Fishing & Hunting FAQs

Planning your fly-in fishing or hunting trip? We’ve gathered the most common questions to help you prepare. From booking details to packing tips and regulations, here’s everything you need to know before heading into the wilderness.

Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Booking & Trip Planning

Fishing

Hunting

Packing & Travel

Regulations & Policies

How far in advance should I book my trip?

We recommend booking at least 6–12 months in advance, as availability is limited, especially for moose hunts.

Where do we fly from?

Your trip begins at our base on Rainy Lake, just across the U.S. border from International Falls, Minnesota. From there, we fly you 150–200 miles into the wilderness.

What’s included in my trip?

✔ Round-trip flights from our base.
✔ Fully equipped outpost cabin
✔ Boats, motors & fuel
✔ Detailed lake maps
✔ Moose retrieval (for hunters)

Food, bait, and satellite phone rentals are available as add-ons.

Do you have any hidden fees?

No. Our pricing is straightforward. The only additional costs are fishing licenses, hunting tags, bait, food packages, and Ontario’s 13% sales tax.

What kind of fish can I catch?

Our lakes are home to walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass (Glitter & Dasent Lakes only).

What are the best fishing techniques?

  • Walleye – Jigging with chartreuse, yellow, or white; minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers.
  • Northern Pike – Large spoons, topwater lures, or live bait.
  • Smallmouth Bass – Soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures for surface strikes.

Are there catch-and-release rules?

  • Walleye – No fish over 18 inches may be kept.
  • Northern Pike – No fish over 27 inches may be kept.
  • At select lakes like Lil Shab and Tessup, you can enjoy eating fish during your stay, but all fish must be released before leaving. No fish may be taken home from these lakes.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, all guests need an Ontario Sport Fishing License. You can purchase one online at huntandfishontario.com before your trip.

What species can I hunt?

We offer fly-in moose hunts in permit-only areas.

How do moose tags work?

Moose tags are limited, and we only offer a certain number per season. If hunting as a group, only one hunter needs an adult tag for the party to harvest a moose.

What’s included in my hunt?

✔ Round-trip flights
✔ Fully equipped outpost cabin
✔ Boats, motors & fuel
✔ Moose retrieval flights

What firearms can I bring?

You may bring rifles or bows, but firearm declaration forms must be completed at the Canadian border. More details will be provided upon booking.


How much gear can we bring?

Each person is allowed 80 lbs. of gear, including groceries. If you exceed this, extra weight may be flown in for an additional charge.

Can we bring alcohol?

Yes, but Canada limits alcohol imports to five cases of beer OR two 40oz bottles of liquor per person as of March, 2025.

Do we need to bring bottled water?

No, the lake water is safe to drink after boiling. You can also bring a water purifier.

Can I use my cell phone at the outpost?

No, there is no cell service at our outposts. Satellite phone rentals are available if needed.

Are there any conservation rules we should know?

We follow strict conservation guidelines to protect fish populations and maintain the quality of hunting grounds. Always review current Ontario regulations before your trip.

What is your cancellation policy?

Deposits are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another trip. Full payment is due before departure.

Are life jackets required?

Yes, all guests must bring and wear a Transport Canada-approved life jacket while in the boat.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

Flights may be delayed, but we always prioritize safety first. If weather prevents a scheduled departure, we will reschedule accordingly.

Northern Wilderness OUTFITTERS LTD.