If you are looking for a Canadian fishing trip with incredible walleye fishing, remote scenery, and comfortable accommodations for the entire family, Camp Lake St. Joseph deserves to be on your list.

This is my third year visiting the lodge, and somehow the fishing gets better every time.

Camp Lake St. Joseph offers the feel of a Canadian fly-in fishing trip without the fly-in price tag. The camp is remote and boat-in, the fishing pressure is extremely low (it requires tags from the lodge to fish it), and you can bring your own boat or rent one from the lodge.

It has become one of my favorite family fishing trips because serious anglers can fish hard while kids, grandparents, and beginners can still have an amazing time. It’s hands down the easiest walleye fishing I’ve had.

My History With The Lodge

My connection to Camp Lake St. Joseph goes beyond the fishing.

Andy Arnold was the owner who originally invited me up. He also put an incredible amount of work into renovating the lodge and creating the comfortable destination it is today.

This winter, I learned that Andy had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I wanted to help however I could, so I made a video explaining the situation and helped advertise the lodge in hopes of finding someone who would be excited to continue what Andy had started.

Thankfully, we connected with a new owner who sees the potential in the lodge and is excited about continuing to improve it.

There is now a young team operating the camp, and they still have a lot to learn. Running a remote lodge comes with challenges most guests never see. But I have no doubt they will continue improving with time, and I am excited to watch the lodge grow into its next chapter.

Getting to Camp Lake St. Joseph

Camp Lake St. Joseph is located in Northwestern Ontario, about six hours north of the United States–Canada border, depending on your route.

The drive is long, but once you leave the landing and begin the boat ride into camp, it immediately feels like a true Canadian wilderness trip. In fact, the boat ride is about 5 minutes across the lake – so once you get to the access, you are practically there.

It is also important to contact the lodge before setting out; there are large sections of 599 that don’t have service, so it’s ideal for them to know when to connect with you. They can also assist with boat-in instructions and packing recommendations.

You may be able to fish the evening you arrive. Summer days are long, and productive water can be found within minutes of camp. I highly recommend you take advantage of the evening and go catch some walleyes!

Comfortable Cabins in a Remote Setting

Remote does not mean rough.

The cabins have been remodeled and are comfortable enough for a full family vacation. You get the wilderness experience without giving up real beds and the basic comforts that make a longer stay enjoyable. Yes, there is even wifi.

One of the best parts is that you do not need to make long boat runs to catch fish. We have caught walleyes only a few minutes from camp, most of the time with the cabins still visible in the background.

That makes a huge difference when traveling with kids or family members who may want to take breaks throughout the day.

Why It Is Such a Great Family Fishing Trip

My mom and daughter can stay entertained all day by simply dropping a jig and minnow straight below the boat.

They do not need to make perfect casts, understand advanced electronics, or learn complicated presentations. They lower the bait, keep it near the bottom, and catch fish. It’s literally that simple.

Because the action is often consistent, kids stay interested. Because the fishing is close to camp, it is easy to return for lunch, take a break, or head in if the weather changes.

I never feel like I have to choose between bringing my family and having a serious fishing trip. At Camp Lake St. Joseph, I can do both.

How We Catch the Walleyes

The most reliable presentation during my trips has been vertical jigging with live minnows.

Look for rocky points, islands, reefs, and humps, especially where the wind is pushing into the structure. Position the boat over the fish, lower the jig to the bottom, and work it with small lifts. These fish are aggressive. Fishing is easy. Don’t overcomplicate it.

Many times, the fish bite before the jig even settles.

My setup is simple:

• Medium-light or medium spinning rod (St. Croix Avids)
• 8 lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader
• Lindy Livebait Jigs or B Max jigs from lurenet (code nicole15 for 15% off them here)
• Live minnows

Soft plastics can catch fish, but live bait helps keep the action consistent, especially for kids and less experienced anglers. Just use the live bait.

Walleye Numbers and Trophy Pike

The walleye fishing is what makes this trip special.

The lake produces excellent numbers of fish, with many walleyes falling into that ideal two- to four-pound range. Doubles are common, and it is not unusual to have everyone in the boat hooked up at once.

Lake St. Joseph is also known for large northern pike, including fish over 40 inches. We have caught trophy-class pike while using regular walleye gear, so it is worth bringing a heavier rod, strong leaders, large spoons, swimbaits, and a good net if you want to target these fish specifically.

What to Pack

For a Canadian fishing trip like this, I recommend bringing:

• Walleye rods and one heavier pike setup
• Jigs – lots of jigs, plastics (although I recommend live bait – check with the lodge before arriving)
• Landing net and measuring board
• Rain gear, summer gear, and warm layers (the weather can vary GREATLY up there)
• Waterproof footwear
• Sunscreen and insect repellent – the bugs are bad
• Passports and fishing license (the resort will give you tags)
• Chargers, dry bags, and personal supplies, etc..

Weather can change quickly in Northwestern Ontario, so pack for warm afternoons, cool mornings, wind, and rain.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Camp Lake St. Joseph

Camp Lake St. Joseph is truly one of my favorite places to fish.

The walleye numbers are incredible, there are real opportunities at trophy pike, and the setting feels remote without requiring an expensive fly-in package. In fact, pricing starts at $159 a night.

But the biggest reason I keep returning is how easy it is to bring my family.

My mom and daughter can catch fish all day, take breaks when they need to, and enjoy the trip without complicated techniques or long runs across the lake.

That is difficult to find.

Camp Lake St. Joseph offers serious Canadian fishing, comfortable cabins, lightly pressured water, and a family-friendly experience all in one trip.

I am grateful for what Andy created, hopeful about the future of the lodge, and excited to continue returning with my family.

If you are planning a Canadian fishing trip or searching for one of the best family fishing trips in Ontario, Camp Lake St. Joseph should be on your radar.