After being confined to our home for over a year, my wife and I decided to take a trip to a fishing lodge. I did my research on walleye fishing... read more lodges in North Eastern Ontario that were a 6 to 8 hour drive from our hometown of Belleville. We wanted boats that had fishfinders and swivel seats and preferred a housekeeping package over an American Plan, since we were going up specifically for fishing and a designated mealtime might conflict with prime fishing times. It became quickly obvious that Lady Evelyn Lake was one of the top walleye lakes in our search area and after contacting several lodges on the lake, we decided to try Ellen Island Camp ((EIC) hosted by Jeff and Jane Landriault. We arrived at Mowat Landing for boat pickup and the crew from EIC loaded all our gear and food into their boats and after a very short boat ride we were trailered around a water control dam and into Lady Evelyn Lake. Fifteen minutes later we were arriving at Ellen Island Camp. We were given an introductory tour of the Camp and then a boat ride to show us areas of the lake near the camp where the fishing had been good. On returning we were issued our own boats, which were 16' Lund boats with a 20 hp 4 stroke Yamaha outboard. They had comfortable swivel seats, a fish finder and all necessary safety... After being confined to our home for over a year, my wife and I decided to take a trip to a fishing lodge. I did my research on walleye fishing lodges in North Eastern Ontario that were a 6 to 8 hour drive from our hometown of Belleville. We wanted boats that had fishfinders and swivel seats and preferred a housekeeping package over an American Plan, since we were going up specifically for fishing and a designated mealtime might conflict with prime fishing times.
It became quickly obvious that Lady Evelyn Lake was one of the top walleye lakes in our search area and after contacting several lodges on the lake, we decided to try Ellen Island Camp ((EIC) hosted by Jeff and Jane Landriault.
We arrived at Mowat Landing for boat pickup and the crew from EIC loaded all our gear and food into their boats and after a very short boat ride we were trailered around a water control dam and into Lady Evelyn Lake. Fifteen minutes later we were arriving at Ellen Island Camp. We were given an introductory tour of the Camp and then a boat ride to show us areas of the lake near the camp where the fishing had been good. On returning we were issued our own boats, which were 16' Lund boats with a 20 hp 4 stroke Yamaha outboard. They had comfortable swivel seats, a fish finder and all necessary safety gear. All the equipment was in excellent running condition and throughout our two stays, one week in July and one week in August, we never had an issue. Yes....I did say 2 stays. We loved it so much the first time, we managed to book another trip 4 weeks later due to Covid 19 restricting American access to Canada in general. All our food and equipment was delivered to our clean well equipped cottage which had a propane fridge, stove and wall heater
EIC has a diesel generator that operates every day from 5 pm until midnight to provide electricity to all cabins.
While we were there, the dock crew (Bryden, Kevin, Zack and James) helped us by keeping the boats clean, tying up the boats, getting bait, and cleaning any fish that we wanted to keep. The dock area ran like a well oiled machine. It was almost like being greeted by family as you left and returned to the dock after each fishing expedition.
The fishing experience is really unique. Where in Ontario can you go to a lake on a hot summer day and catch walleye in 8 feet of water. You really do have to change your fishing technique and kind of forget everything you may have done to catch walleye in a southern Ontario lake. We found the fish locations by trolling small two and three hook worm harnesses with a weight to go down 4 to 6 feet or eerie dearies (1/2-5/8oz). Once you find the fish, stop and cast 1/8oz jig heads tipped with half a worm. When you find the fish, sometimes it gets a little crazy as you can easily catch a dozen or so in one spot. Since the lake is so shallow, any wind makes it much easier to locate and catch fish. You always fish the shorelines and rock points that the waves are coming into.
On Lady Evelyn Lake you can keep any walleye under 16 3/4" and those over that length must be released. At EIC all boats have a fish measuring device which clearly indicates whether or not you can keep your catch for dinner. Catching dinner was never a problem. The first day or two, my wife and I may have caught a dozen or so walleye, but once we changed to the above mentioned tactics it was fairly easy to catch 25 to 30 walleye a day most of which were between 12 to 16" in length. Several over slot fish were caught and quickly released. We also caught many smallmouth bass to 3 lbs and several pike up to 5 lbs, but we really weren't fishing for these species.
The owners , Jeff and Jane were extremely accommodating and while we were there, they had several campfire nights on the island where everybody had the opportunity to get together to talk about the camp's history, the days fishing success or life in general. We always felt at home and were well taken care of while at EIC.
It is an experience you will remember for a lifetime. As I mentioned earlier we visited EIC twice this year and have booked another trip back here next year.
Thank You.......Jeff and Jane More
