Onaman River Resort

While I do not like giving poor reviews, preferring to just say nothing I must review this business. The cabins are nice. Well constructed and spacious. He runs a charter service with a nice sportfisher that we did not use. We fished local lakes taking logging roads to access the lakes. The boats he maintains on the lakes are in poor condition. The motors worked well but we had to stop to bail substantial water from the boat every 15 min. What really turned us off was his demand for cash payment even though his website says he takes credit cards and he required I guarantee the reservation with a credit card. Luckily I brought enough currency (US dollars) to cover. He refused to give any of the exchange rate (currently 23%). I have no problem with him keeping 2-5% but 23% !!! Especially when I expected to pay with a credit card. As a final insult he said I owed an addition $20 for gas when I was already overpaying by about $140 due to the exchange. It is unfortunate that there are still people out there who will take advantage. I have been going to Canada for over 40 years and have never had such a problem. Poor boats and exceptionally poor business.

Have been there 3 times. Robert has always been an excellent host. The fishing is awesome and the scenery is spectacular. This year my son and I saw bald eagles, huge osprey, a cow and calf moose, otters, beavers, massive pelicans, and a caribou! Cabins are well equipped with electric lighting, running water (hot and cold), propane furnace and cook stove, an electric fridge with freezer in kitchen, toilet/sink and shower in bathroom, and the rooms have a plug-in if you use a CPAP. Cabins also have all the kitchen equipment you need and Robert provides towels and bedding, but bring your own dish soap, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. There is an impressive solar/windmill/ generator system so guests can have electricity in a very remote area, but bring a generator if you want to charge your boat batteries down by the docks. We bring a satellite phone in case of an emergency. If it's too windy on the big lake there are plenty of smaller, more sheltered lakes a short drive away for safe fishing, or you can fish the 5km (approx.) of sheltered river that lead you to the big lake. Have had nothing but good times at ORR and will continue to go back.

Stayed here many times over the years. Affordable stay. Okay fishing. Above average fish size, which is the only thing that keeps me coming back. Well below average quantity of fish caught. No frill lodging. Owner is usually not prompt returning calls or correspondence. I agree with some of the comments of others. The owner can be “gruff”. Customer service is definitely not his strength. You can always count on Rob to speak his mind. He usually will not mince words to spare your feelings. Sometimes things don’t work and you will have to live with it. Examples: no heat in cabin during your stay, freezer busted, and leaky pipes. If you know that going in 3-Stars. If not, probably a lower rating will be your experience. Discount your normal expectations for service if you plan to stay here. Be self sufficient, adaptable to the owner’s capabilities and limitations (this is fairly remote) and try to tune into the owner’s Code of the Bush. If you can do these things you will have the best experience possible.

First time to Onamen River Resort and had a great time. The river ride to the lake is very cool. Robert was great to our group and very helpful with tips on how to fish the lake. Personal Best Lake Trout and Brook Trout. I hate to write the review because the fishing can be phenomenal. Can't wait till next year!

Amazing place to visit! Best chance of catching your personal best Lake trout, brook trout, walleye, and pike all in the same lake. If you like big fish this is the place to go. The owner was great to us. Can't imagine how this place received bad reviews. If you want a luxury resort experience go elsewhere. If you want to fish hard and have a chance at a 40+ pound lake trout, call Robert and book a trip. Been there two years in a row and each year everyone on the boat lands at least one Laker over 40''.

Stayed here for 2 weeks. Fantastic place. 5 stars all the way. My second time there and booked again for next year. The setting on Lake Nipigon is breath taking. Tons of wildlife, moose/eagles/cranes/duck/geese and a bear. Wolves howling at night. Fishing was awesome even when weather was terrible. Countless pike/walleye 50+ each per day average. Several 20lb + Pike. Specs were off due to an uncharacteristic mayfly hatch. (just our luck) but still got a few beauties including a 7lb trophy staring into fall colors. Cabins are great, clean, spacious. The owner Rob was very helpful and accommodating especially after we had my boat break down. It is a true "Wilderness" experience. If you are looking a luxury resort where you are waited on, this is not for you. You need to bring everything.

Spent six days here. I had a fantastic time fishing all day, and socializing with family, other guest, and owner Robert. Cabins were simple, but very nice. I definitely will come back again. The owner, Robert was great! He provided lots of good advice, and shared many stories about camp. I found funniest stories being about people arriving, who came ill prepared, with unrealistic expectations, and unable to disconnect from using technogy for accessing Internet. Here is some advice: First, the Onaman River Resort is remote fishing/hunting camp. Be grateful that you even have electricity. Second, You need to carry in all your food, clothing, toiletries, and gear you will need yourself. Nearest town is 1.5 hours away. So if you forget something you need, you are to blame, for failing to plan properly. Be respectful, fair, and honest with owner and other guest. Also, remember you are in a foreign country, so bring enough Canadian Currency to pay. I have lived and traveled all around the world, and it is embarrassing seeing or coming behind the ignorant "Ugly American", with entidalment attitude, to try prepare the damage they have caused to reputation of U.S.A. It is shameful to see everytime I meet foreigners with similar stories. I recommend visiting Onaman River Resort, but please come prepared, and remember this is a remote fishing camp. And enjoy the fishing and reconnecting with nature.

I have stayed at Onaman River Resort probably 5 or 6 times. Love the place. I would call it a true fishing camp. Remote, comfortable, clean. We go for the Brook Trout and Lake Trout mainly but enjoy good numbers of walleye (our largest has been just under 30" but have seen larger caught.) and Northern Pike 40"+. We get along great with Robert (owner) and have him over for dinner every time we are staying there. You honestly have a change to catch a personal best in 4 species - Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Northern Pike and Walleye. Camp is remote. Don't expect the resort to have much for supplies - that means bring extra gas too. Lake is huge - big water. Windy days can keep you off the big lake but there are usually bays you can fish or other nearby lakes to trailer your boat. Robert has boats in Onaman Lake you can walk in to. Great walleye lake.