The Chutes Camp by Air Ivanhoe blends Algoma’s logging-era heritage with a modern fly-in fishing escape. Set on the historic Nemegosenda River—where white pine logs once rode the north-flowing Arctic Watershed to the Canadian Pacific Railway, the camp anchors a non-navigable stretch called “The Chutes,” now a newly added outpost in Air Ivanhoe’s network of remote camps. Guests arrive by float plane to Frog Lake, then split their days between boats staged above the rapids and below the falls, so no brutal portage is required. Expect steady post-spawn walleye and aggressive pike in fast, oxygenated water, plus creature comforts at camp: hot showers, reliable power, and even a 55-inch TV with internet. Guided by the Theriault family—renowned bush pilots and outfitters with deep roots in the region—The Chutes Camp delivers classic northern Ontario solitude, shore-lunch perfection, and lights-out fishing in a setting where history, wilderness, and adventure meet.
In the early 1900s, the Algoma region was well-known for its extensive logging industry. The Nemegosenda River played a crucial role in transporting harvested trees north, where trains shipped them to the mills in the area for processing. Since the river flows towards the Arctic Circle, its northern current significantly helped logging operations move vast quantities of white pine and black spruce north. Camps were utilized as depots and gathering points for the loggers and support crews. One such camp was positioned at the upper end of a non-navigable portion of the river called “The Chutes”. The Chutes is now a newly acquired addition to the over twenty-five fly-in camps that Air Ivanhoe and the Theriault family have available for their fishing and hunting clientele. The Theriault family has a very long history in the region as tour operators and bush pilots catering to outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. They have a number of float planes at their disposal to safely transfer equipment and people throughout the area.
Along with me on this fly-in adventure were good friends Joe Oliveira, Jeff Polkinghorne and Joel Theriault. After and very picturesque flight over the rugged Algoma terrain, the DeHavilland Beaver landed on a part of the river named Frog Lake. It is a wider portion of the river and allowed us to safely taxi up to the drop-off point. We unloaded our gear into the waiting boats, then made our way down the lake to the camp. Despite the challenges of a high-water level and strong currents from the ice melt just three weeks prior, it was manageable and great to finally be at The Chutes! The inviting camp was to be our home for the next few days.
After settling in, we spent the remainder of the day targeting the numerous post-spawn walleye that were gathered in the slower-moving water near a creek mouth flowing into Frog Lake. We caught fish ranging from sixteen to twenty-five inches on almost every cast, using jig heads with soft plastic baits from the Grumpy Bait company. The Grumpy Gobie and Thin Fin in chartreuse were irresistible to the fish!
We were very happy with our efforts as the sun set on that first afternoon and made our way back to camp for a delicious meal of fish and steak. The soothing sound of the fast-flowing rapids just outside our windows made it easy to sleep after a long but very enjoyable day.
We started our second day of the trip with a hearty breakfast and a hot shower! The camp has all the luxuries of home, including hot water, a generator for lights, and even a 55-inch TV with internet service. We decided to explore the lower reaches of the system below the falls. It’s great to know that Air Ivanhoe has boats staged both above the rapids on Frog Lake and on the lower end of the falls. The fast-moving, oxygenated water attracts a lot of baitfish, which in turn brings in hungry walleye eager to replenish their reserves after spawning. The option of accessing two different reaches of the Nemegosenda river with boats at the ready is a bonus without the need to navigate a grueling portage.
Joel knew of an amazing spot for our late afternoon shore lunch. We ended up in a secluded bay with a small opening in the forest, just big enough for a fire. It was a perfectly calm and peaceful place to sit and enjoy the surroundings while eating another delicious meal of fresh-caught fish!
After a fantastic meal, we returned to the base of the falls to try our luck in the fast-moving water again. Just like earlier in the day, the fish were very active and eager to strike the jig heads tipped with soft plastics from Grumpy baits. We continued to catch fish after fish until it was too dark to see. A short boat ride over to the dock, and up the trail to the camp, ended another fantastic day in the Canadian wilderness!
We spent our last full day of the adventure on the water, taking a cooler of food and beverages so we could fish without returning till after dark. Joel and Joe led the way in their boat, and Jeff and I followed closely, casting along the shores of Frog Lake and the edges of the newly emerging weed beds for pike. The Nemegosenda River truly lived up to its reputation as a fish factory! The water temperature throughout our trip was perfect for post-spawn pike and walleye. We had great success catching numerous pike while casting and trolling spoons and body baits. Just like our previous days, we finished anchored for another epic evening walleye bite.
As the rain started to fall on our departure morning, we loaded the boats, and made our way to the plane dock for the flight back to Air Ivanhoe’s lodge in Foleyet. We had and incredible three days of fantastic fishing and exploring the river!
I want to thank the Theriault family for their hospitality and for the opportunity to experience one of Algoma Districts iconic camps!
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