Saarela’s Moonlite Bay is a family-owned Lake of the Woods fishing resort located on Little Raspberry Island near Morson, Ontario, in the heart of Sabaskong Bay. Originally operating with three main cabins, the resort has grown over time into a well-established destination now offering five comfortable cabins, modern amenities, and convenient access through the Morson area. What began as a traditional wilderness fishing camp has evolved into a trusted fishing destination, providing guests with exceptional musky, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and northern pike fishing on one of Ontario’s most iconic lakes.
What Is the History of Saarela’s Moonlite Bay?
Saarela’s Moonlite Bay has a long and stable history as a well-established Lake of the Woods fishing resort, thoughtfully stewarded over the decades by a small number of dedicated families. Originally operating as Moonlite Bay Camp, the resort’s story is one of continuity, care, and respect for both the land and the fishing traditions of Lake of the Woods near Morson, Ontario.
Early Stewardship and Foundations
In 1985, Moonlite Bay Camp entered a long period of consistent ownership when Lois and Bill Zierke purchased the property. Over the following decades, they built the foundation that shaped the resort’s reputation. Bill Zierke brought extensive experience to the operation, having guided on Lake of the Woods since 1971. His deep understanding of local reef systems, island chains, and seasonal fish movements helped establish Moonlite Bay as a trusted destination for anglers pursuing musky, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie.
During the Zierke era, Moonlite Bay developed a loyal following of returning guests who were drawn to the rhythm of island life on the lake. Many anglers returned year after year to experience long summer evenings, quiet mornings on the water, and the challenge of fishing the surrounding reefs and bays. At the time, the resort operated with three main guest cabins—Musky Manor, Loon’s Nest, and Bear’s Den—forming the original foundation of Moonlite Bay’s accommodations.
In 1997, Moonlite Bay launched its first website, reflecting an early commitment to connecting with anglers traveling from across Canada and the United States.
Continuing a Tradition
Following the Zierkes’ long tenure, the resort was carefully passed on to Mike Evans and his wife Tasha in 2002, who continued operating Moonlite Bay through 2015. Under their stewardship, the resort maintained the traditions and standards guests had come to expect, ensuring continuity while preserving the character and fishing focus that defined Moonlite Bay.
Moonlite Bay’s homepage during the mid-2000s
The Saarela Transformation (2015-Present)
In 2015, the Saarela family became the caretakers of Moonlite Bay, continuing a legacy built on long-term stewardship, respect for tradition, and a shared passion for fishing on Lake of the Woods. Meagan grew up on the lake, with both her father and grandfather working as guides, and her grandfather also spending time as a commercial fisherman during the years it was still permitted. Many summers were spent on the water alongside her family, building a deep, firsthand understanding of the lake, its seasons, and its fisheries.
Andrew was introduced to Lake of the Woods after meeting Meagan in 2006 and quickly developed his own connection to the area. Having grown up around the water on Shebandowan Lake near Thunder Bay, fishing and boating were already part of his life. Together, they made the decision to return to Northwestern Ontario in 2014, spending as much time on the lake as possible before ultimately making the dream of owning Moonlite Bay a reality. Andrew continues to guide part-time and upon request, sharing local knowledge built through years on the water.
Today, Saarela’s Moonlite Bay remains firmly rooted in its history while being actively run by a family whose lives have long been shaped by the lake. With thoughtful improvements, hands-on involvement, and strong respect for the traditions that came before, the resort continues to offer a welcoming and knowledgeable experience for anglers and families alike.
Knowledge Built on Generations of Experience
One of the defining strengths of Saarela’s Moonlite Bay is the depth of experience behind the resort. Our connection to Lake of the Woods extends far beyond ownership, built through decades of time spent on the water and a deep understanding of lake structure, seasonal movements, and fisheries.
Longtime guide Serge has been part of Moonlite Bay since 2003, guiding through multiple chapters of the resort’s history. With more than two decades of experience on these waters, Serge’s continued presence reflects the consistency, trust, and local knowledge that have always defined Moonlite Bay. This experience allows guests to fish with confidence while targeting musky, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie throughout Sabaskong Bay and the surrounding areas.
Today at Saarela’s Moonlite Bay
Building on decades of careful stewardship, the Saarela family has focused on enhancing comfort and functionality while preserving the quiet, island-based experience that has always defined Moonlite Bay. Improvements have been made thoughtfully over time, ensuring the resort continues to feel authentic to its setting while meeting the expectations of today’s anglers and families.
Original cabins and the main lodge have been refreshed and updated with attention to comfort, durability, and practical details that matter during a fishing trip. Dock systems have been improved to better support guest boats and equipment, and the addition of a fifth cabin has allowed the resort to welcome a wider range of group sizes without increasing overall capacity.
What continues to set Saarela’s Moonlite Bay apart is consistency. Guests return for the combination of location, experience, and care—fishing the renowned waters of Lake of the Woods while staying at a resort that remains hands-on, family-run, and deeply connected to the lake. Rather than expanding, the focus remains on maintaining quality, refining the guest experience, and ensuring every visit feels personal, relaxed, and well looked after.
Cabin accommodations → View Our Cabin Options & Availability
What to expect on your trip → Best Time to Fish Lake of The Woods Guide
Today, Saarela’s Moonlite Bay continues to be a trusted Lake of the Woods fishing resort, valued for its history, local knowledge, and family-run approach.
Plan your visit → Booking Information & Rates
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