What an incredible fishing trip, Darrell was extremely professional and what a great host. He really knew the area quite well and led us directly into monster fishing territory. I plan on going back to fish with Darrell. The houseboat was amazing and kept us close to the fishing action.

Captain Mike Schoonveld

I had the privilege to fish with Darrell Splett the last 3 years and I was not only amazed by his ability to keep us on fish, but I was amazed and blessed by his hospitality. He and his wife Susie are all about the guests from start to finish.

The fishing is top notch. I have guided for over 30 years and I would go with Darrell anytime. He’s top tier in the fishing world. 

Thanks Darrell and Susie for so many great adventures and see you soon!

Phil Frasier

While I’m usually disappointed with most guides and outfitters, Big Fish Ontario’s Darrell Splett is one unique exception. I’ve booked with Darrell on different fishing venues for the last 15 years and I’m always 100% satisfied and impressed. The adventure always exceeds my expectations. World class.

Besides being totally personable and reliable, he is so enthusiastic about the fishing and wanting his clients (guests) to have an incredible time. And we always do. Unforgettable adventures.

Most outfitters tend to exaggerate about the fishing and their offering but with Darrell’s Big Fish Ontario, the exact opposite is true. He seems to find all the spots and techniques that work almost beyond belief. Big fish and lots of them in a destination that is almost magical - this seems to be the norm on my outings with Darrell.

The Little Jackfish River walleye fishery is an example. 200 nice fish in 200 casts and then took a break to rest my arm. I often dream and day dream about this incredible fishery in such a remarkably unique setting. Bucket list trip for sure – and once there once, nearly impossible not to go back again (and again).

To top it all off, Darrell has one of the most pleasant dispositions I’ve ever encountered, always happy and wanting to please. Never an awkward moment, never a disappointment, always a nice solution to every question, totally helpful and a constant source of useful tips. I’m impressed. What more can I say. 

Brian Randle

Thunder Bay, Ontario fishing enthusiast 

I have fished many fly in lakes in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and had great fishing but the Little Jackfish River on Lake Nipigon are by far the best walleye and northern I've ever had.  I have been there four times and the fishing is always the same...great!  The new houseboat Darrell has on the river is a great place to come back to after a day of fishing.  It's clean and comfortable.  No flying.  You can drive to this place.  It's great.

John Seidel Minneapolis MN

I’ve fished in a lot of places with a lot of people and can fairly say that Darrell Splett is the best guide around. I first met Darrell through a mutual friend about 8 years ago. Before my first trip to fish with Darrell, my friend tried to prepare me for what the fishing was going to be like. We talked about “personal bests” – he boasted numbers, sizes, etc. It was like he was describing Shangri La. “I’ll be the judge of that”, I thought. Then he would try to describe the man. “It’s just different when Darrell’s in the boat – I can’t explain it. It’s as if the fishing Gods have smiled on this guy. He has a sixth sense about finding fish.” 

Well, it was all true, and it keeps getting better year after year. We had a quick trip to the Jackfish River this past September and it was beyond description. The numbers and size class of fish were just phenomenal. The scenery is truly amazing, as well. Darrell perfectly describes it as “fly-in fishing with drive in convenience”. The accommodations on his houseboat are fantastic as well. 

Darrell was simply meant to be a guide. He knows when to step in and help, and when to step back and watch the fun. He has a genuine passion for putting people on fish and then seeing them succeed. 

If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime, give Darrell Splett at Big Fish Ontario a call. You won’t regret it.

Fish on!

Jim Garrett - Rochester, MN

I have had the privilege of knowing Darrell Splett for many years. We have had many fishing adventures together.

This year I had the chance to fish with Darrell two times on his houseboat.

The first trip was on the south end of Lake Nipigon in mid June. We had the most amazing walleye and northern pike fishing that I’ve ever had in my life, and I have fished a lot in my life. Not only did we catch large numbers of fish but we caught very large fish. Before this trip my personal best northern pike was 42 inches.  On this trip I caught two more 42-inch northern pike. I also caught a 43 ,44,46 and now my personal best a 48-inch northern pike. We landed many, many northern that were between the mid 30-inch range and 42 inches.
The walleye fishing with spectacular as well. Many walleyes were caught. I never saw a walleye under 19 inches. The five other fishermen on the boat each caught a 31-inch walleye. I was the piker with only 30.5-inch walleye. There were many walleyes caught that were in the 25 to 30-inch range.
The next trip on the houseboat was in August on the north end of the lake Nipigon. I was with a group of fishermen. Some were experienced veteran fisherman, and some were not. All were impressed by the unbelievable numbers of walleyes that could be caught in a single day. The biggest walleye of the trip was 28 inches.
Also impressive was the size of the northern pike. The two biggest northern pike that were caught were each 45 inches.
Nearly all the fish that we caught on these trips were released. We kept some small ones for eating. The rest are still there for next time.
Besides the fishing, the beauty of the wilderness surroundings Darrell’s warm personality and the camaraderie of the other fisherman that we were with made it an experience like no other. I can hardly wait until next summer to do it again.
 

Doug Wheelock 

I spent a week on Darrell’s houseboat last fall along with 7 other guys. The accommodations were great. The fishing was great. The scenery was great. Moose, bear, beaver, river otters. In the great room of the houseboat we could just sit and watch the river roll by right in front of us.  

The Jackfish river is a pristine location. Far off the beaten trail. We had freshly caught walleye for lunch and dinner each day, and we ate our fill. We prepared them every way possible. Fried, of course, but also grilled and baked. We had limes along as well as some onion and cilantro, so we even made walleye ceviche. It never got old. 

In our group all the guys were experience fisherman, and we had guys that knew the river as well as Lake Nipigon. They got us on the fish— not sure what would have happened without that guidance. We fished walleye during the day and Northern in the evening. All the fishing was epic.  

It was an amazing week disconnected from the rest of the world and immersed in wild nature.

Joe Randall