It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter here in the north country. That means people are thinking of the holidays, breaking out the snow boots and- if you are lucky – maybe getting some ice fishing gear ready. However, there are also some very wise individuals who are looking even further ahead, to their fly in fishing trips in the spring, summer and fall. These folks are thinking ahead because now is the best time to get the jump on everyone else when it comes to planning your ultimate trip. And we will talk a bit more about how awesome fly in trips are in a minute. But let’s circle back to booking early.

When picking dates for fly in trips it’s almost impossible to plan too far ahead. The real keeners -who don’t want to ever miss the best dates – book their next trip before they leave their last one. This not only locks in the date, it also fends off the potential for procrastination once you get back home.  Many of us go straight back into regular life mode as soon as the trip is over. Then, some time in the spring, the call of the wild is heard and the booking is made again. Hopefully, the dates you want are open. If they aren’t, it can be a disappointing moment. However, book now, before the rush and you can get pick of the litter.  On top of those good reasons, there is also the possibility of scoring an early booking discount. Wilderness North is keen to give you a discount if you lock your date in early. This leaves you more money to spend on important things like Berkley Powerbait,  Johnson Silver Minnows and Rapala Husky Jerks.

Now, about those reasons for taking a fly in fishing trip. Number one is the absolute wonder of fishing in the wilds of northern Ontario. Most of us know our home waters well and get used to catching fish within sight of cottages, highways and  humanity. You learn to ignore the Jetski whizzing by you at 80 miles an hour. However, when you fly into a Wilderness North lodge or outpost camp the constant noise of the modern world is left behind. The scream of a Seadoo is replaced by the cry of a loon. The drone of traffic and highway noise is quickly forgotten as you embrace the sound of the wind in the trees and the crash of waves on wild shoreline. This is fishing as it’s meant to be, with hungry fish and endless miles of lakes without another soul around. Add to that the real chance of catching (and releasing) the giant fish of a lifetime and you have the kind of experience that heals the soul and calms psyche.

There are a variety of fly in opportunities as well. For people who want to be fed well and worry about nothing more than reeling in a fish, there are lodge trips that have food served to you and shore lunch made by skilled guides. Folks who are more comfortable roughing it a little, can fly into an outpost camp where you bring your food, cook your own meals and find the fish on your own. You’ll always be in contact with loved ones  thanks to satellite Wi-Fi, but nearly all the other noise of the modern world is gone. It’s just you and the northern lights and the walleye on your own private fishing paradise.  Once you have that fly in experience experience, it’s really hard not to make it an annual part of your life.

So, book that trip now, and let the anticipation begin.