Cobham River TRIP PLANNER
YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS
Everything You Need for an Seamless Stay
Below you’ll find expert tips on what to pack (and what to leave behind), how to navigate the Canadian border with ease, how to stay connected during your stay at Cobham River, and everything else you need to ensure a smooth, stress free, and unforgettable fishing experience.
Haven't booked your trip yet? We can help you determine if the Lodge or Outpost is right for you.
Lodge & Outpost
Ultimate Packing Guide
Overview
Whether you are targeting trophy Northern Pike or hauling in hundreds of Walleye, packing smart is the secret to a stress free trip. To help you prepare, we’ve put together the ultimate Canadian fishing trip packing list, including what to bring and, just as importantly, what to leave at home.
Crucial Tips
- Book Flights Early: Secure your airfare to Winnipeg as soon as possible to get the best rates and ideal schedules.
- Passport Required: Make sure your passport is current and ready to go for seamless border crossing.
- Pack Premium Rain Gear: Don't let a sudden downpour ruin your day on the water; a high quality rain jacket and waterproof pants are absolutely non-negotiable.
- Travel Light on Tackle: Less is more! Stick to proven lures (a backup or two of your favorite spoons is plenty). If your tackle box weighs over 10 lbs, trim the excess.
- Prohibited Items: Leave firearms and self defense sprays (including pepper spray) at home; they are not permitted across the border or on charter flights.
- Check Entry Eligibility: Canada maintains strict border policies. If you have any past legal offenses, including DUIs or DWIs, contact Canadian authorities well in advance to confirm entry permissions.
Leave These At Home
We want to save your weight allowance and ensure safety. Do NOT pack the following:
- Fishing Rods, Spinning Reels & Tackle Boxes: Cobham River provides St. Croix rods, Daiwa BG reels, and loaded tackle boxes for you!
- Life Jackets & Landing Nets: These are already provided and equipped on your boats.
- Hard sided Suitcases & Loose Plastic Bags: These are inconvenient on floatplanes; please use soft duffels.
- Heavy Electronics & Appliances: No hairdryers or coffee makers, as remote camp power is limited.
- Weapons & Defense Sprays: No pepper spray is allowed across the Canadian border.
- Heavy Beverages: Beer, soda, or water order ahead, and we’ll have it waiting at camp.
- Bedding & Towels: We provide all fresh linens.
Don't Forget These
- Travel Documents & Money: Passport, checkbook (preferred payment method; MC/Visa, Discover, and AMEX also accepted).
- Fishing License: Save your Manitoba fishing license as a PDF on your phone before you travel to save time.
- Medications: Keep a 7 day supply of all essential prescriptions packed safely in your carry on, never in your checked luggage.
- Tech & Personal Items: Cell phone, camera/GoPro, earplugs (essential if your cabin mate snores!).
Have Questions or Ready to Plan?
Explore accommodations and fishing packages at FishingManitoba.com or speak directly with our team at (612) 432-0005.
Weight Limits
The biggest mistake first time fly-in anglers make is overpacking. Floatplanes have strict legal weight capacities, and managing this is critical for a safe departure.
Strict Weight Limits
We must limit Lodge luggage to 55 pounds for Winnipeg / Lac du Bonnet departures. Additional baggage/freight is charged is $3.00 per pound. Cobham River Outpost baggage limit is preset by your group leader, please confirm with your group leader reserved for your flight.
No Plastic Bags
Do not bring loose plastic or grocery bags onto the airplane. Pack all loose items securely in a box or your luggage bag.
Weigh Your Bags at Home
Step on a bathroom scale holding your packed duffel before you leave for the airport to ensure you are under the limit. Any gear weight that is over will be left at the base. Planes are planned for every pound.
Ditch the Hard Plastics
Never bring hard sided suitcases. Use soft sided duffel bags, as they are much easier to weigh, load, and fit into the tight cargo pods of a floatplane.
Beverages
We highly recommend that you refrain from bringing heavy liquids like beer, soda, or bottled water on your plane. We can arrange for these items to be waiting at the camp before you arrive, saving you crucial weight. As an example, one 15 pack of beverages weighs 13.28lbs. It adds up fast.
Clothing
Far northern fishing tends to bring out the over packer in all of us, but "I didn't wear half the clothes I brought" is the most common phrase heard at the end of a trip. While Cobham River sits in the heart of the untouched wilderness, it’s an oasis of comfort and fully stocked equipment. If you forget something, we likely already have it waiting for you. When in doubt, leave it at home!
On the Water (Fishing Apparel)
Weather in Northern Canada can swing from a frosty 40°F (4°C) morning to a sunny 80°F (26°C) afternoon in a matter of hours. The key to comfort on the boat is layering.
- High Quality Rain Gear: This is your most important piece of clothing. Bring a premium, 100% waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and bibs, and skip the cheap ponchos.
- Base Layers & Fleece Pants: Moisture wicking thermal underwear and fleece pants are perfect for layering under your rain bibs on frosty 40°F mornings.
- UPF Long Sleeve Sun Shirts: Keep cool and protect your skin from harsh UV rays reflecting off the water.
- Neck Gaiter / Buff: Crucial for wind and sun protection on your face and neck during long boat rides.
- Waterproof Boat Boots: Ankle high Muck boots or similar rubber boots are ideal for the boat.
- Protection Accessories: Bring a wide brimmed sun hat, as well as a warm toque/beanie for cold mornings.
- Polarized Sunglasses: Amber or copper lenses are crucial for spotting pike in cabbage weed; bring a neck strap so they don't fall in.
- Waterproof Fishing Gloves: Neoprene or insulated gloves are essential for handling wet, toothy fish.
Prepare for Rain
It will rain at least once. Bring a fully waterproof, breathable rain suit (jacket with a hood + pants) to stay dry without feeling clammy, along with a wide-brimmed waterproof hat.
Think in Layers, Not Bulk
Skip the heavy parkas. Pair a lightweight base layer with a fleece or wool mid-layer under a breathable shell; this system adapts to temperature swings in seconds.
See Through the Water
Quality polarized sunglasses are essential for sight fishing. Our guides recommend top tier lenses from brands like Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, or Oakley.
At the Camp (Lounging)
When you return to the lodge after a successful day on the water, you'll want to be comfortable.
- Mid Layers: A warm fleece or wool sweater is perfect. Avoid cotton, which loses insulation when wet.
- Comfortable Pants & Shirts: Pack light and plan to re-wear comfortable outfits around the lodge.
- Camp Footwear: Pack comfortable sneakers or slip-ons for relaxing at the lodge.
Choose Quick-Dry Fabrics
Ditch heavy denim and 100% cotton. Synthetic materials or fast drying poly cotton blends keep you comfortable, light, and warm even if they catch a splash.
Protect Your Feet
Wet feet ruin great fishing trips. Pack lightweight ankle deck boots (like Grundéns) or knee high rubber boots. Add a pair of insulated, lined boots if you're arriving in late May.
Protection
Don't let the elements ruin your trip. These small items add almost no weight but make a massive difference.
Bug Repellent
Bring Deep Woods OFF! or a similar DEET based spray.
Sunscreen & SPF Lip Balm
Protect yourself from the intense glare off the river.
Dry Bag / Waterproof Pouch
Keep your phone, wallet, and camera completely dry while on the boat.
Hand Warmers
Throw a few "HotHands" in your pockets for chilly 40°F mornings.
Personal Toiletries & First-Aid
Pack a travel sized toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, Advil/Tylenol, and a few Band-Aids.
Medications
Keep a 7 day supply of all essential prescriptions packed safely in your carry on, never in your checked luggage.
Download the free printable packing checklist!
Crossing the Canadian Border
What You Need to Know
Navigating customs smoothly keeps your trip focused on the fishing. Because entry regulations change frequently, reviewing these key requirements before you leave home will keep your journey stress free.
Essential Identification
- Air Travel: A valid U.S. Passport is required for all guests flying into Canada.
- Land Travel: Drivers can use either a valid U.S. Passport or a U.S. Passport Card.
- Official Travel Portals: Check requirements via the U.S. State Department or the Canada Border Services Agency.
- Fishing License: Save your Manitoba fishing license as a PDF on your phone before you travel to save time.
Traveling with Minors
Border officials strictly monitor international travel involving children. If traveling with minors without both custodial parents present:
- Bring legal custody documentation (if applicable).
- Carry a signed, notarized consent letter from the non traveling parent/guardian containing their full name, address, and phone number.
- Ensure parents, guardians, and children travel in the same vehicle when crossing land borders in groups.
- Review additional guidelines for traveling with children in Canada.
Legal Restrictions
- Prior Criminal Record: Any criminal record, including DUIs or DWIs, can make you inadmissible. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (which takes up to 12 months) or permanent Criminal Rehabilitation well in advance.
Personal Allowances
- Alcohol: Up to 1.5 liters of wine OR 1.14 liters (40 oz) of spirits per adult.
- Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars per adult.
Departing for Cobham River
You’ll begin your trip by traveling to either Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) or Bissett, depending on your chosen departure base. From there, you’ll drive or take a short flight to Lac du Bonnet, where your floatplane awaits. After loading your gear and groceries, you’ll board your final aircraft for the scenic flight north to Cobham River, completing your journey deep into Manitoba’s remote wilderness.
Flight Options & Logistics
All guests arrive in Winnipeg or Lac du Bonet the day before your trip officially begins. You have two main transportation routes to choose from:
Option 1: Winnipeg International (Door-to-Door)
Fly into YWG; hotel connected to airport
Included Perks
- 1 night hotel stay
- All airbase shuttles
- Premium rod rentals included
Schedule Highlights
- 4:30 AM: Shuttle to floatplane
- 60 min flight to lodge
- Book return flight home 3:00–5:00 PM
Option 2: Drive to Lac du Bonnet
Drive & stay at Drifter's Inn
Included Perks
- Optional 1 night hotel stay
- 7 minute (5 KM) drive to the airbase
- Premium rod rentals included
Schedule Highlights
- 5:15 AM: Depart hotel to floatplane
- 60 min flight to lodge
- Begin your return journey early on the day of departure.
Navigating Winnipeg Airport (YWG)
- Exit baggage claim, turn right, and follow the signs to The Grand Hotel.
- In the lobby of the Grand Hotel, follow the signs to the connected indoor walkway directly to Lakeview Signature Hotel.
- Check in and meet your group at the hotel bar or relax in your room before your early morning shuttle.
Grocery Delivery Service (Lac du Bonnet Route)
- Partner: Dancyt Foods
- How It Works: Pre-order supplies at least 2 weeks in advance. Email your order directly to Dancyt Foods, specifying your Group Name and Cobham River Outpost.
- Delivery: They will pack and deliver your boxed groceries directly to the floatplane base the day before departure for a small fee.
- Note: Remembering your groceries at the airbase on departure morning is 100% your responsibility.
Travel Timeline
Day Before Trip:
Book an early commercial flight the day before the reservation. Arrive in Winnipeg or Lac du Bonnet. Call Adventure Air ((204) 345-8322) to confirm loading/van time.
Day of Trip:
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM - Reservation day
Catch your shuttle to the airbase (4:30 AM in Winnipeg / 5:30 AM at Lac du Bonnet) for a 6:00 AM floatplane flight into camp.
Return Flight & Homeward Travel:
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Day after reservation ends.
Depart Cobham River by 8:00 AM to reach the base by 10:00 AM (weather permitting). Shuttle transfers you to YWG sometime before noon. Book a commercial flight home after 2 p.m.
Important Contacts Directory
Cobham River Lodge
Remote Lodge Base
Ryan Hebel:
Matt Hebel:
Adventure Air
68 Airport Rd, Lac du Bonnet, MB
Lakeview Signature Hotel
1999 Wellington Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Drifter’s Inn
JCT Hwy 11 & Hwy 313, Lac du Bonnet, MB
Dancyt Foods
60 2nd St, Lac du Bonnet, MB
Enjoying your stay
On Site Experience & Guidelines
Whether you are aiming for trophy pike, enjoying gourmet meals, or relaxing in the lodge, here is what to expect during your stay at Cobham River Lodge and Outpost.
Connectivity & Comfort
- Starlink Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed internet is available at both the lodge and outpost. While fast for a remote destination, performance differs from suburban broadband.
- Cell Calls: Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your smartphone before arrival to place and receive calls over the network.
Lodge Daily Dining Schedule
- Breakfast (7:15 AM): Specialty coffees, teas, classic dishes, and unique chef specials.
- Shore Lunch (Noon): Fresh daily catch prepared with custom seasonings and batters (or request packed sandwiches the night before to stay on the water).
- Appetizers (5:00 PM)
- Dinner (6:00 PM): Soup, salad, fresh homemade bread, desserts, and hearty entrees (steaks, prime rib, roasts, chicken, ribs, and original recipes).
Lodge Policies & Trip Logistics
- Equipment Insurance: Automatically covers group liability for damages to boats, outboards, and rental rods so you can fish stress free. Contact us directly if you wish to opt out.
- Float Plane Insurance: Your trip is booked on specific private floatplane flights/dates. However, unforeseen problems can arise, such as commercial airline cancellations, car trouble, a hook in your hand, or the need for medical attention while at Cobham River Lodge. This insurance covers your floatplane flights for these unforeseen circumstances outside of your control.
What’s included:
· Floatplane flight to or from Cobham River Lodge
· Expeditor ground transportation service if needed - Forest Fire Insurance: Forest fire insurance provides a full trip refund in the event of a mandatory evacuation order issued by the Canadian government. If you forgo this insurance and your trip is canceled due to a mandatory evacuation, all funds paid will remain as a credit with Cobham for any future trip in your name.
- Wildlife: Wildlife sightings include moose, black bears, eagles, caribou, lynx, and river otters.
- Gratuities: Gratuities are an expression of your gratitude for service that is over and above your expectations. Tips are an entirely personal matter. Most of our guests do tip, typically an amount equivalent to what one would tip at a restaurant (10% of the package value). Our staff greatly appreciates any level of tipping.
- Final Payment: Due in full by April 1st. Final payments cannot be processed on-site at the lodge.
No Need to Pack Tackle!
Premium Boats & Gear Provided
Unlike other lodges that force you to haul heavy rod tubes and massive tackle boxes on the floatplane, Cobham River Lodge supplies everything. By outfitting you with premium gear, we save you incredible amounts of weight and travel hassle.
Fully Equipped Boats
A 16-foot boat equipped with a 4-stroke 25hp Yamaha electric start outboard (lodge), 4-stroke 15hp Yamaha (outpost), comfortable backrest seats, a sonar fish locator, and landing nets.
Premium Rods & Reels:
Top of the line St. Croix rods paired with Daiwa BG spinning reels.
Prefer a baitcaster?
Cobham River Lodge also offers premium St. Croix baitcasting rods for guests. To save weight and avoid the hassle of transporting a long rod tube on your flights, simply pack your favorite baitcasting reel in your luggage and pair it with our rods upon arrival!
Fully Loaded Tackle
A tackle box loaded with over 30 of our favorite, proven lures for Northern Pike and Walleye.
Trip Planner FAQs
If things go off script, lost bags, lost people, unexpected medical needs, or a wrong turn. We can sort it out and get you back on track. Just pack your essentials smartly, use good judgment on the water, bring what keeps you comfortable, and leave the rest at home. The North will throw a few surprises your way, but that’s part of the fun.
Lost luggage or delayed passenger?
Pack essentials in your carry on. Luggage rarely arrives before your trip ends; buy immediate needs locally rather than waiting on delayed bags. Checking rods/tackle is safe since top-tier rentals and lures are provided at camp. If a group member is delayed, we will coordinate the fastest possible transport to get them to the lodge.
Medical emergency?
We are 55 miles from a nursing station and can arrange a floatplane medical evacuation, typically within the hour. Advanced facilities are available in Winnipeg. Verify that your U.S. health insurance covers Canadian medical care prior to travel.
Equipment damage?
$0 out of pocket if you retain our equipment insurance. Accidents happen, and insurance covers damage to boats, outboards, and rental rods.
Navigating, lost boat, or breakdown?
Always stay with your boat. We provide high resolution maps and GPS depth finders. If you break down, our team can locate you, often within 1 hour, using Starlink texting, search boats, and drones.
Fishing early or late?
Go for it! You are welcome to fish outside standard hours before breakfast or after dinner.
Skipping shore lunch?
Just notify our kitchen staff the night before. We will pack to go lunches so you can stay out on the water uninterrupted.
Have questions or ready to plan?
Explore accommodations and fishing packages or speak directly with our team for more information.
(612) 432-0005
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