Posts: 8
Location: Sioux Lookout, ON | Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/6 to 8/13 2005
Hello From Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada. We have been
enjoying beautiful summer weather and crystal clear starry nights.
This time of year is our guests best opportunity to see northern
lights, constellations, and meter showers. In fact the meter showers
were predicted to be very active between August 10th and August 15th.
Back for their fourth time were father and son Paul and Michael
Letourneau from North Oaks, Mn and Metririe, La. Mike picked up right
where he left off last year. In 2004 Mike caught 2 over 40 inch Master
Anglers Award Northern Pike. Well, the first day out, while having
great action on Northern Pike, Mike caught a 41 inch Monster, with a
huge girth, and also landed a 34 incher. Next day out he almost
repeated as he landed a 34 inch and 39 inch Northern Pike and both had
a thick girth. Their third day they caught a lot of Northern Pike and
a 33 inch Musky. The fourth a final day they decided to fish for
Smallmouth Bass, and did GREAT catching 51, with a lot in the 14 to 17
inch category. Both had a fun four days, made great memories, and hope
to return in 2006.
Here for their first time ever were the Giesler Family of Glenn,
Janell, and Jake from Woodbury, Mn. Referred by Paul above, this
family was looking forward to this fishing trip for a long time, and
were excited to experience some of things Paul and Mike have over the
last four years. Well, the fishing stories started on the first day
out. Their first day they caught a bunch of Smallmouth. They also did
good their second day catching a lot of Smallmouth Bass, and as Glen
was fighting a large Smallmouth, which as we all know fight right to
the end, Jake was preparing to net this Monster when the Smallmouth
took a last dive, and the hook came flying out of he fishes mouth, and
hit Jake smack dab in the head. Ouch!!! Their third day the fish won,
with them catching only a few, however that evening they did great
catching 16 Smallmouth after supper, and they were all very good size.
Fourth day this family had a great day catching Northern Pike. They
caught a lot, and once actually had a triple catch. I would have loved
to see that fire drill. While Glenn was trying to take a picture of
Janell and Jake with their Northern Pike Jake's Pike decided to jump
right out of his hands, and go south, hitting the water like a high
diver. Glen captured this on their digital camera, and the expression
on Jake's face while this was happening is priceless. Another funny
story was when Glenn set his rod down to remove a hook, a Northern
Pike hit his lure, jumped out of the water, and Glen grabbed his rod
just in time and landed this fish. A few family memories were made on
this great day of fishing. Next day they adventured into one of our
wilderness portage lakes. They enjoyed walking through the bush seeing
the home all the wildlife, and also had fun in the solitude of being
the only people on a lake surrounded by natural beauty. They caught 18
Northern Pike, and enjoyed every minute of this excursion. On the last
day they fished for Smallmouth and did great catching 43 before
supper, and after supper the went out to enjoy their last moments in
the wonderful wilderness you find at Fireside Lodge. Many moments of
fun were had, and many family memories were made, and all agreed they
would like to return in 2006.
Another family here for their first time were father, son and Grandpa
Jim, Ted, and Gordon Owens all from Chicago, IL. This was all very new
to Jim and Ted as it was their first time on an actual fishing
vacation. First day was spent getting familiar with the lake and have
fun catching a few fish. Next day they both caught their first ever
Northern Pike, with Jim catching more, but Ted caught the largest
measuring 27.5 inches. The third day they caught 11 Smallmouth Bass,
and as Ted was trying to catch the Smallest fish possible, by cutting
his leech in half and sight fishing, he ended up catching his biggest
of the day landing a 13.5 inch Smallmouth Bass. Their fourth day they
explored another part of the lake, and did well catching fourteen
Smallmouth Bass, and one Northern Pike. The fifth day they explored a
portage lake together, had an absolute ball, and caught some nice
Northern Pike. On the last day they enjoyed catching some Smallmouth
Bass, and Ted caught his biggest ever landing a 16.5 inch beauty of a
Smallmouth. Fun was had by all, many memories made by three
generations, and all were very sad to leave. Thanks for making these
special family memories at Fireside Lodge.
Return guests Rob Delamatre, and Al Fishhaber from Sandusky and
Northwood, Oh., were back with good friends Larry Asmus and Larry
Clark from Bowling Green and Perrysburg, Oh. The two veterans Al and
Rob showed the two Larry's around the first day and they all did well,
each boat catching about 19 Northern Pike. The second day Larry and
Larry caught a bunch of Smallmouth Bass, and each caught a Master
Anglers Award 18 inch Smallmouth. Larry C also caught a nice Muskie.
Al and Rob did well, and Rob caught the biggest of the four landing an
18.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass. The third day they
caught a lot of Northern Pike, and between Al and Rob, Rob had the hot
hand. The Larry's, caught 30 plus Northern Pike, and both hooked Musky
with Larry C landing his, but seems their was a netting problem on
Larry A's Musky. That same evening Larry C caught a big 38.5 inch
Musky for his third Muskie in three days. Even though this groups
fourth day was not their best Larry C kept his Musky a day streak
alive by catching a Muskie in the evening fish. The fifth day of
fishing was this groups best ever, and they caught as a group 90 fish.
Most were good size Northern Pike, and Larry A caught up with his boat
partner Larry C by catching four Muskie in one day, largest a 38
inches, Rob caught a Musky, and Larry C and Al both caught very large,
18.5 inch, Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. GREAT DAY!!!! Last day was
also good as they caught a lot of Northern Pike. All had a great time,
and all hope to return again.
Back for their second year in a row were couple Fran and Colleen Stack
from Lorain, Oh. This couple is always smiling and energized for
fishing. First day out they caught some Northern Pike and Smallmouth,
and Colleen caught a beautiful 34 inch Northern Pike. The second day
they caught 12 Northern Pike up to 31 inches, and the third day they
caught 14 Smallmouth Bass. Colleen caught several 15 to 16.5 inches,
and they also had a lot of follows from BIG toothy critters. The
fourth day they concentrated on Muskie and Smallmouth and did well in
both categories. Fran caught a nice 31 inch Musky having several other
follows, and Colleen did great on Smallmouth catching a mammoth 19
inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass. The last they had a fun day
catching Northern Pike, landing 14 and having other action in the way
of follows and a few lost fish. Fran and Colleen had a wonderful time
together enjoying the wilderness fishing we offer at Fireside Lodge,
and spending some special couple time together.
Brothers John and Jim Dickerson from Noblesville, In and Mokena, IL
were back for their second time in three years, and brought their sons
John ll and James from Castleton, In and Mokena, IL. This group had
fun their first couple of days fishing for, and catching Smallmouth
Bass, and the very first evening John ll caught a nice 18 inch Master
Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass, and told me that his trip was already
made, and all fish caught for the rest of his stay would be a bonus.
One day the decision was to focus on Musky fishing. They did exactly
that, however after Jim broke one rod, and actually threw another rod
and reel into the lake, they made the logical decision, and in Jim's
case the economical one, and moved back to Smallmouth Bass fishing, of
which they did very well catching a lot of Smallmouth Bass. The
laughter at the dinning room table edged on uncontrollable hysteria,
over Jim's Muskie fishing techniques. Another day while Jim and James
were catching some Northern Pike and Smallmouth, Jim hooked and landed
a nice 29 inch Northern Pike. As he was unhooking the Pike he left his
lure dangling in the water. All of a sudden the rod was almost pulled
into the lake, and Jim barley grabbed it, and their was a 17 inch
Smallmouth Bass at the end of the line. I now have a picture of Jim
holding his 17 inch Smallmouth Bass and 29 inch Northern Pike. Great
catch, great story, priceless father and son memory made. On the last
day John and John ll caught a bunch of Smallmouth Bass, and John ll
ended up landing two Master Anglers, 18 inch plus, Smallmouth Bass.
Last day for Jim and James was also memorable as they hooked up with
many toothy critters, had loads of laughs, and James caught his first
ever Musky. Great fun was had by this father and sons duo, and all
hope to return in 2007.
Back together for their fifth consecutive year were Bernie Duchinsky
and Bill Bartley from Springfield, Mo. Well, these two always seem to
do excellent catching fish, and their first few hours before supper
they caught 16 nice Smallmouth. Their first full day they caught 30
plus Smallmouth Bass, with and lot being quality fish up to 17.5
inches, and five Northern Pike. Second day was a Pike day as the
caught 35 plus Northern Pike one Musky and several Smallmouth. Bill
hooked into a Smallmouth and as it jumped in the air both him and
Bernie thought Bill hooked an enormous Smallmouth. It was 16.5 inches
which is a nice fish, however it's girth was so wide that it was a
special Smallmouth catch. These two did fabulous on their third day as
the landed 17 big fish during the day and caught about 20 Smallmouth
in the same evening. Their fourth day they caught a mixed size of
Smallmouth of 50 plus, up to 17.5 inches. Their last day they went out
catching some nice Northern Pike, but called it early because of he
strong winds. Both had a great stay, and hope to return in 2006.
At Fireside Lodge for their first visit were the King's, father Gary
from Camton, IL, son David from Lisle, IL and son Jason with grandson
Tristan from Cincinnati, Oh. This group was having fun from the minute
they arrived, and continue throughout their entire stay. By the second
day David seemed to have altered the rules of a contest for the most
number of fish caught, to the most number of fish species caught.
Guess up to that point who had caught more species of fish than anyone
else. Your Right, David had by catching Smallmouth, Northern Pike,
Musky, and Perch. Counting Perch is stretching it a bit but we had to
give it to David because it is a different species. Tristan was having
an absolute ball as everything was new to this 9 year old, and
everything was full of fun and excitement. Through their second day
they had fun catching fish and a highlight was having shorelunch,
however everyone had to skip desert that evening because they were so
full. On their third day they caught a lot of Northern Pike, Jason
catching a nice Musky which was his first, and 9 year old Tristan
caught his largest Northern Pike ever measuring 27.5 inches. Great
catch Tristan!!! The last few days of their trip they caught a nice
mix of Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, and had loads of fun doing
so. In fact this group would have had a great time even if they did
not catch a fish. Just being at Fireside Lodge and enjoying all of the
family moments were enough to satisfy these four. Thanks four choosing
Fireside Lodge to make a set of your many family memories.
Back for their third consecutive year were the group of eight Kirk and
Bill Harlan from Clemmons NC, Leon Robbins from Yadkinville, NC, Andy
Thomassen, from Raleigh, NC, Noravl Mathie Sr and Norval Mathie from
Stuart, FL and West Chester, Oh, Walt Dillman from Westfield, NJ and
Bill Burwinkel from Cincinnati, Oh. First day on the water Leon and
Andy caught 33 Northern Pike, 2 Muskie, and the group as a whole
caught well over 60 fish. By the second day Leon and Andy had caught
well over 60 fish just between the two of them, and the other two
boats caught well over 40 per boat. Also Bill Harlan accomplished a
life long goal of catching his first Musky ever after 82 years of
fishing. Great Going Bill. Another day was spent on Muskie fishing and
Norv caught a nice 31 Incher, and Bill Burwinkel caught a 37.5 inch
Muskie with a huge girth. Leon and Andy saw more Musky than they had
seen in their whole life, however none were being cooperative, but the
Smallmouth were, as they caught a lot in between fishing for Musky.
Before the end of their trip Leon caught a nice 33 inch Musky, and
Bill Harlan caught his second and third Musky. So after 82 years of no
Muskie catches, Bill caught 3 in two days. They also did very well
catching a bunch of Northern Pike during their last few days. All had
a ball, all were a little down to leave, but their was already talk of
planning their trip for 2006. In fact Leon call me the Monday after
leaving telling me what a great time him and Andy had, and are already
looking forward to next year. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge as
your fishing destination.
First timers Dennis O'Malley from Engleton, Co., Denise Denton from
Aurora, Co and Scott and Christine Manley from Littleton, Co were here
to fish and have fun. First evening out on their day of arrival they
got familiar with the waters catching a few fish, and Denise caught a
32 inch Northern Pike. First full day they fished mostly for
Smallmouth and Denny and Denise had the most success catching about
twenty. Their second day they did really well with all catching a lot
of Smallmouth Bass up to 17 inches, and several Northern Pike. That
evening the ladies came over to the tackle shop, while the guys went
fishing, to discuss Northern Pike fishing. After talking for a while,
and the purchase of several confidence lures, they were all set with a
plan for the next days Northern Pike fishing. Well, it turned out
great as they caught a lot of Northern Pike, and Denny caught his
first Musky ever. Needless to say they were back to purchase more of
those magic, can't miss, lures. All had fun during their four day
stay, and it was wonderful retirement gift to Scott from Denny, who
had worked together for 30 years.
Many time return guests of Ron Vincent, Steve Foster, Mike Heath from
Sherrils Ford and New London, NC brought a few friends with them this
time, Larry Hoopaugh from Charlotte, NC and Eric Hess from Potomac
Falls, Va. This group is always full of fire, all pumped up ready to
catch fish. On the day of arrival Ron did not waste any time, as him
and Larry caught 20 plus Northern Pike, one Smallmouth Bass, and Larry
caught the first Musky of his life on his very first trip to Canada,
WOW, what an accomplishment. The first full day of fishing Steve and
Mike were on fire as they boated 50 to 60 fish, lost count, and most
were toothy critters, and Steve Landed a 35 inch Northern Pike, Mike
caught a 35 inch Northern Pike and a 35.5 inch Musky. Meanwhile Ron
and Larry had a good day catching some Smallmouth and chasing Muskie,
with Ron landing a girthy 35 incher. Larry also had a great second day
by catching 31 inch Northern Pike, and two Master Anglers Award
Smallmouth at 18 inches. Ron and Eric combined for 45 Northern Pike.
Another day Ron and Mike teamed up for a fabulous day catching at
least 50 Northern Pike and 15 Smallmouth, which all the Smallmouth
were 17 inches or larger, and Mike caught three Master Anglers Award
Smallmouth between 18 and 19.5 inches. These were very girthy fish,
and even with Big Mike holding them these fish looked enormous. Larry,
Eric, and Steve caught about 40 plus Smallmouth, Eric caught a 35 inch
Northern Pike, and a 34 inch Musky. Great day had by all. Next day
Mike and Eric had a fabulous Northern Pike day landing over 50, and
the other three had fun catching a variety, of Musky, Smallmouth, and
Northern Pike, Ron coming up with a 35 incher. Last day was good but
sad, as these five never seemed to have enough fishing time on the
water and were sad sacks leaving. Their last night the Northern Lights
came out very strong, and everyone got to see this spectacular light
show. What a great send off, and all intend on returning to Fireside
Lodge.
For their fourth consecutive year father and son combination of Mike
and Gary Kutchik from Naperville, IL were here to fish and enjoy the
peaceful wilderness atmosphere we have to offer at Fireside Lodge. On
their day of arrival they had fast action for the 1.5 hours of fishing
they got in before supper catching 7 Northern Pike. Fish stories also
started quickly when Mike was fighting a Pike and as Gary was
preparing to net it the Northern jumped, spit the hook one way, the
Pike flew in the opposite direction, however Gary found a way to net
the fish in mid air. Great catch, and Great net job. I told Gary he
could be my netter any day. The next day was a great Smallmouth day
for these two as they caught 18 to 20 Smallmouth, and the highlight
was when Mike was fishing for Smallmouth he got a tremendous hit, and
as he saw the fish coming up to the boat he had a Smallmouth and
Northern Pike in tandem. Evidently as the Smallmouth struck Mike's
bait, the Northern struck the Smallmouth at the same time, so again
Gary who is developing many unique netting techniques, netted both
fish and the Northern Pike at that moment let go of the Smallmouth.
You should see the bewildered face of Mike as he held both the
Northern Pike and Smallmouth while Gary took his picture. Again a
moment in time, and memory made which is priceless between a father
and son. Another day this father and son combo had their personal best
Northern Pike day, landing 24, and having a lot of other action. Gary
and Mike on their last day committed to Musky fishing, and they did
well, even though no fish were landed. Gary had a beauty on, and after
a fierce dive under the boat the Muskie came off. Mike also had a huge
Muskie on, and it ran seven or eight times trying to avoid he Master
Netter Gary, and finally ran that last time and just kept on going
taking everything Mike had with him. That's Musky Fishing. Mike and
Gary had a very memorable trip, and hope to return in 2006.
Return guests for the fourth consecutive year were father and son Tom
and Mark Reese from Bartlett, Tn and Doylestown, Pa. Four their fourth
consecutive year Mark and Tom came to Fireside Lodge to bond, and
spend some quality father and son time together. What better way to
accomplish this than in the wilderness setting of the Canadian Shield,
where unexpected fun happenings always seem to take place. First day
fishing they did great catching lots of Smallmouth Bass, and Mark
caught a big 17.5/8 inch Smallmouth Bass. We discussed the fact that
they did not even see a Northern Pike the first day, and decided that
they would have a better chance catching Northern Pike if they fished
for them. Well, the next three days of their trip they did well every
day catching many Northern Pike and a few Musky / Tiger Muskie. One
day Tom landed two mid 30 inch Muskie and a 36 inch Northern Pike,
along with many more 26 to 33 inches. This same day Mark caught a HUGE
18 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass, and missed a GIANT
Smallie estimated at well over 20 inches. Fantastic day of fishing for
these two. The fishing is important to Mark and Tom, but not as much
as the time spent together having conversation, and also conversing in
the lodge with others. This has become tradition to the point they
made a vow to return every year until one of them is not able, and as
an incentive, when that one person becomes unable they have to pay the
other persons way to Fireside Lodge. I think we will be seeing both
Tom and Mark at Fireside Lodge for a long time to come. A few other
interesting things that happened to Tom and Mark, were their wildlife
sightings, having a spectacular show of northern lights one night, and
an opportunity to help put out a fire on gun club island one evening.
Things do happen at Fireside Lodge that nobody could even imagine, you
just have to be here to experience them. Both Tom and Mark had a great
time, and went home full of another four days of wonderful father and
son memories made at Fireside Lodge. Thanks for giving us the
opportunity to be your hosts, and become your friends.
Hot Lures of the week: Plastic Swim Baits, Blue Fox Spinner, Dardevle
Spoons, Tube Jigs
Catches of the week: 41 inch Northern Pike, 19.5 inch Smallmouth Bass
4 Musky caught in one day by one person, 18 Master Anglers Smallmouth
caught in 6 days.
Well, that's it for this weeks fishing report from Fireside Lodge,
Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n
Alan
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Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/6 to 8/13 2005