Stanton Airways' Eastern and Little Eastern Lakes provided us with consistent
largemouth bass action from the first cast. Not 200 yards from the dock, I nailed a heavy,
21-inch largemouth that pulled the scales down to the six pound mark, a bona fide,
trophy Ontario bass. By noon, we had caught and released so many 1 to 2-1/2 pound
bass that we'd lost track. We quickly realized that we would regret committing just two
days to this bass fishing gem.
On the afternoon of our second and last day at the lake, we navigated a small winding
creek to explore and fish Little Eastern Lake. Fishing plastic worms along the shoreline,
we boated more than eighty (80) bass in just three hours. Soon afterwards, we were
packing up and readying to fly out - and none too soon, I suppose - I was down to my
last four plastic worms, the remnants of more than a hundred I'd brought in!
Both Eastern and Little Eastern Lakes offer sheer numbers of fish with some topping the
six pound mark. Almost unbelievably, there are no coarse fish or rock bass in these
lakes - every bite is a bass, typically between one and two pounds. Although we stuck
pretty much with plastic worms, some experimenting with different baits / lures
demonstrated that bass could be taken on live frogs, crank baits, spinner baits, spinners,
weedless spoons, soft-plastic twitch baits, top water plugs and jigs. This is a great site to
perfect your bass fishing skills, work with new baits, practice presentations, teach
beginners. You will catch lots of fish to be sure!
Even though access is strictly by air, a day trip to Eastern and / or Little Eastern Lake is
surprisingly affordable. Your fishing trip can be extended if you stay overnight in a tent,
as we did, for a minimal fee - less than the cost of a two-day Great Lakes charter trip or
a north-country lodge guide. Cook if you like, even enjoy a shore lunch, but we simply
took a cooler full of ready-to-eat food and beverages for our 2-day stay.
Back Lakes Bassin' Etiquette
To maintain the quality fishing and pristine settings which draw anglers to remote back
lakes in the first place, keep these guidelines in mind.
• If you pack it in, pack it out. No glass.
• Do not trespass onto / across private property.
• Abide by fire restrictions; do not cut timber.
• Practice selective harvest; release larger fish.
• Leave the campsite better than you found it.
• Properly secure boats & gear before leaving.
• Help maintain well-marked trails for others.
• Enjoy the total outdoor experience, not just the fishing.
