Welcome back to another breakdown of Fish’n Canada! If you’ve been following the season, you’ll remember our recent feature where Dean Taylor chased down an epic Lake Trout bite on Lake Obabika—using Bass baits, no less! But Lake Trout aren’t the only stars in this northern Ontario paradise.

This week, we shine a spotlight on another prized species that thrives in Obabika’s crystal-clear waters. Taking over the Princecraft for this adventure is long-time Fish’n Canada co-host Steve Niedzwiecki, setting out to target one of Canada’s most iconic gamefish—the belligerent, always hard-fighting Smallmouth.

Breaking Down Lake Obabika

Located in Ontario’s “Near North,” Lake Obabika sits nestled among legendary waterbodies like Lake Temagami, Lady Evelyn Lake, and Lake Temiskaming. It’s a haven for serious anglers, rich in both fish populations and natural beauty. While much of the attention as of late has been on the Lake Trout, Obabika’s reputation as a Smallmouth Bass hotspot is well-earned and is something Steve was excited to explore.

In this episode, Steve breaks the lake into sections: a shallow southern area near his base at Lake Obabika Lodge, a broad mid-lake sand flat, and the deep northern end—each offering unique fishing opportunities.

The stark contrast between the north and south ends of the lake is visible by air and water. The south, a sight-fisherman’s dream. The north, a deep-water abyss loaded with Lake Trout, Whitefish, AND big, cruising smallmouth bass

Lake Obabiak: Close to home

Most anglers instinctively run far from the dock in search of untouched waters. But as Steve quickly proves, that’s not always necessary.

The shallow bays near Lake Obabika Lodge offer outstanding action, with Smallmouth hiding in plain sight among structure-rich shorelines. Yo-Zuri crankbaits did the trick here, and Steve landed a series of aggressive bass just minutes from the dock—an ideal reminder that sometimes, the best fishing is closer than you think.

Lake Obabika: Sand Flats and Sight-Fishing

Midway up the lake, Steve explores a massive sand flat and point that might fool some into thinking it’s too shallow for summer bass. But experienced anglers know better—sand and Smallmouth go hand in hand.

Steve shifts gears and starts sight-fishing in this area, using a Yo-Zuri jerkbait with finesse and precision. Calm waters help him spot cruising fish, and he puts on a clinic, including one memorable catch made using a figure-eight retrieve.

One of the keys here was having a follow-up bait. Steve always keeps a smaller presentation, such as a weightless Senko or a Ned Rig nearby as these aggressive, shallow-water smallmouth always have friends trailing behind who will hit just about anything that hits the water. When everything aligns, days like this can be magic.

Lake Obabika: Deep Water, Big Surprises

For those who want a true behind-the-scenes look, here it is!

Contrary to what it may have looked like on TV, deep-water smallmouth were not on our radar when we set out for Lake Obabika. This area of the lake was reserved for our other co-host, Dean Taylor, who was tasked with filming a Lake Trout episode.

As you may have seen on that episode, however, Dean’s first drop resulted in a surprise smallmouth, cruising the top of the water column in more than 80 feet of water!

Pete and Steve were in the back of the boat when Dean landed this fish and they both immediately started dissecting this pattern. While Dean continued fishing for Lake Trout, the two watched the Livescope and could see a distinct layer of the water that the smallmouth were crusing, pushing bait toward the surface and even occasionally rushing at Dean’s crankbait while it was on its way down to the depths. Later in the day, we handed the Princecraft back to Steve and magic ensued!

The Lodge

No behind-the-scenes article would be complete without mentioning Lake Obabika Lodge, the home base for Steve’s Smallmouth adventure and one of the hidden gems of Ontario’s Near North.

Tucked right on the shoreline, the lodge offers rustic comfort with modern amenities, making it a perfect spot for both hardcore anglers and nature-loving families. The accommodations are clean and built for relaxation after a long day on the water. In one of the many private cabins, you’ll wake up each morning with a panoramic view of the lake—and likely a few loons calling in the distance.

One of the biggest perks? You don’t need to go far to find fish. As Steve proves in this episode, excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing is literally within sight of the docks. For those looking to explore farther, the lodge offers boat rentals, fishing gear, and knowledgeable staff who can point you to the lake’s hottest spots.

Beyond fishing, Lake Obabika Lodge gives visitors access to canoe routes, wildlife viewing, and some of the most pristine boreal wilderness in the province. It’s a place where you can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature—while still having world-class angling just steps from your cabin.

Steve meets with Alex Mattias, a local legend and expert on Indigenous history in the area, to see the famous “three sisters”

Later, the two paddle over to Spirit Lake

Conclusion:

Lake Obabika may fly under the radar compared to the likes of Temagami or Temiskaming, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a place where you’ll find incredible fishing, no crowds, diverse water to explore, and bass action that rivals any hotspot in the province.

From fan-casting the shallows near the lodge, to sight-fishing golden sand flats, to chasing big bass in deep, open water—Lake Obabika delivers the full package.

And when you base your trip out of Lake Obabika Lodge, you get the best of both worlds: comfortable accommodations and first-class access to one of Ontario’s most underrated fisheries.