Our Fishing

Portage Lake Trips

Explore ten remote portage lakes connected to the main Woman River Chain, where short portages, ready-to-go boats and motors, and exceptional Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye fishing await.

Plan Your Trip

Planning your portage trip.

For the adventurous outdoorsman, our portage lakes open up water most guests never see. The portages are short, the boats and motors are waiting on location, and all you need is your gear for the day.

  • Portage lakes are scheduled daily at the lodge to ensure fair distribution to all guests.
  • One portage trip per guest is assured. Additional trips can be booked if openings remain after the day's scheduling.
  • Portage trips are included in our Housekeeping and American Plan package prices at no additional charge.
  • A daily boat & motor charge applies for guests bringing their own boat who want to do a portage trip — we don't charge for the lake, only the boat, motor and gas.
  • A guide is required for all portage lakes.
Beyond the Main Chain

Our Portage Lakes

Past the main Woman River Chain, a network of remote portage lakes opens up, some a short walk off the water, others a drive down a logging road. Many are managed catch-and-release, and each offers its own kind of fishing, from trophy pike and smallmouth to lakes that give up a hundred walleye in a day.

A remote portage lake at Canada North Lodge

Narrow Lake

Conservation limits in effect on this lake – same as on main lake system – the release of all Walleye over 18″ and the release of all Northern over 27″. Excellent Walleye & Northern Pike fishing. Narrow Lake is directly off Big Woman Lake about 28 miles North of the lodge. Travel time by boat is about 1 hour. The portage is an easy portage, 1/4 mile long. The lake is about 13 miles long and is narrow. We have (3) 16′ boats on this lake, powered by 25 hp Mercury engines – 6 guests per day.

Quartz Lake

Conservation limits in effect on this lake – same as on main lake system – the release of all Northern Pike over 27″. Quartz Lake is located just off Big Woman Lake, approximately 24 miles north of the lodge. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes. The portage is our longest, but it’s well-maintained, with most of the trail crossing solid rock, making it manageable even during very wet or rainy conditions. Two boats with motors are available at this location, accommodating up to 4 guests per day.

R & R Lake

Catch & Release. R & R Lake is renowned for its trophy-class Northern Pike and impressive Walleye fishing. Not only are the Walleye large, but the sheer numbers caught in a single day make this lake a favorite among anglers. Landing Northern Pike in the 35" to 44" range is common, and many guests have an excellent chance of catching one during a day’s fishing. Because of its outstanding fishing, R & R Lake is one of our most sought-after destinations. Access to R & R is approximately a 1-hour drive from the lodge via a logging road. From the end of the road, the portage is a short 100-yard walk to the lake. The lake itself is a modest, bowl-shaped body of water, roughly as wide as it is long, making it easy to fish thoroughly in a single day. To help preserve this exceptional fishery, all fish must be released. No fish may be kept, including for shore lunch, so a boxed lunch is provided for your day on the water. R & R Lake is equipped with two boats and motors and accommodates a maximum of four guests per day, ensuring a quiet and uncrowded fishing experience.

Spot Lake

Catch & Release. Spot Lake is known for its trophy smallmouth bass fishery. On a typical day, anglers can expect to catch 30 to 40 quality smallmouth bass, with fish reaching up to 6 pounds. Chances are excellent that you’ll land several trophy-sized bass during a full day on the water. In addition to its outstanding bass fishing, Spot Lake is home to quality northern pike and consistently produces its share of trophy-class fish. The lake also offers exceptional walleye fishing, with plenty of large walleye waiting to be caught. Located just off Big Bear Lake, Spot Lake is approximately 12 miles from the main lodge and can be reached in about 25 minutes by boat. A short portage provides easy access to the lake. Two boats with motors are available at this lake, accommodating up to four guests per day.

Little Walleye Lake

Catch & Release. This lake is known for its outstanding Walleye fishing, offering both exceptional numbers and impressive quality. It’s a true angler’s paradise when the fish are at their peak. The lake is also known for producing trophy-sized Northern Pike. Located approximately 25 minutes by boat from the main lodge, this small, secluded lake is accessed via a double portage. One boat and motor are available at this location, with access limited to two guests per day.

Wicked Lake

Catch & Release. Wicked Lake is known for its Northern Pike, trophy-sized walleye, and incredible numbers of fish. Catching 100 or more walleye in a single day is a common experience, making this one of our most sought-after fishing destinations. Access to Wicked Lake begins with approximately a one-hour drive from the lodge along a logging road, followed by a short 75-yard portage to the lake. Although relatively small in size, its remote location provides a peaceful, exclusive fishing experience, ideal for anglers looking to enjoy a lake entirely to themselves. To preserve the outstanding fishery, all fish are released, and no fish may be kept for shore lunch. A boxed lunch is provided for your day on the water. Wicked Lake is equipped with two boats and motors and accommodates a maximum of four guests per day, ensuring plenty of space and an exceptional fishing experience.

William Lake

Catch & Release. A True Trophy Lake. William Lake is all about quality over quantity. Rather than catching high numbers of fish, anglers come here for the chance to land the fish of a lifetime. A typical day may yield only a couple of quality catches, making this the ideal destination for those who appreciate patience and the excitement of true trophy fishing. Renowned for its impressive Walleye and Northern Pike, William Lake rewards anglers who are willing to put in the time. The lake is located approximately 35 minutes by boat from the main lodge, followed by a short 75 yard portage, offering a peaceful and exclusive fishing experience. To preserve its secluded atmosphere, only one boat and motor are available on William Lake, limiting access to a maximum of two guests per day. This long, narrow lake reaches depths of up to 85 feet, creating excellent habitat for trophy-sized fish.

Snakeweed Lake

Conservation limits on this lake – same as on main lake system – the release of all Walleye over 18″ and the release of all Northern Pike over 27″. One of our most popular and highly sought-after lakes, this destination is known for excellent Walleye and Northern Pike fishing. Access is easy, with a short portage and just a 5-minute drive to the boat landing. Two boats with motors are available at this location, accommodating up to four guests per day. This good-sized lake features two scenic waterfalls/rapids, one at the inlet and one at the outlet adding to its natural beauty and fishing experience.

Russell Lake

Catch & Release. Russell Lake is our newest portage lake and has not been fished by our guests in over 15 years, offering a truly unique angling experience. This secluded lake is known for its exceptional walleye and northern pike fishing. Located just off Woman Lake, Russell Lake is approximately 23 miles from the main lodge and can be reached by boat in about 50 minutes. A short, easy 125 yard portage provides access to the lake. One boat with motor is available at Russell Lake, accommodating up to two guests per day, ensuring a quiet and exclusive fishing experience.

Confederation Lake

Conservation limits on this lake. Confederation Lake is renowned for its exceptional lake trout and northern pike fishing, particularly its outstanding abundance of lake trout. This expansive, crystal-clear lake features depths exceeding 100 feet, providing excellent habitat for trophy fish and an exciting experience for anglers. Ideal for those who enjoy exploring new waters, Confederation Lake offers a true wilderness fishing adventure. The lake is located approximately 25 minutes by vehicle from the main lodge. One boat and motor are available at this location, with access limited to two guests per day.

We reserve the right to change our conservation policies on these lakes at any time.