Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Resort is located on beautiful Little Raspberry Island in Sabaskong Bay, Lake of the Woods, near Morson, Ontario. As a boat-in island resort, your adventure begins when you arrive in Morson.
Getting to Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Resort
Arriving by Vehicle
Most guests launch and park at Gill’s Morson Marina, which offers secure parking, boat launching, fuel, bait, fishing licenses, tackle, and convenience items.
Gill’s Morson Marina
10045 Highway 621
Morson, ON P0W 1J0
Phone: (807) 488-5551
Guests are also welcome to use the public Morson Government Dock located at the end of Highway 621 if preferred.
Driving from the United States
The nearest border crossing is the Rainy River, Ontario / Baudette, Minnesota crossing. From the border, Morson is approximately a 50-minute drive.
Upon Arrival
Please call or text Meagan or Andrew at (807) 631-9169 when you arrive in Morson. We kindly ask that guests provide an estimated arrival time prior to their trip so we can ensure someone is available to assist you upon arrival.
Bringing Your Own Boat?
Most of our guests bring their own boats. Once you arrive, we’ll meet you at the marina, help direct you to the resort, and assist with unloading any luggage or supplies that you’d prefer not to transport in your boat. The ride from Morson to Little Raspberry Island is approximately five minutes.
Renting a Resort Boat?
If you’re using one of our rental boats or arriving without a boat, we’ll transport you, your luggage, groceries, and fishing gear to the island.
Whether you’re following us in your own boat or riding across with us, your vacation begins with a scenic trip through the protected waters of beautiful Sabaskong Bay.
What’s Included in Your Cabin
Every cabin at Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Lodge includes:
- Full shore power — no generator noise, no interruptions
- Modern lakefront cabin with private three-piece bathroom with hot and cold running water
- Fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and kitchen essentials
- Linens — sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels
- Drinking water (water dispenser included)
- Outdoor fire pit area
- Starlink Wi-Fi available throughout the resort
- Dock space and freezer service
- Outdoor furniture and propane BBQ
- One bag of ice
- Boat transport to and from the island
Fishing & Boating Amenities
- Dock space for your boat directly at the resort
- Electrical outlets available at the docks for charging electronics and batteries
- Fish freezer service for storing your catch during your stay
- Transportation to and from the island for guests arriving without a boat
Rental Boats Include
Our rental boats come equipped with:
- GPS/Sonar unit
- Landing net
- Minnow bucket
- Stringer
- Required safety equipment, including life jackets
For cabin-specific details, photos, and sleeping capacities, please visit our individual cabin pages: Musky Manor, Loon’s Nest, Bear’s Den, Squirrel Lodge, Beaver Lodge pages.
What to Pack
Fishing gear:
- Rods, reels, and tackle suited to your target species
- Polarized sunglasses for spotting structure and reducing glare
- A valid Ontario fishing license (see the licensing section below)
- Landing gloves, pliers, and any specialty fishing equipment you prefer
Recommended Tackle
Walleye
- Jig heads (1/8 oz–3/8 oz)
- Soft plastics
- Slip bobber setups
- Bottom bouncers and spinner rigs
Smallmouth Bass
- Tubes
- Ned rigs
- Drop-shot baits
- Topwater lures
Northern Pike
- Spinnerbaits
- Spoons
- Swimbaits
Musky
- Bucktails
- Topwater baits
- Glide baits
- Large rubber baits
Not sure what’s biting? Check our page on Facebook for current reports or call Andrew and Meagan at the lodge.
Clothing:
- Layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings
- Rain gear (recommended regardless of the forecast)
- Warm jacket or sweater
- Comfortable, non-slip footwear for docks and boats
- Hat, sunscreen, and lip balm
Personal items:
- Prescription medications
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries
- Camera, phone, or GoPro for capturing memories
- Groceries, snacks, and beverages for your stay
Optional Items
- Binoculars
- Portable speaker
- Deck of cards or board games (There are some in the cabins but limited)
- Extra cooler for transporting fish home
Leave at home:
- Anything irreplaceable that could be damaged by water or weather
Fishing Licenses
A valid Ontario fishing license is required for all anglers. Licenses are not available at the lodge and must be arranged before you arrive.
Purchase your Ontario fishing license online through the Ontario government’s FishHunt portal before you leave home, or stop in at Gill’s Marina to purchase in person.
Licenses are available as Conservation or Sport class. If you plan to keep fish, confirm the current slot and possession limits for Lake of the Woods before your trip — regulations change seasonally.
US Border Crossing Tips
Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Resort is located on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods. Most US guests cross into Canada at the Rainy River, Ontario / Baudette, Minnesota border crossing.
What to Bring
- A valid passport or passport card
- Vehicle registration
- Any medications in their original prescription packaging
- Confirmation of your lodging reservation (recommended)
Bait Regulations
Current regulations prohibit many forms of bait from being transported across the border. We recommend purchasing your bait after entering Canada. Bait is available at Gill’s Morson Marina and other local suppliers.
Bringing Fish Home
If you plan to take fish home, be sure to follow all Ontario fishing regulations and US import requirements. Fish must remain identifiable for transport, and all fish should be properly declared when crossing back into the United States.
Border Crossing Tips
- Declare all food, alcohol, tobacco, and fish products.
- Have your travel documents readily available.
- Allow extra time during holiday weekends and peak summer travel periods.
- Be prepared to answer questions regarding the purpose and length of your trip.
The border crossing process is typically quick and straightforward for fishing guests, and thousands of anglers make the trip to Lake of the Woods each season.
Boat Rentals and Fishing Guides
Your cabin rate includes transportation to and from the island. Boats are rented separately.
Boat Rentals
We offer a variety of well-maintained rental boats equipped for fishing Lake of the Woods. Rental boats are available with 30hp, 40hp, and 50hp outboards and include:
- GPS/Sonar unit
- Landing net
- Minnow bucket
- Stringer
- Required safety equipment, including life jackets
Please visit our Boat Rentals page for current rates.
Guided Fishing Trips
Whether you’re visiting Lake of the Woods for the first time or looking to learn new techniques and locations, a guided trip is one of the best ways to maximize your time on the water.
Guided fishing days typically run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and include fish cleaning and freezing. Our experienced guides can tailor the day to your goals, whether that’s targeting walleye, northern pike, musky, bass, or enjoying a traditional shore lunch experience.
Many guests choose to start the day targeting walleye and then spend the afternoon casting for bass, pike, or musky depending on conditions and personal preference.
Visit our Fishing Guides page to learn more.
We recommend booking guide days in advance, as availability during peak weeks is limited.
Shore Lunch
A traditional Lake of the Woods shore lunch is a highlight of many guests’ fishing trips. Fresh fish caught that day is prepared by your guide on a scenic shoreline using cast iron pans and propane cookers, creating a meal that’s as memorable as the fishing itself.
Shore lunch is available as an upgrade and can be added to any guided fishing trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the beauty of Lake of the Woods, and experience one of Canada’s great fishing traditions.
Ask about adding a shore lunch when booking your guide day, or call us at (807) 631-9169 for more information.
Weather on Lake of the Woods
Weather conditions on Lake of the Woods can change quickly, so we recommend checking the Morson forecast before heading out each day. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional summer thunderstorm are all part of the Lake of the Woods experience. Check the Morson area forecast before you head out each morning.
Wind is often the biggest factor affecting fishing and boating conditions. Fortunately, Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Resort is located in the protected waters of Sabaskong Bay, providing access to excellent fishing opportunities even when portions of the main lake become rough.
We encourage guests to pack layers, rain gear, and a warm jacket, regardless of the forecast. Morning boat rides can be surprisingly cool, even during the middle of summer.
If you’re unsure about conditions during your stay, we’re always happy to provide local insight and recommendations before you head out on the water.
Questions Before You Arrive
Meagan and Andrew are reachable before your trip.
Phone: (807) 631-9169
Email: saarelas@outlook.com
Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Resort typically opens on the third Friday in May and operates through approximately October 15, weather and lake conditions permitting.
We are available by phone and email year-round and are happy to assist with trip planning, fishing information, boat rentals, guide bookings, licensing questions, or anything else you may need before your arrival.
Looking forward to seeing you on Little Raspberry Island.
— Meagan & Andrew Saarela
Saarela’s Moonlite Bay Lodge, Lake of the Woods