OTTERS HIDEAWAY

  My Dad and I visited Ellen Island Camp for a partial week stay. Our Cabin was clean, and well equipped. I especially appreciated the well seasoned cast iron. Our... read more boat ran well, and the seats with backs were a life saver for two bad backs.

The solitude of this lake takes your breath away. Once you get out in your boat, it is only you and the fish. No matter where we were we had picturesque views. I could never imagine the view we had from our cabin. Our cabin faced West, and we had amazing sunsets every evening.

That brings me to the fishing. I would not describe it as hot, but it was very good. I brought in a few huge walleye.

Lastly, Ellen Island would not be what it is without its staff and owners. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Boy do they work hard and it shows. One of my favorite things was their fish cleaning service. I can't express how great it is to have your fish expertly cleaned and ready for dinner. More

  Over the years I have been to many fishing camps, both fly-in and drive to destinations, and can honestly say that I have never experienced a more professionally run outfit... read more than the one over at Ellen Camp. The cabins were clean, spacious, and perfectly equipped for both long and short stays. The boats and motors, along with the electronics, worked and ran seamlessly without so much of a hiccup. The amenities such as the game room and lounge are second to none, fully outfitted with pool table, dart board, comfy sofa’s, and a monster large screen TV as an added bonus on top of everything else (this really came in handy one evening as we were able to take in the clinching game of the Stanly Cup Final while we were there) What struck me most was the service Jeff and his crew provided to us during our stay. Right from the minute we were picked up at Mowatt’s, to the moment we left for home, the staff at Ellen Island were so courteous and just an extreme pleasure to deal with and to be around. I can’t say enough about our experience, it was simply amazing ! Oh and the fishing A few days prior to heading up there I contacted Jeff to confirm some particulars. The discussion then turned and led to what the bite was like recently. Jeff mentioned, “to be honest it’s a bit slow this... Over the years I have been to many fishing camps, both fly-in and drive to destinations, and can honestly say that I have never experienced a more professionally run outfit than the one over at Ellen Camp.

The cabins were clean, spacious, and perfectly equipped for both long and short stays.

The boats and motors, along with the electronics, worked and ran seamlessly without so much of a hiccup.

The amenities such as the game room and lounge are second to none, fully outfitted with pool table, dart board, comfy sofa’s, and a monster large screen TV as an added bonus on top of everything else (this really came in handy one evening as we were able to take in the clinching game of the Stanly Cup Final while we were there)

What struck me most was the service Jeff and his crew provided to us during our stay. Right from the minute we were picked up at Mowatt’s, to the moment we left for home, the staff at Ellen Island were so courteous and just an extreme pleasure to deal with and to be around.

I can’t say enough about our experience, it was simply amazing !

Oh and the fishing

A few days prior to heading up there I contacted Jeff to confirm some particulars. The discussion then turned and led to what the bite was like recently. Jeff mentioned, “to be honest it’s a bit slow this past week with the mayfly hatch and all” LOL, if we were there during a slow period, I can’t imagine what it’s like when the bite is really on ! Our party of 8 composed of some seasoned anglers and some new-comers did extremely well during our short 3 day stint – resulting in one of the best fish frys I’ve ever had ! .In other words the fishing was truly fantastic during a so-called ‘slow-bite’ period.

Superb people, awesome camp, beautiful lake, and some of the best fishing I’ve ever experienced – what more can I say ?

To Jeff and all his staff, I want to thank you on behalf of our group for making our annual trip such a great success!
I cannot tell how much we enjoyed our stay.
We will definitely be back there next year and many more years to come.

Sincerely,
Gino
Mississauga, ON More

  My two adult children and good friend and I have been to many fishing lodges all over ontario for the past 15 years. It is an annual trip started with... read more my father and I that we did for 40 years prior.
This year we decided to return to lady evelyn and try Ellen island. The previous 2 times were at a different lodge that was American plan. We made the right choice and just came back from probably the best run lodge operation I have ever experienced. I have been in so many dissapointing cabins , boats and lodges over the years that never seemed to live up to the hype, promises and photos. This lodge was perfect! Cabins were clean equipped and properly screened for bugs. The boats were clean, electric start and perfectly matched with a 20hp that flies down the lake and trolls beautifully. The staff top up the gas, refill minnows, pump out any rain and wipe down the seats whenever needed without asking. Ice is delivered, garbage removed and unlimited advice on techniques and spots to fish is offered.
This staff is so courteous and friendly and professional in every interaction.
The pick up and drop off at mowat landing is seamless.
All of us had an awesome week.
Thankyou More

  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.