In sharp contrast to the rocky, clear-water lakes typical of the Nakina region, Meta Lake is a relatively shallow, slightly stained, soft-bottomed and weedy lake. Because of its shallow nature, bottom content and darker water, Meta Lake ices out and warms more quickly than nearby and adjoining lakes. In the spring, walleyes from

the entire system migrate "en masse" to Meta's warmer waters to feed and spawn, creating an incredible late spring / early summer fishery.  

 As elsewhere, the best walleye fishing comes at current flows downstream from spawning courses. From opening day, the north end of Meta Lake and the channel to Brace Lake offer exceptional walleye fishing. Live bait rigs and jigs tipped with minnows are absolutely the bait of choice. As the season progresses, walleyes disperse to points, shoals and the mid-lake island cluster. As summer develops and the water warms, walleyes also move into the lake's weedy sections and hold along weedlines where live-bait spinner rigs or jig 'n' bait combos presented along the weedline / bottom work best.

During our visit to Meta Lake Lodge, we experienced some windy weather - weather which really turned walleyes on !

Around the mid-lake island cluster and, in particular, two rock/shoal outcroppings, we enjoyed exceptional fishing, tossing twistertail jigs to feeding walleyes - as shallow as four feet in the "surf". Losing a few (!) jigs to the rock piles was inevitable, but quick limits made it all worthwhile.

 Warm water, a soft bottom and shallow water support abundant weed growth throughout Meta Lake. Expansive weedbeds in back bays and defined weedlines in the main lake attract and hold fish throughout the summer, especially the lake's numerous pike. Casting weedless spoons, spinnerbaits, topwater plugs or

flashy spinners will produce lots of northern pike, including some trophy fish. The 1997 records show that in addition to the great early-season (late May & June) pike fishing, some of the very best action for trophy northerns was experienced throughout August - with big fish relating to fully developed weedbeds and fast-breaking points/rockpiles.

Easily accessible from Meta Lake is Ara Lake (W, NP), an exceptional summer walleye fishery in its own right. A classic rocky Shield lake, Ara Lake is a walleye mecca for jig fishermen and trollers. For more adventuresome types, an easy 8-minute walk will take you to Josie Lake, a small back lake, which offers more great walleye action and the chance for a trophy northern pike.

A well maintained camp, Meta Lake Lodge offers guests modern, comfortable, log cottages complete with HK kitchens, electric lighting & appliances, shower and sitting room. The main lodge includes a cozy dining hall, serves up incredible meals and offers a recreation centre complete with pool table and TV / VCR. Guides, shore lunch, fish cleaning and freezer service are available.

- by Bill Rivers