If you’ve been following along, you know I’m always chasing new ice fishing adventures. This ice fishing lake trout trip to Baker’s Narrows Lodge? It checked every box—and then some.
My husband and I headed up to northern Manitoba with our friends Megan and Alex for what turned out to be the perfect couples trip. Great company, incredible fishing, and the kind of memories you talk about for years.
It’s been over 6 years since I’ve been to Bakers Narrows Lodge and I simply couldn’t wait to go back.
About Baker’s Narrows Lodge: Manitoba Ice Fishing Destination
Baker’s Narrows Lodge sits on the shores of Lake Athapapuskow, just outside of Flin Flon, Manitoba—north of the 54th parallel in some of Canada’s most rugged and wild country. If you know anything about this lodge, you know it’s famous for its lake trout fishing. We’re talking trophy waters that have produced absolute giants, but also the kind of numbers that keep you busy all day. It’s not just about chasing that one big fish—you’re going to catch a lot of them.
It’s a drive-to Manitoba ice fishing destination (but has fly-in outpost options – more on that later), so you get that true backcountry experience without the hassle of chartering a plane just to get there.
The lodge offers a variety of ice fishing packages to fit any budget or trip style—from incredibly affordable starter packages that are perfect if you want to dip your toes into lake trout fishing, to all-inclusive options that take everything off your plate so you can just show up and fish. More on that later.
Backcountry Lake Trout Fishing: The Ride Out
After arriving in the early morning, the cabin (thanks to a few truck issues you may know about if you follow me!), our guide Amir met us for a backcountry trout adventure. We rented a couple of Baker’s Narrows’ Ski-Doo snowmobiles for the ride out to a remote lake. Let me tell you—these aren’t junky rental sleds. Baker’s runs top-of-the-line machines with plenty of room for passengers and all the gear you need for a full day of ice fishing for lake trout.
Weaving through northern Manitoba’s snow-covered forest, frozen lakes stretching as far as you can see—it honestly felt like we had the whole world to ourselves. If you’ve never experienced Manitoba ice fishing in winter, it’s hard to put into words how vast and beautiful everything is. You just have to see it.
Ice Fishing Lake Trout Tactics: Dead Lines
Once we got there, we had the hub set up with livescope (and noticed fish immediately). Amir then set us up with dead lines by using Finicky Foolers. If you’re not familiar with Finicky Foolers, they’re a go-to for ice fishing – allowing you to fight the fish on an actual rod instead of a traditional tipup. This makes dead line fishing that much more fun. This is especially true when fighting lakers.
We spread out our dead lines and kept an eye on the tip-ups while working the holes inside the shack. Between the five of us, we had a lot of lines in the water—and the fish definitely cooperated.
Non-Stop Lake Trout Action
This was one of those ice fishing lake trout trips where you barely had time to catch your breath. We were riding from dead line to dead line, and inside the shack someone was usually preoccupied with action. Pure chaos in the best way possible. You know those days where you’re just laughing because you literally can’t keep up? That was this trip.
We all scored plenty of fish each. Sometimes before the dead line could make it down to the bottom, it was already hooked up, making for crazy action.
We lucked out with nice weather, which made it fun to hang outside, but honestly? I still loved hanging in the heated shack and watching those lake trout smoke my line on the Livescope. Seeing a trout come screaming in and absolutely crush your jig in real time? Never gets old.
Lake Trout Ice Fishing Gear: My Setup
I brought my Big Otter Resort Hub for this trip since I like to film, but Baker’s Narrows provides insulated hubs if you need one—so don’t stress if you’re not hauling your own shelter up to Manitoba. They have rentals, and best of all, their all inclusive package makes sure you are totally covered.
The lodge also offers rental ice fishing rods or their custom line of Bakers Narrows rods for guests to purchase, but you know me—I brought my own lake trout ice fishing setup. I was running a 42″ St. Croix Custom Ice paired with a Piscifun Carbon XT 1000, spooled with 20-pound braid and a 17-pound fluorocarbon leader. We were throwing big jigs tipped with plastics to match the aggressive presentation those backcountry lake trout wanted.
Benefits of the All-Inclusive Package
One of the best parts of the all-inclusive option? Not having to think about food. Like, at all. Baker’s started us off with a hot breakfast each morning before we headed out, and they kept us fueled on the ice with packed lunches—sandwiches, drinks, and snacks so we never had to stop fishing. When you’re on a trip with friends and the bite is hot, the last thing you want to do is waste time figuring out food. They just handled it, and it made such a difference.
Backcountry Pike Fishing Day
We also added a backcountry pike fishing day to the trip, which Baker’s Narrows makes super easy to arrange. They offer excursions to remote Manitoba lakes where you can chase aggressive northerns that don’t see much pressure. It was a great way to switch things up and explore even more of what Manitoba has to offer.
Baker’s Narrows Ice Fishing Packages and Rates
Okay, let’s talk about what makes Baker’s Narrows so accessible—because the rates are seriously affordable, especially if you’re coming from the States.
Their Deep Freeze Fishing package starts at just $499 CAD per person—that’s around $359 USD for a 4-person group. You get 4 nights in a private log cottage with hot breakfast each morning and one day of guided lake trout fishing. If you’ve been wanting to try backcountry lake trout fishing but aren’t sure where to start, this is honestly one of the best ways to do it without a huge commitment.
If you want the full experience without lifting a finger, the All-Inclusive Hardwater Package starting at $1,799 CAD per person includes lodging, all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—fully guided ice fishing, all gear, and ice transportation. You literally don’t have to bring anything but yourself. Just show up in warm gear and be ready to fish.
Check out all their winter packages at bakersnarrowslodge.com.
Best Manitoba Ice Fishing Lodge: Final Thoughts
Baker’s Narrows Lodge does backcountry ice fishing right. Between Amir’s knowledge of the lakes, the quality equipment, the comfortable heated hubs, and the absolute beauty of the Manitoba wilderness—it was everything we hoped for and more. Add in great friends, good food, and nonstop action? Recipe for a perfect trip.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure with the Deep Freeze package (only $359 USD) or want the full all-inclusive ice fishing experience where everything is taken care of, Baker’s has options that work for any budget.
Visit bakersnarrowslodge.com to check out their Manitoba ice fishing packages and start planning.
What’s Next: Kamuchawie Lake Trophy Lake Trout
This is just the beginning. I’m already dreaming about my next Baker’s Narrows adventure—Kamuchawie Lake. It’s considered one of the best lake trout fisheries on the entire continent, with your best shot at trophy lake trout over 40 inches. It’s a fly-in outpost only accessible by floatplane, and it’s been sitting on my bucket list for way too long. I’m hoping to finally get up there this summer, and honestly? I can’t wait.
