Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass at Lady Evelyn Lake: A Family Legacy
Published: 20th November 2024 | Author: Jessica SuvakLocated in Northeastern Ontario’s Timiskaming District, Lady Evelyn Lake is an angler’s haven. Spanning 36 miles with 675 miles of shoreline and numerous islands, the lake offers a sense of solitude rarely found elsewhere. It’s possible to fish all day without encountering another boat, and in some secluded areas, the fish may have never seen a lure. Anglers come to Lady Eveyln in search of three prized species: walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
Since 1953, Garden Island Lodge, one of three lodges on Lady Evelyn Lake, has been a cornerstone of Drew’s family history. Drew’s Grandfather Art, was the first to bring the Nisbet family to Lady Evelyn for summer vacations. Over the decades, it has served as a gathering place filled with laughter, shared stories, and countless fishing tales. Watching footage from Art’s 16mm video camera—showcasing the same cabins, swimming spots, and fishing areas we explore today—provides a sense of continuity that enriches our experience.
This year, Drew and I chose to break from the norm; rather than focusing on the traditional walleye trolling Lady Evelyn is known for, we committed to fly fishing for smallmouth bass. Leaving the spinning gear behind allowed us to carve out our own chapter in the family’s history while deepening our connection to the lake.
Exploring Drew’s grandfather’s old fishing spots added to the experience. Knowing these waters still held fish made our journey more meaningful, while discovering new areas introduced an element of excitement.
Techniques and New Experiences
The Orvis Helios D 9′ 8-weight fly rod became our tool of choice. Its precision is ideal for casting various flies and lines. We paired it with the Scientific Angler Sonar Titan Full Sink Intermediate line. This line is perfect for fishing just below the surface. One afternoon, we watched smallmouth bass chasing baitfish. At first we weren’t sure what was exploding out of the water. The intensity of these smallies flying out of the water looked like otters breaking the surface. We threw Game Changer streamers—tied with Fulling Mill’s Changer Brush— in the direction the smallies were chasing bait. It was thrilling to see a wake behind that fly with big smallmouth eats.
We also used the Scientific Angler Sonar Sink 25 line, designed to reach deep depths fast. Because we needed the line and fly to reach 12 to 16 feet, The Scientific Angler Sonar Sink 25 paired with the Fulling Mill Jiggy Fat Minnows effectively mimick the baitfish. We also tied up flies Inspired by Jerry Darkes, who generously shared his techniques for fishing the Great Lakes for freshwater Drum and Canadian Coastal Brook Trout. From that, we experimented with jig flies and patterns like Jerry’s Peanut Butter and Jelly jigs. We even crafted our own variations of jig flies using Fulling Mill’s Salty Craft Fur, creating an irresistible pattern for smallmouth. Who doesn’t love Peanut Butter and Jelly.
On windier days we retreated to calm coves and switched to a floating line. This was a Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX Fly Line to explore shallow bays. There, we sight-fished for bass with Fulling Mill Bass Poppers and Blue Damselflies. Watching the fish rise to our flies added a thrilling visual dimension to our experience, reminiscent of trout fishing.
The Excitement of the Chase
Lady Evelyn Lake presented unique challenges. From wood-and-rock structures to shallow flats and deeper water, adapting our techniques to these varying conditions added to our adventure. Some smallmouth struck aggressively, while others approached cautiously, keeping us engaged. The satisfaction of hooking a fish with a fly we had meticulously chosen and tied was unparalleled.
A Community of Anglers
One of the joys of fishing at Lady Evelyn Lake is the sense of community among anglers. While the lake is primarily known for gear fishing, particularly for walleye, our fly fishing approach intrigued fellow fishermen. They asked questions, gave advice, and bet they would out fish us. Drew and I held our own among the spin fishermen, especially in the quest for the coveted 20-inch smallmouth bass. If you catch one, it earns the angler a special mug. Although we came close with a few 19.5-inch fish, the challenge made each day on the lake even more exciting. We’re already looking forward to next year, determined to return with mugs in hand.
Garden Island Lodge’s prominently displayed whiteboard tracks each angler’s best catches, creating a lighthearted competition. At the Lodge’s weekly fish fry, guests share stories, tips, and laughter over freshly caught walleye. These dinners highlight the camaraderie that fishing fosters, bridging gaps between different techniques and traditions for all anglers.”
Conclusion: A Tradition Renewed
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, casting golden light across Lady Evelyn Lake, we reflected on our adventure. Our fly fishing experience was not just about the fish we caught, but about honoring a legacy while creating our own memories. Each cast deepened our connection to this special place and its long history of family, friendship, and adventure.
Lady Evelyn is more than just a fishing destination; it’s where traditions are upheld and new stories are born. I look forward to many more years exploring these waters, grateful to be part of a legacy that began long before my arrival.
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