Traditions are one of the best ways to create lasting memories with family. For years, my son Tyson and I have shared father-and-son adventures across Canada, and these annual fishing and hunting trips have become some of our most treasured times together. Each one adds another chapter to a story we’ll both look back on for years to come.
This summer, we planned a mid-season fishing trip to Wilderness North’s Miminiska Lodge — an unforgettable experience for both of us. Miminiska Lake sits within the historic Albany River system, which flows more than 600 miles from Lake St. Joseph to James Bay. The lake itself covers over 14,000 acres with 112 miles of shoreline, countless points and islands, and the kind of structure that makes for world-class walleye, northern pike, and brook trout fishing.
We’re always looking for new waters to explore, and this time the idea of a fly-in lodge sealed the deal. Tyson had never flown into a remote destination before, and Miminiska offered the perfect mix — a family-run lodge known for its warm hospitality, great food, comfortable cabins, and outstanding fishing.
After landing at the dock, we were greeted by the friendly staff, settled into our cozy cabin overlooking the lake, and took a quiet moment to take it all in. Before heading out, one of the guides helped us mark up a map with proven walleye and pike spots — along with a few areas to avoid. With five full days ahead, we were ready to make the most of it.
The first afternoon, we motored to a mid-lake hump within sight of the lodge — and never needed to move again. The walleye bite was nonstop, with doubles coming so fast we lost track. The rest of the week followed suit: steady action, lots of laughs, and countless memories.
Our go-to setups included ¼-oz VMC Moon Eye Jigs paired with 4” Big Bite Bait Sensation Minnows and #6 Rapala Rippin’ Raps on Trika 7’3” medium-fast spinning rods, Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 reels, and 10-lb Sufix 832 braid — an ideal combination for numbers and size.
Afternoons were for chasing big northern pike in the shallow, weedy back bays. Thick vegetation called for weedless baits like Johnson Silver Minnows tipped with white grub trailers and the classic Five-of-Diamonds Redeye Spoon. Using Trika casting rods, Daiwa Tatula 300 reels, and 40-lb braid, we were ready for anything. Those baits produced not only Tyson’s two biggest pike ever, but also some of the trip’s largest walleyes — proof that Miminiska’s waters are full of surprises.
The excitement, laughter, and shared moments from those days on the water are what keep us coming back year after year. Miminiska Lodge gave us more than just a great fishing trip — it gave us time together and memories that will last a lifetime.
Life moves fast. Get your family or friends together, plan that trip, and start your own tradition — you’ll be glad you did.
