"Along with a group of other couples and their children, we have been using Mattice Lake Outfitters for 10 plus years. We enjoy the short flight to the Ogoki Reservoir where you are never more than 10 minutes away from great fishing holes. The cabins are first rate and Mattice Outfitters make you feel like a part of their family. Someone in our group always sees some wildlife whether it be eagles, moose, caribou, bear or all of the above. The scenery is breathtaking.."
T. Schugg – Waconia, MN
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"My brother and I have been booking trips with the Elliot family for about 18 years. We have tried one or two other outfitters but have always come back to Mattice Lake. All of the remote lakes in the are have great fishing, and the cabins and aircraft are similar. The reason we like Mattice Lake Outfitters is because we feel that we are not just another cash deal. They really in words and actions, make us feel like family. They have remembered us every year we have shown up, and we are not that memorable. They have taken us in to camp the evening before we were supposed to go in on two occasions because the camp was open and they know we wanted to be out there. No thought of charging us for the extra night.
We have fished five of their camps and liked them all. We have caught a lot of big fish on their big water camps-Ogoki and Whitewater Lake-including several pike over 25 lbs, and two walleyes over ten. The smaller water camps are fishable in all weather and provide a lot of action, just not the big fish we’ve seen on bigger water. The camps are always clean and well stocked. The boats and motors clean and working. Our biggest challenge is usually what part of the lake we want to explore, and whether to fish for pike in the morning and walleyes in the afternoon, or vice versa. Sunset cocktails on the porch listening to loons is priceless.."
J. Heald – Caper, WY
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"Don, We have been coming to your outfitting service since 2000 or 2001. After we picked your service and made our reservations we all had ideas as to what we wanted ( hoped for ) from you and the fishing trip. You exceeded all of our expectations. Your hospitality is top notch. I don't know if you remember our first trip or not. While at camp our truck developed a flat tire. Jason had it fixed and ready to go when we got back. As if the experience is not enough to bring us back the extra mile you went was the clincher. The planes are clean and the pilots experienced. The boats are nice size and the motors well maintained. The cabin was perfect and situated in such a place the sunsets were magnificent. But the fishing was out of sight! I've watched my son catch northern top water on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We watched an eagle dive for fish the same day. An awesome sight! We have also see moose, beavers and otters. Can't wait till August. See you then.."
J. West – Laurelville, OH
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"We have gone to Mattice Outfitters for the last 3 years. The experience has been great all the way from the hospitality to the fishing and everything in between.
Don't miss the chance to fish here its great!."
S. Lombardo – Round Lake Beach, IL
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"In my experience Canada fishing is everything it is cracked up to be, it is fantastic! But what separates MATTICE from other outfitters is its commitment to safety for their customers. It isn't everyone who has developed radio contact with their base operations and their outpost cabins. That alone means a level of comfort should something go horribly wrong in a wilderness setting. The boats and motors are of the highest quality, again this adds to level of safety I’ve come to expect from MATTICE. Their outpost cabins are the real McCoy, true log cabins built on site with timbers from the native forest. What a treat it is to return to our cabin after a cold blustery day on the water, fire up the wood stove and settle down to the creature comforts of a well made cabin and not a cabin made out of 2x4’s and plywood.."
J. Heald – Brookfield, WI
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"I happened to run into an old High School friend at a Pittsburgh Steelers Game, and all he could talk about – other than the Steelers—was this great fishing experience he had with an outfitter in Canada. He had been back several times and was sold on the relationship he had built with the outfitter. Both of us turned 50 years old last summer within weeks and my friend commented “would it not be great to share that occasion while fishing for Walleye in Canada.” Well, five months later, we were sitting in the red and black De Havilland Beaver, piloted by owner Don Elliot, of Mattice Lake Outfitters.
From first day to last day, it was the experience of a life-time.
I highly recommend the professional outfitter services of Don Elliot and his team. We had great service. The cabin was tip-top shape, the boats were well maintained, Ice was serviced in during our stay (before we woke) and the fishing was one word -- FANTASTIC.
We saw eagles most of the days on the water. On our very last day of fishing – we landed over 70 walleye and a dozen or two muskies; the single best day of fishing in my life. They hit everything we threw into the water. It was like making a hole-in-one your last time out at golf, just before you put the clubs away for the winter, you dream all winter long on getting back out there.
I have been dreaming all winter about heading back and will definitely do it with my sons and friend again. Don Elliot is a great down to earth guy…just make sure you book soon…they have plenty of satisfied repeat customers.."
M. Donahoe – West Newton, PA
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"If you are looking for a first class outfitter, excellent fishing and topnotch accommodations, Don Elliot and his crew at Mattice Lake Outfitters is your best choice.
I have been fishing the bush since 1968. I've flown in, hiked in and driven to remote camps from Wawa, White River, Nakina and Armstrong, Ontario as well as points in between. Some trips great, some trips not so great, but none of the trips surpass Mattice Lake
Outfitters. that is why I return year after year.
Most importantly, Don makes you feel like family. No request is ignored. If it is important to you then it is important to Don.
Don Elliot strives to insure that each trip is handled as if it were the trip of a lifetime, and in some cases it is. All facilities are vigilantly attended to and kept in the best of shape. Extra boats, motors, fuel, firewood and ice are readily available. Don has even been known to fly in a bottle of whisky when supplies became critically low.
The fishing is fabulous.."
S. Bilbey – Glennie, MI
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"We have been going to Mattice Lake Outfitters since 1992 and are always impressed by the quality of service and friendly, helpful family that runs the operation.
They are extremely dependable and consistent year after year.."
P. Pritchard – Tampa, FL
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"I have used the services of MLO for the past nine year and have never had a bad trip because of this outfitters service. I have been on thirty fly-in trips as of this past July. I have never seen a more service oriented company. I have worked in industry the past 34 years and have seen many companies who should take lessons from Don Elliot as far as customer service goes. The planes are all clean and well maintained for safety. The cabins are clean, very well equipped for cooking, and plenty of firewood. I have never had a bad outboard motor to deal with in all my trips with them. All the gas you care to use. Nice docks and fish cleaning facilities. I have used their services on canoe trips and always picked up when and where we decided upon. As far as walleye, I do not believe there is a better lake in Ontario for size and numbers than the Ogoki Reservoir. We like this outfitter so well that we drive 1100 miles each way to use them.."
K. Hypes – Springfield, OH
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"An outfitter who truly cares about his customers. The facilities and equipment are top notch. The price is fair. The fishing is outstanding. Every year since 1991, our group has caught hundreds (really thousands, but most won't believe this) of walleyes. Last year I caught my biggest northern; 44 inches.
This is one of those "once in a lifetime trips" for many, that we have found a way to do every year.."
G. Schmitz – Roseville, MN
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"We stayed at Bellsmith Lake in 2005, and at Vick Lake in 2006. The flight out was great and the mid-week service of supply runs and ice replenishment was great. The cabins are well insulated and the showers were appreciated after a day on the water! We had both lakes to ourselves, which was perfect! All the equipment is well maintained and back-up motors are available, along with the extra boat. The security of having a two-way radio was also appreciated. The staff are all helpful and friendly and for two years now I can't think of one negative thing to say. Mattice Lake Outfitters is a first class operation and well worth the long drive from our place in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. We hope to have the opportunity to visit Armstrong in the future and fly-out with these great folks again. Vick Lake is larger and has more area to explore than Bellsmith, but both have lots of fish, and we never came back to the cabin with an empty fish basket! Thanks! Chris and Rosie."
R. Robinson – Oak Creek, WI
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"Visited Whitewater Lake in 1994 and have returned 12 times since. Don and Annette run a first class operation. Their aircraft are works of art and all equipment and accommodations are unsurpassed. Our group are avid fisherman and the fact that we have returned so many times says it all, even stayed for two full weeks one year!."
L. Davies – Salem, SC
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"I have been fishing Canada since 1963. From Canoe trips to Fly-in camps. I have been with Don and Annette at Mattice Lake for the past eight years. The service is excellent from the flight to the check-ins. They have great cabins with running water and showers as well as boats and motors all in excellent condition. I have been to six different lakes all with GREAT fishing. From Weese where six of us caught 997 fish in a week to Short Lake where I had to release a 25.5 inch walleye because my partner caught a bigger one . If you plan on going fishing then plan on using Mattice Lake Outfitters. They are worth the drive (in our case 1200 miles 0ne way) and the money. They in my estimation are the best. You get great camps on great lakes with great fishing along with the always beautiful scenery and wild life To our group we consider the People at Mattice Lake like Family. Come enjoy and have great fishing. Just save some fish for us.."
F. Ferris – Greensburg, PA
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"The Mattice family has been flying me out for the last seven years on my canoe trips. Don’s knowledge of the land and waterways are superior to any other outfitters that I have used over the years, and I have been canoeing since 1976. The whole Mattice family is involved in running the camp and they do a great job. They will take care of all your requests.
Mattice Lake outfitters are on the doorstep of Wabakimi Provincial Park. Wabakimi is a canoeing and fishing paradise where you can catch walleye and pike all day long. I know because I have done it, and not just once. Not only is the fishing great but you can see eagles, bear, otters, moose, and woodland caribou.
In 2005 I brought my youngest son on his first canoe trip and we celebrated his tenth birthday on the same campsite where his older brother and I had camped with our bellies full of walleye and our eyes full with the colors of the northern lights.."
S. Finley – Bridgeview, IL
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"As you are aware, our fishing group has fished most of the lakes that you have. There are many memorable things about all of the lakes. At all of the lakes we have caught many fish, probably more than most people would, I believe. Regardless of whether the lakes are catch and release or not, our group has used this practice for at least ten years.
When we fished at Short Lake, we enjoyed stopping and looking at the abandoned trappers cabin - maybe at Ogaki Two Mile Bay. I think that was the lake. We didn't realize it at the time we went there that we would have to wade and pull our boats through the rapids to Shangri-La Lake. While I was wading through the rapids in my skivvies, one of our group grabbed the camera and began taking pictures. We caught the largest walleye we have ever caught around the island in the upper end of the lake (8 lbs, 6 oz.). Also we caught one of those blue walleyes around the same island. It was 17 inches long. It's the only one we have ever caught in your camps, but we fished a lake elsewhere that all of the walleyes were blue black like this one.
The year we fished Majokit, there was still ice in the bays in the lake. In all the camps, we usually see bear and moose, but at this camp, we saw a wood caribou several times swinging across Majokit channel. They are very sleek animals, but darker than the ones that walk the tundra.
At Weise Lake, there was a morel mushroom growing close to the cabin that we kept an eye on and did not pick. At several of the camps including this one, there was a resident ground hog that lived close to the cabin and bared his teeth whenever we went outside. We took the time to feed him cookies. There were two different species of wood or spruce grouse that flapped vigorously when we went back to the outhouse.
At Whitewater, one of our group caught a 42" Northern (about 20 lbs.). Most notable at Whitewater was the abandoned writers cabin that was down by the lake. I hope no one has pilfered or destroyed it because it was interesting to imagine a writer spending his time writing there.
Our group made two trips to fish at Ojaki reservoir. The fishing was always good at Eight Flumes Falls. We also took all day trips from there to Mojokit crossing.
When we fished at Kag Lake, the fish were still in the river that flowed in to Kag. We would travel about three miles up that river to fish. It was about fifteen miles from camp. No matter which lakes we fish, our group completely explores all of these lakes.
The equipment at your camps is superb and we appreciate a spare motor ready to go in case one malfunctions. Only on one occasion have we had to use the spare.
For groups that are coming in the day before, I would recommend they use the cabins at your base camp. It is so convenient.
Frankly, we are very pleased with your outfitting business and recommend it to anyone that ask us.
As far as people e-mailing me about your camp, I don't object. People have called me about Mike and Meredith's business at Timberline and I have received both calls and e-mails asking about your outfitting business."
J. Siefken – Mediapolis, IA
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"The fly-in to the remote cabins, is handled by highly skilled pilots. The scenery is breathtaking, the accommodations & equipment are top-notch, and the attention from the Outfitter, is personal and professional. The fishing experience is exceptional! Quantity and quality of fish has been beyond our expectations. Our group has expierenced Vick, Pringle, and Bellsmith Lakes. Each has their own personality, and challenges. And, they offer catches of Walleye up to 28", and Northern Pike up to 44". We keep coming back year after year, because of the superb experience.."
D. Preiser – Eagle River, WI
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"I have been using Mattice for the last four years. After staying in their newer cabins with the showers and beautiful views, I cannot even think of using another outfitter. The lakes are great for walleye and northern fishing and the boats and motors are always in good condition. I can't wait to get back there this year for another week on a new lake.."
S. Hansen – Burlington, WI
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"I have only missed one year since 1989 fishing with Mattice Lake Outfitters. Their outpost camps, equipment, and services have always been first class. Whether you are interested in outstanding fishing, wildlife viewing, relaxation, or all three Mattice Lake Outfitters can provide you with the ultimate vacation. There is not a day that passes that I do not look at a map of Ogoki Reservoir in my office and with that I was heading to Mattice Lake in the morning.."
J. Martin – Mt. Pulaski, IL
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"This year our group will be travelling from five different states in the US for our seventh annual trip to Mattice Lake Outfitters. We used other outfitters previous to Mattice and most were just fine. But none compare to the service, facilities and fishing that we have experienced at Mattice. Don and Annette Elliot and their family have always gone the extra mile to make out trip the best experience one can have. The quality of their outposts are truly exceptional. They are exceptionally well maintained and many a very new. You get to have the affect of a wilderness experience but yet with enough amenities that allow you to have a lot of fun and camaraderie when you are off the water. Large walleye and northern pike are abundant. I can honestly say that we have tried many of the outposts at different times of the year and have never had a poor fishing occurrence. A day doesn’t pass when you don’t see a bald eagle. Moose are also not an uncommon sight. They experience of seeing the Northern Lights from these outposts camps is something that cannot be described. Each year we have come away with experiences that make for lasting memories. The Elliot family have without exception been wonderful to work with. Their willingness to accommodate our group is something that gives us great comfort in that we know we can count on them to “do things right and do the right thing”. Just simply outstanding.."
D. McFarlane – Mt. Pleasant, MI
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"My group has been fishing in Canada for 22 straight years and Mattice is far and away the best outfitter and that is why we have used them for 15 straight years. Don, Annette and family do everything to accommodate our needs. The camps are clean and comfortable and the fishing is outstanding. I have an 8 lb walleye hanging on my wall. They do their best to meet our needs and schedule by getting us in and out in a timely fashion. We will continue to use Mattice forever.."
S. Harris – Louisville, KY
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"Thanks for asking us to write this as we don't mind letting others know what a first class outfit you operate. It takes a lot of organization and hard work to keep your operation flowing as well as it does. Not to mention how well you maintain your camps, boats, motors, planes and the list goes on. We certainly appreciate all you do to make our trip all that it is :) :)
Well here goes......... My wife and I have been flying in the bush since 1968 and have flown with many different outfitters. None of which can hold a candle to the great service we have experienced since we started flying with Mattice Lake back in 1998. From the first time we drove into camp Don, Annette and the whole family treated us like they had known us forever. Their whole family is involved and dedicated to making your trip special. The camps are always clean and very well maintained with lots of fire wood, everything works and works well!! No leaky boats and the motors have always
run well and, if there is a problem, there is a spare on the rack!! When they say they will be in on a check flight you can count on it (weather permitting) and with a fresh supply of ice also. When they tell you they will be in at 7:00 to fly you out you had better set your watch because he will be there. All this and the fishing is as good as we've experienced anywhere.
ADDENDUM FROM MY WIFE: I'd like to add that the only "lure" we use is a single #4 hook and we pinch the barbs off ALL the hooks because we catch so many fish. The fish come off faster, easier, and you don't harm them. Tipped with a fresh crawler or a white Mister Twister is all you need for
the walleye (and the pike, I think would hit on a tennis shoe if you threw that at them (glad they have showers!)."
D. Heckman – Harbor Springs, MI
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"I can personally attest to the quality of fishing, accommodations, and service that Mattice Lake Outfitters (MLO) offers.
I've fished Vick, Pringle (3 years), and Ogoki Reservoir (2 years) with them. Each of the cabins were clean, well thought out, and very functional.
The fishing was fantastic at each lake. Pringle and Ogoki were better for walleyes than was Vick, but Vick is great for numbers of pike with good overall size. On both Pringle and Ogoki our average walleyes were in the 19"-21" range. Very thick and healthy fish. 95% of our fish are caught without live bait.
Don, Annette, Yolanda, Jason and Austin are fantastic hosts and will make sure that your trip is a good one. All of the pilots that I have ever flown with through MLO have been professional, safe, and thorough.
I plan to continue to use MLO whenever the opportunity presents itself, and recommend them to anyone without hesitation.."
S. Smith – South Central, WI
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"After several fly-in fishing trips with other outfitters, I decided to try MLO on the recommendation from a friend. From the initial booking, check-in and loading to the outstanding pilots and camp attendants and the cleanliness and condition of their camps, I have never considered another Fly-in outfitter. Since that first year, I have returned 8 more times and each experience is better than the previous year. I look forward to seeing Don, Annette and their growing family every year and I eagerly anticipate to my next trip to Armstrong, Ontario. For me, a Fly-in fishing trip to Canada is a big investment; of both time and money, and I feel that Mattice Lake Outfitters are simply the Best in the Business!."
C. Armstrong – Owensboro, KY
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"I have used MLO several times and would never consider another outfitter. Their lakes and cabins are second to none and the rest of the equipment is like new and in great working order every year. My experience with MLO has been like staying at a 5 star drive in resort with all the amenities but only in a fly in atmosphere. With all that said it is the Eliot family that puts MLO in an Elite class. They provide everything from food to bait and everything in between. I have always been coached on where to fish and find myself on quality fish from the very start of my trip. A trip with MLO is an experience of a
lifetime you will never forget.."
T. Ruth – Monroe, NC
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"The first words that come to mind for me when thinking of Mattice Lake Outfitters are, "look no further!" For over a decade I have had the pleasure of enjoying the outstanding service and facilities of Mattice Lake Outfitters. Everything about them ranks a "ten" from the fishing, personal service, and accommodations, to the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.."
Jim Hoffman – Woodruff, Wisconsin
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"Having made 16 fly-in fishing trips into Manitoba and Ontario, Canada over the past 12 years, why has Mattice Outfitters become our all-time favorite destination? We have two trips scheduled again for 2007!
The fishing is Always great, as it is in most of Northwest Ontario. But who does a fly-in with only that in mind. It's the TOTAL experience that makes the trip memorable, and this is where Mattice Outfitters "shines"!
Communication: The beginning of every trip. Someone is always available, even in the dead of Winter to answer questions.
The Camps: This is the area that separates Mattice Outfitters from ALL the others, I've been into. The cabins are CLEAN! The boats & motors are well maintained, the docks are spacious, and without exception, everything works...lights, water pressure, refrigerator. Oh yes, the emergency radio: Seldom needed, but another of those amenities not often found in other camps. We find that radio especially helpful if weather becomes a problem on fly-out day.
Service: Without exception...outstanding. One of the things that I especially appreciate are the spotless guest cabins available at the main base, for the night prior to flying out.."
V. H. Veenhuis – Isle, MN
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