Other Information

Dates Open : May thru Sept.

Lake or Area Name : Red Lake, Ontario
Boat Safety Information :
       Pleasure Craft Operator Card


CATCH AND RELEASE POLICY - Although we do not have a required catch and release policy for our guests, we strongly encourage all fishermen to be environmentally responsible. In order to maintain the strong fishery that we have had over the years, fishermen are encouraged to release all trophy sized fish and to keep only those fish they wish to eat at their shore lunch. With the cost of fiberglass replicas going down every year, we would prefer that our customers take some quick photos and measurements of their trophy and then release the fish so that others may have a chance to enjoy the thrill of catching that fish another day.

Black Bear Lodge has access to six portage lakes. Each lake has a boat and a motor already on it. Some of the portage lakes you get to by boating to the portage and walking a short distance to the desired lake. Other portage lakes are just down the road from camp. You will need to drive the short distance before walking to the lake. The portage lakes that we have access to are: Parker, No Name 2, No Name 3, Hann, Suffel, and Flat Lake (known as the Muskie Lake).


Black Bear Lodge is a drive in outpost fishing camp located 250 miles north of International Falls, Minnesota. It is about 20 miles west of the town of Red Lake, Ontario. Black Bear Lodge was established over 50 years ago with the idea of providing a realistically priced fishing vacation package to those interested in catching Lake Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskie. We also offer fall bear hunts starting in mid-August. Our camp is situated on a sheltered bay at the West end of Red Lake. Black Bear is one of only two camps located at the end of this 43,680 acre lake, which means you can spend the day fishing without having to share your hot spot with other boaters. The fishing on our end of the lake gets better every year. You may also explore one of our 7 portage lakes. Most of these lakes are exclusive to Black Bear guests, providing you with an additional opportunity to boat that trophy of a lifetime.

Even though Black Bear Lodge is located in the heart of the Canadian bush country, you do not need to charter a floatplane to reach us. You can drive to within 3/4 of a mile of our camp. After you leave the town of Red Lake, you will proceed another 25 miles west. The last 12 miles of your trip will be down a maintained logging road and will take you to our parking area. Please remember, You do not drive into camp. The last phase of your trip will be down an old trappers portage, which was also used to haul gold out of the near by mines. We will bring you and your gear down to camp on one of our 4x4 vehicles. Our goal is to try and preserve some of the traditions and feel of a true Canadian wilderness camp, so we do not allow vehicles in camp. Also, because Black Bear Lodge is considered an outpost camp, there is NO ELECTRICITY, RUNNING WATER, OR INDOOR TOILETS in the cabins. The cabins are equipped with oil burning stoves, Coleman lanterns and bunk beds with foam mattresses. We do have a shower house with hot and cold water, a main lodge with water and electricity, and a brand new fish cleaning house with water, electricity, and ice machines.