I’m excited to announce that Northwest Flying Inc. will be exhibiting at the 2nd Annual Minnesota Sportsmen’s Resort, Lodge & Outdoor Products Show, January 16-18, 2026, at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. Our family brings 40+ years of remote Ontario fly-in fishing expertise to the Twin Cities’ premier outdoor event.
What Is the Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show?
The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Resort, Lodge & Outdoor Products Show is a consumer outdoor event showcasing Midwest and Canadian fishing resorts, hunting outfitters, tackle vendors, and outdoor gear at Canterbury Park. The show relaunched in 2025 after the original Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show ended its 53-year run at St. Paul RiverCentre in 2022.
This year’s event features expert seminars, live demonstrations including a trout pond, wildlife shows, and over 100 exhibitors promoting summer getaways and outdoor products for 2026. The venue at Canterbury Park offers efficient logistics, ample parking, and family-friendly attractions that make planning your next adventure accessible and enjoyable.
Why Should You Visit Our Booth?
I specialize in remote housekeeping outposts on five private lakes in Northwestern Ontario, where each cabin is the only structure on the water. This guarantees zero fishing pressure and complete wilderness seclusion for families, trophy hunters, and fishing groups seeking an authentic backcountry experience.
Meet Our Family Legacy
For over four decades, my family has operated Northwest Flying Inc. from our base in Nestor Falls, Ontario—just one hour north of the International Falls, MN border. Our passion for the bush pilot lifestyle, also known as backcountry aviation service, translates into safer, more reliable fly-in experiences using legendary aircraft and meticulous maintenance standards.
Learn about our family history →
At the show, you’ll speak directly with me and my family—the people who fly you in, maintain the aircraft, and manage the outposts. This personal connection ensures your questions about safety, fishing reports, and logistics get answered by the experts who live this lifestyle year-round.
Discover Your Own Private Lake
I operate housekeeping outposts on five distinct Northwestern Ontario lakes, each offering unique fishing opportunities:
- Ajax Lake – Multi-species fishing with consistent walleye action
- Cleftrock Lake – Trophy northern pike and muskie waters
- Gordon Lake – High-volume walleye fishery (50-100 fish per day)
- Kishkutena Lake – Wilderness seclusion with exceptional fishing
- Loonhaunt Lake – Premier destination for trophy hunters
Read about Gordon Lake adventures →
Each outpost features the only cabin on its respective lake, meaning you won’t share the water with anyone. No other boats. No competing anglers. Just pristine wilderness and untapped fishing opportunities that produce trophy catches season after season.
What Fishing Opportunities Can You Expect?
Northwestern Ontario’s fly-in lakes offer world-class multi-species fisheries that consistently outperform drive-to destinations. The isolation created by fly-in access means these waters receive minimal fishing pressure compared to road-accessible lakes, and I’ve witnessed this firsthand for decades.
| Species | Average Daily Catch | Trophy Potential | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 50-100 fish | 8-10 lbs common | June-September |
| Northern Pike | 20-40 fish | 40+ inches frequent | May-October |
| Muskie | 2-5 follows | 45+ inches possible | July-September |
| Smallmouth Bass | 30-60 fish | 4-5 lbs | June-August |
My guests often tell me they’ve never experienced fishing like this. The combination of low pressure and abundant forage creates explosive action that turns skeptics into believers. At the show, I’ll share current fishing reports, seasonal patterns, and lake-specific tactics that help you target your preferred species.
How Do We Ensure Your Safety?
Bush flying, defined as aircraft operations in remote wilderness areas without traditional airport infrastructure, requires specialized equipment and expertise. I maintain the highest safety standards in the industry through rigorous protocols that I personally oversee every day.
Our Fleet and Maintenance Philosophy
I operate two proven aircraft types that have served bush operations reliably for decades:
Twin-Engine Beech 18 Aircraft: These legendary planes rank among the most reliable passenger transport aircraft ever manufactured. I chose the twin-engine configuration specifically for redundancy and exceptional performance in wilderness operations. When you’re flying with family or valuable gear, that extra engine provides peace of mind.
Watch our Beech 18 departures →
DeHavilland Beaver “Workhorse”: This iconic bush plane excels at accessing remote locations with heavy cargo loads. I’ve flown Beavers for years, and their reliability in backcountry conditions remains unmatched for outpost resupply and guest transport.
All aircraft receive maintenance from our on-staff Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). I don’t cut corners on maintenance—every flight must meet Transport Canada’s strict airworthiness requirements. My pilots represent some of the most experienced bush aviators in North America, with thousands of hours navigating Northwestern Ontario’s backcountry.
When Can You Book Your 2026 Adventure?
The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show provides the perfect opportunity to secure your preferred dates before the summer season fills. I’ve watched many outposts book 12-18 months in advance, and prime-time slots from late June through August disappear quickly each year.
Show Event Details
Dates: January 16-18, 2026
Location: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379
Hours: Thursday-Friday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Tickets available through Canterbury Park (mnresortshow.com)
Expected Pricing: $12 adults, $4 children ages 6-12, free under 5
What Other Attractions Will You Experience?
Beyond booth exhibits, the show features notable attractions for the entire family that I’m looking forward to checking out myself:
- Expert Seminars: Learn from Ted Takasaki (walleye specialist) and Joe Henry (Lake of the Woods Tourism director)
- Live Trout Pond: Hands-on fishing demonstrations for kids
- Wildlife Shows: Educational presentations on Minnesota and Canadian wildlife
- Latest Gear: Preview 2026’s newest fishing electronics, tackle innovations, and outdoor equipment
Who Should Visit Our Booth?
Whether you’re a hardcore trophy angler, a family coordinator planning a bucket-list experience, or a fishing enthusiast exploring fly-in options for the first time, I offer personalized consultation on your specific needs at our booth.
Hardcore anglers can discuss trophy tactics, seasonal patterns, and which lakes produce the largest specimens of their target species. I’ve guided enough trips to know what works and what doesn’t for each lake. Families can learn about cabin amenities, meal planning for housekeeping stays, and age-appropriate fishing opportunities that keep everyone engaged.
First-time fly-in customers often have the most questions, and I’m happy to walk you through the entire process. I’ll explain costs, what to pack, flight procedures, and what differentiates fly-in fishing from drive-to experiences. Many people feel intimidated by the idea of flying into the bush, but I’ll show you why it’s actually simpler and more accessible than you think.
How Does Our Location Benefit Minnesota Anglers?
Our Nestor Falls airbase sits just one hour north of the International Falls, MN border, making us one of the most accessible fly-in operations for Minnesota residents. You’ll skip the eight-hour drive that many Canadian outfitters require and spend more time fishing instead of traveling.
This proximity means you can leave the Twin Cities in the morning and be catching fish by early afternoon. For weekend warriors or those with limited vacation time, this accessibility transforms a week-long commitment into a manageable four or five-day adventure.
Read about our Minnesota connections →
What Makes Our Outposts Different?
I focus exclusively on housekeeping outposts, which means you’re responsible for your own meals and daily routine. This isn’t for everyone, but it creates a different kind of freedom. You fish when you want, eat what you want, and operate on your own schedule without set meal times or guided trips.
Each outpost includes a fully equipped cabin with propane appliances, comfortable sleeping quarters, boat and motor, gas, and all the essentials for a week in the wilderness. I stock each location personally, so I know exactly what condition everything is in before you arrive.
The housekeeping model also keeps costs manageable compared to American-plan lodges. You’re paying for the location, equipment, and flight service—not for chef-prepared meals and daily guide fees. For groups who enjoy cooking and camaraderie around a campfire, this arrangement delivers authentic wilderness experiences without unnecessary frills.
How Does the Fishing Compare Across Our Lakes?
Every lake fishes differently, and that’s intentional. Some groups want nonstop walleye action. Others want big northern pike or a real shot at muskie.
Outpost Lake Comparison
| Lake | Primary Species | Fishing Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | Walleye, Pike | High-volume action | Families & groups |
| Cleftrock | Pike, Walleye | Trophy potential | Pike hunters |
| Gordon | Walleye, Pike, Muskie | Balanced | Mixed groups |
| Kishkutena | Walleye, Pike | Consistent bites | First-timers |
| Loonhaunt | Muskie, Pike | Low pressure | Experienced anglers |
Can You Really Catch 50–100 Walleye in a Day?
Yes — on the right lake and at the right time, those days are very real.
Can You Reserve Your Dates at the Show?
Absolutely. I bring our full booking calendar to the show and can reserve your preferred week on the spot. Many guests book the same week year after year, so certain dates fill up immediately when our season opens.
If you’re flexible on dates, I’ll work with you to find the best window for your target species and group size. Early season (mid-May through June) offers aggressive post-spawn fishing. Mid-summer (July-August) provides the most stable weather and water conditions. Late season (September-October) delivers trophy opportunities as fish fatten up for winter.
I also offer pricing information, deposit requirements, and payment schedules at the show. Everything is transparent and straightforward—no hidden fees or surprise charges.
What Should You Bring to the Show?
Come prepared with questions about your specific fishing interests, preferred travel dates, and group composition. If you have dietary restrictions or special equipment needs, mention them so I can address logistics upfront. I also recommend bringing a notepad to track information from multiple exhibitors if you’re comparing options.
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about anything that concerns you—weather patterns, fish cleaning procedures, emergency protocols, communication systems, or anything else. I’d rather spend twenty minutes answering questions at the show than have you wondering about details after you’ve booked.
Why Choose Northwest Flying Inc.?
After 40 years in this business, I’ve learned that fly-in fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about the complete experience. It’s the sound of a Beaver’s engine echoing across calm water. It’s the solitude of having an entire lake to yourself. It’s the satisfaction of filleting your own catch and frying it up for dinner while watching the sunset.
I’ve built Northwest Flying Inc. on the principle that people deserve safe, reliable access to genuine wilderness experiences. No shortcuts on maintenance. No overselling our capacity. No compromises on the quality of our outposts or equipment. Just honest bush flying and exceptional fishing in some of Ontario’s most remote and productive waters.
Stop by our booth at Canterbury Park from January 16-18. Let’s talk about making your 2026 fishing season one you’ll remember for decades. I look forward to meeting you and helping you plan a trip that’s Remote, Pristine, and Perfect.