Finding Brookies: Hunting Square Tail Giants
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Hunt world-record Brook Trout in legendary Nipigon River system watersFish from premium 18' Lund boat optimized for fly and gear castingTarget giant "Coaster" Brook Trout across three distinct fisheries
You've heard the stories about the legendary Nipigon River system, and honestly, they're all true. This is where the 14.5-pound World Record Brook Trout was pulled from these waters back in 1914, and over a century later, this place still produces absolute monsters. I'm Gord, and I've been guiding these waters long enough to know that when serious anglers talk about their bucket list Brook Trout destination, this is it. We're not messing around with stockers or small stream fish here—we're hunting the giants that call the Nipigon River system, Lake Nipigon, and Lake Superior home. This is a purpose-built trip for anglers who want their personal best, period.
Let me be straight with you—this isn't a numbers game. We're after quality, not quantity, and that means being selective about our spots and our approach. Depending on what Mother Nature gives us (water temps, levels, and seasonal patterns), we'll hunt these square tails across three world-class fisheries that each offer something different. The historic Nipigon River gives us fast currents and classic river structure where these fish ambush prey. Lake Nipigon opens up deep water opportunities with structure fishing that can produce absolute slabs. Then there's Lake Superior, where we target the legendary "Coaster" Brook Trout—a subspecies that'll make your drag scream like nothing else. I've spent a lifetime learning to read these waters, and I'll use every bit of that knowledge to put you on fish. The weather and the fish don't always cooperate, but I promise you this—I'm not a lazy guide, and I'll work my tail off to make it happen.
All our fishing happens from "OFFline," my custom-rigged 18' Lund Tyee with a 175HP Mercury Verado that I've specifically optimized for high-end trout tactics. This boat is a fly angler's dream—rock-solid casting platform, plenty of space for clean backcasts, and quiet operation that won't spook fish in shallow water. But it works just as beautifully for traditional spinning, casting, and deep-water trolling setups. I can accommodate up to 3 total guests, which is perfect for 1-2 fly anglers who need room to work, or up to 3 gear anglers without feeling cramped. We've got secure storage for high-end rods and all your gear. I provide top-quality rods, reels, tackle, and safety equipment, though fly fishermen are welcome to bring their favorite setups—I get it, we all have our go-to rigs. Depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us, we might be sight-casting to cruising fish, working structure with streamers, or trolling the depths with traditional gear.
Brook Trout in the Nipigon system aren't your average brookies—these are the stuff of legend. We're talking fish that can easily push 5-8 pounds, with legitimate shots at double-digit specimens that most anglers only dream about. These native char are incredibly aggressive when they're feeding, especially during spring and fall when they're actively hunting baitfish and preparing for spawning. The best part about targeting brookies here is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights—they'll use every bit of current and structure to their advantage. Spring offers some of the most consistent action as fish move into shallower areas post-ice-out, while fall brings the spawning runs that concentrate massive fish in predictable areas. The "Coaster" Brook Trout subspecies found in Lake Superior are particularly special—these fish spend their lives in the big water, growing fat on cisco and smelt, making them significantly larger and more powerful than their stream-dwelling cousins. When you hook into a genuine Coaster, you'll know immediately—they fight like a completely different species, using the open water to make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Look, I could fill this page with more fishing stories, but the bottom line is simple: if you're serious about Brook Trout and you want a legitimate shot at your personal best, this is your trip. The base rate covers one angler for a full 6 hours of actual fishing time—not travel time, but hook-in-the-water time. Want to bring a buddy? Additional anglers are just $100 each. I'll handle lunch and drinks on board, clean any legal fish you want to keep, and if you really connect with a trophy, we can even set up an optional wilderness shore lunch to celebrate properly. Just make sure you've got a valid Ontario fishing license, polarized sunglasses, and weather-appropriate layers—conditions can change fast out here. Ready to hunt some square tails? Drop me a line at gord.nuttall@gmail.com or hit me up at 587-984-1625. These legendary waters are waiting, and so are the fish of a lifetime.
Meet "OFFline," Captain Gord's purpose-built 18' Lund Tyee that's been dialed in specifically for hunting giant brook trout in these legendary waters. This isn't your typical fishing boat—it's a premium platform designed for serious anglers chasing world-record class fish. The 175HP Mercury Verado gets you to the fish fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you ghost into position without spooking shallow-water giants. The spacious deck gives fly casters room for clean presentations, and traditional gear anglers plenty of space to work structure and deep water. Premium electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate those deep holding spots where the big brookies live. Built to handle everything from the fast currents of the Nipigon River to the open waters of Lake Superior where legendary Coaster Brook Trout patrol the shorelines. With room for 1-2 anglers, you get the focused attention and boat positioning that separates good days from trophy days in waters that produced the 14.5-pound world record.
Ontario, CA