God’s River 2025 – Lightening Never Strikes Twice or Does it
Lightening Never Strikes Twice, or Does It? – Gods River 2025
Background
My world was rocked in late December when my mother passed away at 81. My dad and I spent a week sharing memories of my mom and planning the events to come. One thing that eventually came out of that time together was planning another fishing trip to Canada. I knew immediately what I wanted to do and just needed to make a couple of adjustments. Originally my friend Wally and I were planning to attempt to repeat the pike fishing insanity George, and I had found at Semmens Lake (Outpost for God’s River Lodge) in late May 2024. After a quick chat it was decided I would bring my dad on this trip and Wally would bring his son. Same week same plan same location. All systems go. Below are the results of that adventure and for those that like to get right to the point. We more than repeated that trip. We truly had a magically experience.
Overview
Let me start out with saying this is my fourth trip to God’s River. The reasons I frequent this lodge:
- Brook Trout fishing
- Exceptional seasonal outpost fishing
- Access to a beautiful river that allows fishing to continue in heavy winds and bad weather.
- Easy access. Get to Winnipeg and they take it from there.
- Exceptional value for full service American Plan and Guided experience
- Cabins with WIFI and cable tv to relax in after a busy day on the lake.
- Early season good sized walleyes with a good chance at some 26+ fish
Notice I didn’t say I go for numbers of Brook Trout. A good half day is 6-8. A good full day is like 9-12 total for two guys. I also didn’t say I go for huge number of Lake Trout except for very late season when they are on the shallow rocks. One more caveat the main lake has some exceptional pike.
Getting There
You just need to get to Winnipeg. They will take you to your hotel for the evening. Then they return to shuttle you to the local terminal. Once in God’s River after about a 90-minute flight it is a short ride (~1 mile) to the lodge. With a little luck you are fishing by noon. When it is time to leave the whole process reverses with easy.
Camp Life
Meals – The main lodge is very comfortable. This is where the meals are served. The meals are basic but quite good. Typical meals are baked chicken or meatloaf with sides and dessert. Lunches are typically sandwiches or shore lunches, but you can also opt to come back to the lodge for a hot lunch.
Lodging – The two triplexes have end units with two queen sized beds and a full bath. The center unit is 4 bedrooms and 4 bath. Each bedroom has 2 single beds. The nice part of the central unit is the huge sitting area (20×30) which has multiple couches and chairs. Perfect place to unwind / catch a baseball game or hockey game after a busy day of fish. Let the lodge know what you want in your fridge, and they will stock you up.
The outpost is newly built. Just basic shelter but hey we are here for the fish.
Fishing Techniques
Brookie Trout / Walleye
Gear – 7- or 7.5-foot ML / Fast spinning gear with a mid-sized reel.
Line 8 or 10 lb. mono with a fluorocarbon leader of similar weight. I tie line to live without a swivel. Then use a snap swivel at the end. Snaps in a small to mid-sized to allow for spinning lures to not twist the line tied to the very end of the line.
Lures: The number one by a huge margin is the lure below (Countdown (09) 3.5 inch in brook trout color). You will catch more brookies on this lure by a factor of about 10 to 1. You may need to order direct from Rapala (they do 15% off your first order). You should have a couple in case of pike bite offs.
Other brook trout lures. Number 03-05 Mepps Agila in colors like brook trout. Small Little Cleos in orange / silver or gold.
If anyone wants to fly fish for them, I’d go with 06/07 weight rod and the same main line and a sinking tippet in the Fall. Spring / Summer you can fish dry flies on top.
Pike / Lake Trout
Rods – If we are lucky and fishing the late fall casting to them, I’d do 7ft Heavy Fast.
Reels – 4000/5000 series reels
Line 30/40lb braid or 20lb mono
Leader Flouro 12-18in 50-100lbs
Lures: In general, you want spoons in the 1oz size range in Silver / Pike / pink from Doctor Spoons.
Salt water sized RAT-L-TRAPS (4 inch). Around here I can only find these online. You guys in FL might be able to find these in your local store. You want the big ones. The 1oz or 1.5 oz in Silver/blue or Chart. Backordered right now.
I also have had luck with XMan jigs 1/4oz with 6/0 hook and 6 in paddle tails
If Trolling
Rods – Same
Preferably bait casters but spinning works
Line same
Leader Same
Lures: Bigger spoons 2oz Husky. Quik Fish T-60 and the smaller spoons as well.
Wrap
Spending time with my dad was priceless. The fishing and weather were perfect. God’s River lodge provided an amazing trip. You will note I haven’t included a ton of numbers of fish. Honestly, I was called a liar multiple times when I mentioned numbers of big fish last year. So, fine no numbers unless someone wants to call and chat. Let me say with four fishermen and similar number of hours at Semmens we nearly doubled our numbers with two fishermen. Size was good. I’ll leave you with one number we had 12 fish 45 or better with the best checking in at 46.5.
Fishing – Brookies Excellent / Pike Exceptional
Camp – Good. Well maintained and serviced
Travel – Easy
Guides – Excellent
Value – Priceless – If you have two guys ask about Kory about the special that he offers in July – September.
I am planning a return trip in September 2025 and May 2026. If you are interested in trip, be sure to ping Kory the manager at GRL.
