Fishing for Walleye? Try Fly-in Resorts.
Fishing can be an excellent hobby and sport but what if you live in an area where the waters don’t always offer you a chance to find your dream catch? If you prefer convenience and comfort, try fly-in resorts. In the United States and Canada, fly-in resorts make brisk business, thanks to the enthusiasm of anglers who prefer to get away and be in hot pursuit of their prized walleye.
Why go to fly-in resorts
A fly-in resort is essentially an exclusive outpost in an area near a lake or river. Its main purpose is to provide accommodations and services for hobby fishermen and serious anglers who want to have fun and find time to relax. It’s a waste of good money to spend a few hours in these resorts and then leave.
Fly-in resorts also offer accommodations at remote outposts so if privacy is a concern, you’ll find what you’ll need here. In many fly-in resorts such as those found in Northwestern Ontario and in certain areas in the U.S., for example, may only be reached using a plane, which increases its adventure factor.
Many fly-in resorts also offer outfitting services so fishing gear rentals are available. Since walleye are also a challenge to catch, fly-in resorts also offer fishing guides to assist guests.
What you can expect
Services offered by fly-in resorts vary from the simplest where you have the bare but decent essentials to the luxurious, complete with expensive beddings, crew and staff. Cabins will often include separate bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and kitchens complete with necessary appliances.
Since your goal is to fish for walleye, check to see if fishing licenses and taxes are included in the package. Boat rentals are often included in the price, but you’ll have to check with the resort for certain limits or restrictions. If you catch your walleye, most resorts will also offer to clean and fillet your catch for you.
Most fly-in resorts will require a deposit within a specified period of time before you check in. Watch out for this and make sure to book only if you’re truly sure of your trip. Most fly-in resorts won’t refund your deposit in case of a no-show.
A fly-in resort package often includes air transportation from a designated location to the outpost and back again. You might also want to check if your fly-in resort has special arrangements with airlines or shuttle services. Special rates, usually labeled ‘Fisherman’s Fare’, are often offered to attract more guests. Check with local travel agencies as well, if you want to take advantage of these discounted prices.
If you prefer privacy
Most fly-in resorts will have staff and crew on hand to meet your needs and offer their services in case of emergencies. However, if you’re capable and prefer being on your own or with your family and friends, there are fly-in resorts that let you rent the whole area by yourself with no neighbors, no fellow guests and yes, no cabin staff or crew. These locations are quite safe and to ensure their guests’ well being, resort staff will usually fly in every other day to check on you or replenish supplies. Otherwise, you’re left to enjoy fishing for your walleye in peace.
How much will it cost?
All these privileges and remote accommodations don’t come cheap. Don’t consider fly-in resorts if you’re working on a budget or don’t want to spend a dime over a hundred bucks.
Most fly-in resorts offer packaged trips with 3-day packages to 7-day packages and the cost of which will depend on the number of people who will be flying-in and on the type of services offered. Of course, the more luxurious the accommodations and services you’ll receive, the more it will cost you.
Expect to spend an average of $950 for a package, with discounts in case you will be bringing children younger than 12. If you prefer a cheaper package and live near an area that is great for walleye fishing, try drive-in resorts. These resorts often offer excellent prices for a day of fishing. Once you’re done, simply pack up and leave after paying a small fee.
If you’re serious about catching a prize walleye, staying at a fly-in resort will be a great idea not just for a fishing holiday for also for your family and friends. Costly probably, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll find that it’s more than worth the price.
Tags: fishing trips, fishing vacation, walleye