't happened yet.

It's just a choice in how you want to spend your personal time and how you want to spend your vacation dollars - I like to catch a ton a fish and get an occasional trophy (picture) and not have to work real hard at it. If I want to catch a handful of fish each day I can happily do that at home.

This is not a ding on this area - as long as those that go are prepared for what is there - they can still have a great time - without disappointment.

lobo1