In terms of distance, accessibility, means of access, lake size & structure, shoreline cover, fish species, conservation policies in place, and applicable MNR&F regulations (slot sizes, use of live bait, possession limits, etc.), the back lakes that fishing outfitters make accessible to their guests can be as different as night and day. But first, let’s get there.

The camp map generally will show the locations of back lakes and the trails, roads and water courses that take anglers to their own private lake - theirs for a day, anyway. Generally, the boats, motors, fuel, paddles, landing nets and safety gear are already cached at the lake. Anglers are expected to carry their own fishing gear - rods, reels, tackle, fish finder - and personal items including drinks, snacks, bait, fishing licence, lake map, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc., usually in a back pack. In addition to a properly fitted PFD and rain gear, hiking boots are among the most important items, along with sunglasses and a cap. Hiking trails, logging roads and water courses leading to that secret back lake are generally well marked and / or trampled, but the camp map should be in hand for more distant spots. At no time is a camp guide more important than when getting his charges to and from a hotspot safely. Of course, once there, his job becomes that of boat operator, fishing instructor, and shore lunch cook. More about guided trips here