The ultimate fishing trip - float planes

Umiakovik lake, in northern Labrador, is typical of many fly-in fishing destinations located throughout Canada. For most people this means breath-taking scenery surrounding untouched waters so full of fish that you want them to leave you alone after a few days fishing. All you have to do is meet the float plane that's scheduled to fly you out during that window you've painstakingly chosen, right? Well, yes and no. Umiakovik lake does have some fantastic runs of fish, as do most fishing lodges. But one thing to keep in mind is that fly-in lodges are still commercial operations and receive just about as much fishing pressure as any other lodge. The other thing to keep in mind is that all float planes operate under visual flight rules (VFR) and you can often find yourself sitting on the dock, sometimes for days, waiting for the weather to clear up just enough for you to get in or out; not a fun scenario if you're on a tight schedule. And don't expect creature comforts either; with everything having to be flown in, most fly-in "lodges" are in fact camps, all brought to you at rates that equal or exceed most deluxe lodges with road access. The reason? The exorbitant cost of operating bush planes these days.

Don't get me wrong. As a former commercial bush pilot with thousands of hours flying time, I can tell you there is nothing more rewarding than a trip into a remote Canadian lake; whether its for fishing, photography, or just plain adventure seeking. For many people, a picture of a float plane at a secluded lake like the one below is about as Canadian as it gets.

One way to still experience a float plane trip without the inconveniences described above is to book at a lodge connected by road that offers fly-outs as an option to its customers at an extra cost. That way if you have the time and budget, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. One such lodge is Dalton Trail Lodge, Yukon. To find out more, visit http://www.fishcanadanow.com/