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Sunset Country: The Northwest

The busiest fishing destination in Canada — for good reason.

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Sunset Country may be the most popular freshwater fishing destination anywhere. It is the northwest corner of Ontario, built around Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Red Lake.

The Famous Water

Lake of the Woods alone holds more than 14,500 islands. Lac Seul, Eagle Lake, Rainy Lake, and Wabigoon Lake all produce trophy fish every year. Anglers here regularly boat 12-inch crappies, 20-pound pike, and 30-inch walleye.

This is also the muskie capital of the world. Fish over 50 inches swim in Eagle Lake and Lake of the Woods. Serious muskie anglers plan whole seasons around this water.

Angler releasing a huge muskie boatside at sunset on a Northwest Ontario lake
Northwest Ontario is the best muskie water on the planet.

Easy to Reach, Easy to Escape

Drive access is simple from International Falls and Fort Frances on the U.S. side, or along the Trans-Canada Highway. Hundreds of drive-in camps and lodges line the big lakes.

Want solitude? Fly-in outposts north of Red Lake, Ear Falls, and Kenora put you on lakes that see only a handful of boats each season. Many outposts host one group at a time, so the lake is yours.

Cozy log housekeeping cabin on a rocky point overlooking a calm sunset lake
From full lodges to one-party outposts, every comfort level is covered.

Who It Fits

Sunset Country fits everyone, but it shines for anglers who want numbers and size in the same week. It is the natural pick for travellers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Manitoba.

Ready to pick your lake?

Browse the Lodge Directory