Northern Light Lake, located just north of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and east of Quetico Provincial Park, is a stunning multi-species fishery in Ontario, Canada. The lake has an impressive surface area of approximately 16,000 acres (6,989.8 hectares). It is known for its abundant fish populations and relatively low fishing pressure, allowing several highly sought-after species to grow large and plentiful.
Access to Northern Light Lake is relatively straightforward. The most common route is via Highway 588, directly from Thunder Bay or Highway 593, for those traveling from the Pigeon River border crossing. The lake is about 90 miles west of Thunder Bay and roughly a three-hour drive from Grand Marais. While the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) maps indicate four public ramps on the east side of the lake, locals report only a few accessible public ramps. Two resorts, Red Pine Outfitters and Northern Light Resort, also offer their customers access. The lake can be reached by portage from Saganaga Lake, though it requires a Remote Area Border Crossing permit and is quite remote and challenging to navigate.
The lake’s diverse fish species include walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, burbot, cisco, lake whitefish, white sucker, and yellow perch. Walleye is particularly abundant, especially in the lake’s expansive, shallow bays, ideal for spring fishing. Northern Light Lake is celebrated for its dramatic and dynamic fishing spots, providing numerous excellent locations for anglers to explore. The lake is also known for its large northern pike, with some reaching up to 30 pounds.
Lake trout, smallmouth bass, and lake whitefish also thrive in Northern Light Lake. The lake trout here are noted for their size, and the lake has a reputation for producing trophy-sized specimens. Smallmouth bass are plentiful, providing exciting fishing opportunities, and the lake is a prime location for those targeting lake whitefish, which can be found in large numbers by knowledgeable anglers.
With its wide variety of fish and plenty of fishing sites, Northern Light Lake provides a rich and fulfilling fishing experience overall. It’s a top choice for anglers looking for an amazing fishing experience in a picturesque and isolated location.