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What We're Reading

Going Deep Walleye ResearchWe just finished reading a fascinating feature article in the April issue of Field and Stream Magazine. "Going Deep In the Name of Walleye Research"by Kirk Deeter, tells the story of the lethargic nature of these species, and how to jig over rocks and timber in lakes with lots of structure and contours, trolling for fish above the thermocline while Walleye Walleye lakeare actively feeding, and the value of finding creeks and inlets adjacent to moving waters.

Want a copy? Click here to receive a PDF file and information about subscribing to Field and Stream.

 


Ontario Outdoors Card
Canadian Outdoor Card
It was new for 2009. The Ontario Outdoors Card together with your fishing license - now it's the law of the land.

The card is good for 3 years and will cost you about $9 USD.

 We can process your application just like we process your conservation fishing license application.

More information about these cards is available by clicking hereor by listening to our podcast with the MNR officials.



 
Countdown to Opening
...by Alan CheesemanAlan2009YCX

Canadian Flag  


Here it is pre-Spring. Or is it actually Spring?  We are not so foolish to think we won't have another snow squall or blast of cold air.  HOWEVER it is very warm today - 60 degrees-f.  Global or not, this warmth foretells of an early Spring for Ontario. Ice is out here in Thunder Bay, the big ore ships are plying the Great Lakes as they have for over a month, and Waweig Lake at our base camp near Armstrong is clear of ice. We have now put our DeHavilland Otters on floats.

The fact that we are only five weeks away from first guests is exciting to us. Our management teams are busy getting boats, buildings and equipment on line. So what does this mean for our guests? For one thing, it gives us a chance to get out to our remote cabins and lodges and do the pre-opening cleaning and fix ups.

Our plans to install and have wireless solar powered internet at our outpost cabins and lodges is still on track.  However, we do need the time to test this equipment to make sure it is compatible with your i-Pad, i-Phone, Blackberry or portable computer. Which destinations are first? We think Zig Zag, Dawn, and D'Alton for sure.  If those tests go well, the others are not far behind. Will they all be working in May - well, fingers are crossed!

Joe's column on his fishing tackle box choices should be a good starting point for you in planning your packing. Joe reminds you that you do NOT need to bring 100 pounds of tackle on your adventure. In fact, our pro shops will be stocked with items from Joe's preferred lists, as well as other items for you.  So traveling light is a good idea.

Speaking of weights - we want to be clear.  You can bring what ever you want, including the kitchen sink :). However, each guest has an allowed weight amount for their adventure, and weights that exceed these included weights can fly out on a special charter, if you so desire. Your included weight is listed at the website by destination or in our trip planning guides. These weight guidelines allow us to fly safe and fly legal.

You can still get in on WilderBucks. If you book your trip now, and pay in full by May 1, 2010, each member of your party will have $100 WilderBucks to purchase items from the our newly remodeled pro shops or for live bait, gWilderBuckuide services, and rental items. Joe can give you more details when you chat with him.

I always value your comments and questions. Send them to me by clicking here or call at 888 465 3474.

Alan


Joe's Tackle Box
    ...by Joe Pichey Joe in the booth

As we get closer to the season opener and the trip planning conversations grow more and more detailed, I find myself answering one question more than any other when chatting with anxious Wilderness North anglers.

That question is "What's in your tackle box, Joe?"

The answer to this question always depends on a few things. First, did I find another excuse to drive 45 miles out of the way and "accidentally" (wink wink) drive by the nearest Bass Pro Shop and load up on the latest and greatest "can't miss" pike lures? Or, did I get bored over the weekend and make a new batch of homemade crawler harnesses that make even my best (and most color blind) friend point and chuckle because of the miss-matched color schemes. Either way, I guess it comes down to one simple thing. What I have in my tackle box and what I use each season are two totally different animals. We always ask guests "What is your favorite lure?" While we get new baits every once and awhile, the old standbys always win out after a full season.

So, I have comprised a list of guest favorites from seasons past. These are also what I tend to favor when hunting for trophies.
 
PIKE Tackle Box:

Williams Whitefish (5.25 inch in silver) 

Mepps Syclops (1 oz in blue, gold or silver) Great Walleye and Brook Trout lure.
 
Johnson Silver Minnow (1 1/8 oz in silver and gold)

Dardevel spoon (1 oz in red/whites and 5 of diamonds)


WALLEYE Tackle Box:

3/8  and 1/4 oz jig heads in assorted colors (About 25 or so per person.)
 
3 and 4 inch jig tails in assorted colors. (White, chartreuse, pink, orange.)
 
Jointed Rapalas.  J-11 and J-13 in assorted colors.  These will work for walleye and pike.
 
Any bright colored Hot-N-Tot.  Great trolling lure.
 
Don't forget to bring swivels and leaders as well.  
  
If you were to show up with just these lures at any of our Ontario fishing destinations, I am sure you would do well. As always, if you have a recommendation that I left off, please call (866-984-1705) or e-mail me. I always love to chat about fishing.
 

Joe