Northwest Flying Inc.

Northwest Flying Inc provides safe and memorable air charter services and remote fly-in fishing trips from Nestor Falls, Ontario.

An air transportation service operating since the early 1960’s, featuring experienced pilots and a fleet including the Cessna 180, De Havilland Beaver, and Beech 18

Northwest Flying Inc, Fly In Fishing Outpost Cabins, Fly in Camping, Day Trips and air transportation service operating in Nestor Falls.

Our History

The Air Service was started In the early 1950s, by Red Swanton who founded Clearwater Air Service in Nestor Falls, providing essential air transportation for trappers, fishermen, miners, and loggers.Operating from Green’s Camp with aircraft such as a Waco and a Fox Moth, Red transported sportsmen to remote lakes including Kay Lake and Kishkutena. In summer months he flew fishermen locally, while winters often took him north to the Northwest Territories. Red was also among the pilots who flew the Distant Early Warning (D.E.W.) Line, contributing to the construction of North America’s first early-warning defence system.

In the early 1960s, Red sold the charter operation to Ralph Showalter, where it be​came known as Northwestern Flying Service, continuing the tradition of reliable northern aviation. The company changed hands a few more times up until 1987 when the Pope family acquired the business changing the name to Northwest Flying Inc. We have our own hangar with a dedicated AME on staff who takes exceptional pride in maintaining our fleet of 5 aircarft. Several of our pilots have been with the company for many years and are among the most experienced in the business.

Northwest Flying base late 60’s

All of our aircraft are
available for charter.
Give us a call.
“we have you covered”

-Shane and Gina Pope

(800) 461-2126

➤ Check Cabin Availability

Our Fleet

Cessna 180

The Cessna 180 is good for smaller loads,camp checks seats 3 people. Payload 630lbs. It was produced between 1953 and 1981.

DeHavilland Beaver

A real work horse of the north, seats 6 people. Payload 1200lbs

We operate two DHC-2 aircraft.

Beech 18

One of the most popular and reliable passenger transport aircraft of all time. Northwest Flying operates two Beech 18’s with seating for 8. 1800lb payload

Aircraft Maintenance

The company maintains its own hangar and employs a dedicated Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) on staff who ensures the fleet is meticulously maintained.

Every aircraft is maintained to strict Transport Canada regulations. Our safety protocols aren’t suggestions—they’re how we’ve been safely flying families for 75 years. We’re a professional aviation operation that happens to specialize in fishing trips, not the other way around.

We operate professionally maintained float planes built for northern Ontario’s rugged conditions. These aren’t weekend hobby planes—they’re work aircraft maintained to Transport Canada’s strict commercial aviation standards.

Our Pilots

The pilots are highly experienced, with several having been with the company for many years.

The pilots are among the most experienced bush pilots in the country, and they strive to ensure every trip is both safe and memorable.

 

Fly in Fishing Trip FAQs

Our five major outposts are situated on different remote lakes in Northwestern Ontario, all within a short 20 minute flight from our base in Nestor Falls. These exclusive locations allow anglers to fish in complete seclusion for all five major species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Bass, and Lake Trout.

The fly-in outposts guarantee a truly remote fishing experience, allowing guests to fish in complete seclusion and never worry about crowds. Cleftrock Lake, for instance, is the only cabin on its three-lake system. The Ajax Lake area offers canoeing and short portages to explore four additional private lakes.

Gordon Lake is noted for producing trophy Walleye and challenging the most experienced fishermen due to its interesting structure. Ajax Lake is known for large Northern Pike up to 44 inches and big Bass up to 23 inches. Kishkutena Lake offers world-class bass fishing and Muskie in the 40-inch range.

All five outposts are first-class, newer cabins. They feature full solar systems with back-up generators for power, wood stoves for heating, and running hot water. These provisions ensure a comfortable stay despite the remote wilderness location.

All outposts are fully equipped with modern amenities for guest comfort. They provide running hot and cold water and indoor showers. The cabins, such as Loonhaunt Lake which is spacious with four large bedrooms, offer fully enclosed living accommodations.

Yes, the kitchens are fully stocked with essential amenities, including cooking pots, pans, and utensils. Additionally, guests have access to a full-size stove/oven, gas fish cooker, gas BBQ, and large refrigerators/freezers to store their food and catch.

Yes, the kitchens are fully stocked with essential amenities, including cooking pots, pans, and utensils. Additionally, guests have access to a full-size stove/oven, gas fish cooker, gas BBQ, and large refrigerators/freezers to store their food and catch.

Essential items to bring include: a first aid kit, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), matches, a compass/GPS, fishing equipment (including a net and bait), flashlight, camera, toiletries, bath towel, sleeping bag, groceries, drinking water, paper towel, toilet paper, dish soap, sun screen, and garbage bags.

Pack gear duffel bags, coordinate with their group to save weight by sharing items like insect repellent, depth finders, and spare tackle (jig heads, sinkers, spare rods).

Safety FAQs

It is the guests’ responsibility to observe all fishing and boating regulations for the area. We can help you purchase an Ontario fishing license.

Throughout the great fishing, including trophy sizes and high catch rates, guests must observe all prevailing fishing regulations, which govern daily limits.

Guests are required to bring their own Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) and a first aid kit. For safety and communication in the remote areas, SPOT satellite messengers are available upon request. Our experienced bush pilots prioritize making every trip safe and memorable.

The trips are self-catered; guests must pack their own groceries, drinking water, and paper goods. Cabins are fully equipped with full kitchens, including a stove, oven, and large freezer. Grocery delivery can be arranged through local stores prior to departure.

Cell service in the remote outpost areas is not available. For essential communication and safety, however, SPOT satellite messengers are available upon request to clients to use during their remote stay. The base contact numbers are provided for pre-trip logistics.

Guests should bring essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and mosquito coils. To adhere to the 100 lb weight limit, guests are advised not to over-pack clothing and to coordinate shared items with their group.

Northwest Flying specializes in providing air charter and transportation to remote, fully equipped outposts or boat caches for camping. This allows anglers to have a self-guided fishing experience in complete seclusion; guide services are not mentioned as a core offering.

Travel Planning FAQs

The trip rates include air transportation and the use of the fully equipped outpost cabin. Guests are also provided with newer Yamaha motors, paddles, and plenty of boat gas located at the outpost site. Free parking and freezer storage are also available at the base.

Guests are provided with newer Yamaha motors and an ample supply of boat gas. For instance, the popular Loonhaunt Lake outpost is equipped with 16-foot deep Alumarine boats featuring new 15 HP Yamaha 4-Stroke motors. The focus is on reliable, high-quality boating equipment.

No, guests are required to bring all their own fishing equipment, fishing net, and bait. However, bait delivery service can be arranged through local grocery and hardware stores near the Nestor Falls base. Guests should coordinate shared tackle like jig heads to save weight.

The trips are self-catered; guests must pack their own groceries, drinking water, and paper goods. Cabins are fully equipped with full kitchens, including a stove, oven, and large freezer. Grocery delivery can be arranged through local stores prior to departure.

The strict outpost weight limit has been increased from 80 lbs to 100 lbs per person, which must include all gear, groceries, ice, pop, and beer. Gear must be packed in duffel bags or containers; loose articles are not flown. Overloads are typically charged at $1.00/lb.

All flights to the five outposts are intentionally kept short, typically within a 20 minute flight from the Nestor Falls base, helping to maximize time on the water. Guests must arrive prior to 9 am, with trips usually departing between 9 am and noon, and weather delay specifics are monitored in real time.

All personal gear must be packed into duffle bags, packsacks, or plastic containers, as loose articles cannot be flown. The aircraft—such as the Beech 18 with an 1800 lb payload—transports the gear, along with necessary supplies like lumber and propane.