CHARLIES DEN

  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

  Amazing Week away!! We were group of 6 staying in Cedar Ridge Cabin. Easy load up of our stuff when we were picked up at Mowatts landing and it... read more was amazing the organization in ferrying us around the dam and then to the Camp. We had a friendly welcome when we arrived and all of our items were taken to our Cabin by the staff in ATV's. The Cabin was clean and had all of the amenities that we needed for a comfortable stay ... including the mattresses that provided a good nights sleep. They delivered ice for the coolers for our drinks daily and bottles for the water cooler. The Staff were amazing at all times. Gave me a crash course on how to use an outboard .. Shout out to Brayden who was Very patient. The boats and motors were in great condition and the fuel was maintained daily. Absolutely wonderful how the staff were waiting at the docks when coming in at the end of the day to clean your fish and then deliver them to your cabin once done .. all packaged (MNR compliant) to take home - Zack was a whiz at cleaning a pike. Made arrangements to hike to Sugar Lake and the staff had the 2.5 motor on a backpack ready to go. Everything was well thought out and they run this camp like a well oiled machine. Was my first time and... Amazing Week away!! We were group of 6 staying in Cedar Ridge Cabin. Easy load up of our stuff when we were picked up at Mowatts landing and it was amazing the organization in ferrying us around the dam and then to the Camp. We had a friendly welcome when we arrived and all of our items were taken to our Cabin by the staff in ATV's. The Cabin was clean and had all of the amenities that we needed for a comfortable stay ... including the mattresses that provided a good nights sleep. They delivered ice for the coolers for our drinks daily and bottles for the water cooler. The Staff were amazing at all times. Gave me a crash course on how to use an outboard .. Shout out to Brayden who was Very patient. The boats and motors were in great condition and the fuel was maintained daily. Absolutely wonderful how the staff were waiting at the docks when coming in at the end of the day to clean your fish and then deliver them to your cabin once done .. all packaged (MNR compliant) to take home - Zack was a whiz at cleaning a pike. Made arrangements to hike to Sugar Lake and the staff had the 2.5 motor on a backpack ready to go. Everything was well thought out and they run this camp like a well oiled machine. Was my first time and will not be the last. Thanks to Jeff, Jane and all of the staff for the amazing memories 🙂 More

  Wow! We just came back from our first time at this great fishing camp and it won't be our last. Jeff, Jane and their staff run a top notch... read more angler's paradise. They go out of their way to ensure your stay will be the best experience ever. We can't say enough. From the comfortable cottages; the provided boats; the scenery; pristine lake; the service and awesome fishing! You will not be disappointed.

  Just returned from my second fishing trip to Ellen Island Camp. Jeff and his staff went out of their way, to ensure that everyone in our party had a great... read more stay. Fishing was excellent, and the accommodations are 5 star. Already looking forward to next years trip.

  From the moment we arrived at the landing to the time we arrived back at the landing the trip was wonderful. Jeff and his staff have this down to a... read more science, the fishing was excellent ,with many fish dinners ( 17 walleye caught and ate the first night). this is the place to be. the scenery the fishing the staff the cabins all 5 stars. first trip there and its not our last. Our group of six all rated it 5 stars. 11 months to go before our return.

  I got home last night from a week long trip to Ellen Island Camp with 3 friends. From the moment I met Jeff at the pick up point, I was... read more impressed with his professionalism, friendly demeanor, and his desire to give us the best experience he could. We love to provide our own meals, so we were right at home. Our cabin was clean, roomy and well stocked. The young men that he has working for him launching boats, docking boats, cleaning fish, and looking after all of your needs, are hard working, friendly, and are willing to share in good hearted banter. The boats have quality motors, seats, and are perfect for two people, three if they are well organized in their fishing together. I have nothing but positive things to say about Jeff, his wife Jane, his staff, and his camp. I can't wait to go back, I wish I could go back this year. Stop looking, this the place to be. More