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Merkel's Camp

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Approximate Cost:

6 - 7 Days: $250 to $500 Per Person
Access: Drive In Camp

Where We Fish: Dinorwic Lake Wabigoon Lake
What we fish for: Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Yellow Perch, Crappie

Merkel's Camp sits on Dinorwic Lake which is part of the Wabigoon - Dinorwic chain of lakes and also happens to be two of Ontario's most productive lakes for large predatory fish. For fishermen, that means memorable fishing adventures. Here the lakes are full of large Northern Pike, Walleye, Muskie, and feeder fish such as Crappie and Perch. Merkel's Camp is just over three hours from International Falls by car. The lodge sits between Vermilion Bay and Ignance.

Guests stay in two or three bedroom cottages, though the camp also has outposts and a campground with an RV park. The cottages have three-piece bathrooms, and bedrooms with bunk beds, though the lower bunk is usually a full-size bed. Cabins feature a full kitchen complete with dishes, pots, and pans. A propane grill is available outside of the cabin. Inside is a TV with DVD and the setup is for light housekeeping.

Fishing with Merkel's Camp

The fishing here is good because the lakes are shallow. That means that the fish have a longer, and warmer growing season. With plenty of food from filler rivers, the Walleye, Muskie, and Northern Pike grow big. Also available are Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout. The fishing here is pretty easy and very suitable for fishermen of all skill levels. Kids are very welcome and when not fishing, the lake makes a great place to swim.

Expect a rugged shoreline with rocky points that extend into sheltered bays and coves. Here is where you are likely to find the big Muskie and Northern Pike. The weedy patches make great spots for lurking and the small feeder fish venture into the weeds to escape the juvenile Smallmouth Bass, which hunt in packs. That situation is what feeds the big predators and that is exactly why smart fishermen seek out the weeds. Be sure to pack a few steel leaders (Northern Pike have 700 plus teeth,) and if you are fishing with lures, throw in a few weed guards too.