Packing for a fly-in fishing trip is a little different from loading up the truck for your local lake. Everything goes on a floatplane, weight limits are real, and you're heading into remote wilderness where there's no running to the store if you forgot something. The good news? The lodge provides a lot more than you'd expect, so your packing list is shorter than you think.
Here's what we tell every guest heading to Dogskin Lake Lodge or one of our outpost camps.
Luggage Limits: This Is the Big One
Floatplanes have strict weight limits, and they're enforced. Here's what you need to know:
- Lodge guests: 80 lbs per person
- Outpost guests: 100 lbs per person (the extra weight is for the food you'll bring)
- Overweight charge: $2 per pound over the limit
Use a soft-sided duffel bag — it's easier to load into a floatplane than a hard-sided suitcase. Weigh your bag at home before you leave. You'd be surprised how fast 80 pounds goes when you're packing for a week in the wilderness.
What the Lodge Provides
At the main lodge, you don't need to bring nearly as much as you'd think. Here's what's already waiting for you:
- All linens, pillows, and comforters
- 16-foot Lund boats with Yamaha 25 HP four-stroke motors
- Flotation cushions and life jackets
- Anchors, landing nets, and measuring tapes
- All fuel
- All meals — breakfast, shore lunch, and chef-prepared dinner
- Daily maid service
- 24-hour electrical service
At our outpost camps, you'll have boats, motors, fuel, a solar-powered cabin with kitchen facilities, and satellite communication. The difference is you'll bring your own food and groceries (or order a custom food package from us).
Clothing: Layers Are Everything
Weather at Dogskin Lake is similar to the upper Midwest but can change quickly. Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings breezy on the water. Here's what to pack:
- Rain gear: A waterproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable. You will get rained on at some point, and being dry makes all the difference between a great day and a miserable one.
- Layers: T-shirts, a long-sleeve shirt, and a warm fleece or jacket. You'll use all of them.
- Warm hat or toque: For early mornings and cool evenings, especially on early-season or late-season trips.
- Comfortable footwear: Something suitable for boats and the lodge boardwalk. Leave the fancy shoes at home.
- Sunglasses and a hat: You're on the water all day. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish and protect your eyes.
Sun and Bug Protection
- Sunscreen: The water reflects UV, and you'll be out all day. Bring more than you think you need.
- Insect repellent: DEET-based repellent works best. Bug pressure is generally manageable — especially on the water where the breeze keeps them at bay — but when you're on shore for a shore lunch or an evening walk, you'll want repellent.
- Bug jacket: We recommend bringing one for shore excursions, particularly in late May and early June when no-see-ums are most active.
Fishing Tackle: What Actually Works Here
You don't need to bring your entire tackle collection. Here's what produces on our lakes:
For Walleye
- Medium-light to medium-heavy spinning rods
- Jigs in 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz — this is the workhorse presentation
- Twister tails in various colors
- Live bait rigs
- Salted minnows work great as a trailer on your jigs
For Northern Pike
- Heavier rod and reel setup
- Steel leaders — absolutely essential. Pike have teeth that will cut through monofilament and fluorocarbon like butter.
- Large spoons — proven pike producers on our lakes
- Spinnerbaits
A Note on Gear
The lodge has a tackle shop with essentials if you forget something or run out. We also have loaner fishing gear available if you don't want to bring your own rods. That said, most anglers prefer fishing with their own gear.
Depth Finders
Bringing a portable depth finder is a smart move, especially at the outposts. We recommend the Garmin Striker 4 portable — it's around $200, has a color screen with GPS, runs well on batteries, and does everything you need. Our lakes aren't mapped on commercial GPS units anyway, so the built-in GPS on the Garmin lets you mark your own waypoints and find your way back to productive spots. A suction cup transducer mount is the simplest and lightest option for travel.
If you want to go deeper, check out our full depth finder guide.
Don't Forget
- Manitoba Conservation Fishing License: Required for all guests. Purchase online before your trip at the Manitoba e-licensing website. More details on our fishing license page.
- Valid passport: Required for crossing into Canada.
- Camera: You'll want to document the catches and the scenery. Your phone works fine — just bring a waterproof case or dry bag.
- Medications: Bring what you need. The nearest pharmacy is a floatplane ride away.
- A good attitude and an empty cooler: Just kidding on the cooler — our catch-and-consume policy means no fish leave the lake. But the attitude part is real. You're about to have the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Outpost-Specific Additions
If you're heading to one of our outpost camps, add these to your list:
- All food and groceries (or order a custom food package through us)
- Cooking utensils — basic kitchen facilities are provided but you'll want your own specialty items
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Any personal items for a self-guided trip
Questions?
If you're unsure about anything on the packing list, just ask. We've been helping guests prepare for fly-in trips for decades and we're happy to walk you through it. Give us a call at 715-955-4110 or visit our contact page.