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Protecting the Resource !
....by Alan Cheeseman
Everyday we spend lots of time making sure the details of every guest's fly in adventure are in order. That can be quite a task, and sometimes so mentally and physically demanding we forget one important thing. No Resource = No Guests. However, we don't forget it for long. That's why we emphasize the importance of catch and release angling. While walleye and pike are plentiful, we recommend that guests keep only what they eat - throw back all others. And brook trout? Quick photos. Quick release. Every fish. There is one other specie our guests encounter from time to time that is also protected here in Northwestern Ontario. The White Sturgeon. (Photo on left.) This year we are partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada in a special research study to learn more about these ancient and remarkably large fresh water fish. (Our Makok report this week includes spotting of a 7 footer.) This week's podcast is with the WCS's Jenni McDermid PhD -  who heads up the study. Jenni reminds us that power producing plants, mines, foresters, and other developers often have their eyes on our boreal forests, and that great caution should be exercised in altering the land and water to achieve a developer's goals. She - and we - agree that knowledge is the best way to evaluate each of these developments. When you listen to our conversation with Dr. McDermid, you'll learn about the study and about this amazing fish. Click here to listen. Photos - Please - Photos: We are again issuing the call for your photos from your trip to Northwest Ontario. While we always get plenty of the "grin and grip" - angler and fish shots, its the natural beauty and the wildlife that we're looking for as well - for our 2011 calendar. If your photo is selected as a "main page" photo, we'll send you a Wilderness North cold weather fleece vest. You may attach these photos- one per email - in an e-mail to us - in the highest resolution you have. Don't forget to include your name, mailing address, and phone number. I look forward to seeing your pics soon...and thanks in advance. Click here to start the e-mail. I always value hearing from you, and answering your questions, so drop me an e-mail by clicking here. Alan
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 Whitewater Lake Predictably Productive
...by Katelyn Johnson
It's been another incredible week here at Striker's Point Lodge on Whitewater Lake,
with amazing fishing all around!
The Nicklaus group from Wisconsin racked up four Master Angler pike. Grandpa Ron
caught a 43-inch down the river near the rock pile on a large minnow. He also came
close to becoming a  Master Angler walleye fisherman with a 25-inch beauty. His photos are there on the right. Grandson
Michael brought in two master pike at 43 inches and 40 inches. The first was caught as he
was reeling in a walleye, the second was caught by the island point at the
mouth of the river. Mom Camille landed a 40 inch northern on a leech, also by the
island point. Camille also caught a 38 inch northern and a 24 inch walleye. The
youngest of the Nicklaus crew, 11-year-old Chris, had a very successful week
catching over 70 walleye, the largest at 22 inches. Big brother Steven also came
close to Master Angler status with two 38 inch pike. Congratulations to the
Nicklaus group for some SPECTACULAR fishing!
John Heino from Thunder Bay's sister city in the USA - Duluth, Minnesota - came j ust
shy of a master pike with a 39 inch pike caught using a walleye rod with a jig and
no leader...it was a close call as John was worried that the fish would snap the
line, but luckily after a 10 minute fight he was able to net the big girl. John
and friend Tim Meininger enjoyed a blissful, relaxing week at Striker's Point
Lodge. They enjoyed a delicious shore lunch expertly prepared by guide Ryan
Lacey, who we have dubbed the "Shore Lunch Master" here at Striker's. An
authentic shore lunch prepared with freshly caught walleye will be one of the
highlights of a trip to Whitewater Lake, and you will talk about the
scrumptious food for weeks after! Many of our shore lunch locations are
also great fishing spots, allowing you to do a little fishing off the shore
while you wait for your lunch. It is an experience that no fishing trip is
complete without!
The Taylor group: Benny P'Pool from Maryville, Tennessee and Todd P'Pool from Madisonville, Kentucky, along with Mike and Drew Taylor from Brooksville, Florida enjoyed the calm serenity of being here in the vast Canadian
wilderness. They were fascinated by the endless beauty of the boreal forest that
provides the backdrop for a fly-in adventure, saying "There is nothing like it
in the world!" They truly  enjoyed exploring Best Island's Beckwith Cabin -
where inventor and scientist Wendell Beckwith lived in the sixties. This spectacular attraction is a MUST
SEE.
Here at Whitewater Lake we offer more than just incredible fishing but a
collection of memorable one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to make your
fly-in fishing adventure a trip of a lifetime. Hope to see you soon!
From Striker's Point Lodge on Whitewater Lake, this is Katelyn Johnson casting
off.
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Best Trips Ever Reported at Miminiska!
...by Tristan Yuswak
 This week was a relatively quiet week in
terms of guest numbers at Miminiska Lodge, but the fishing was outstanding. The McCabe group from Princeton, Wisconsin, (photo around wing of plane) were
here for their 14th consecutive year and they reported that the
fishing was the best they have ever had. The amount of walleye and pike was remarkable
and the size of the fish also had them excited. They had particular luck
exploring shallow reefs, then fishing the drop-offs to hit it big with their
Rapala's. The Melnychuk's from Niagara Falls, flew
in on their own float  plane (photo by tail of plane) and also reported having the best fishing trip of their life. All
we heard around the lodge all week was that the fishing was the best they have
ever had up here. With their guide, Thomas Nate, they were hitting more walleye
and pike than they could handle - or count! With no Master Anglers this week, we are not disappointed, as
the quantity is bringing all the blokes and sheilas back to the bar each afternoon very, very happy.  Project Healing Waters soldiers arrive on
July 16th, and we are really looking forward to catching up with the mates we
met last year and saying G'day to the new ones. All of us know, it is going to
be something special. It so easy for us to give a little, for those who have
given so much. Hoo-roo for this week and no worries. |
 Seven Foot Strugeon Caught by Makok Guest - While Fishing for Walleye
...by Meryl and Bernard Carroll
This past week - here at Makokibatan Lodge - was very exciting for the Anderson family from Chicago,
Illinois - including Brad and his two son's, Matt and Tim. Brad reported
catching at least 50 walleye - this past Monday - the last day of trip.
Overall, fishing has been great...Tim and Matt took a river trip with
First Nation guide Errol Coaster creating "once in a lifetime" memories as only
fishing Ontario's Albany River can. On the way
down the river, they did some fishing for walleye - fishing deep, fishing slow
- when they were surprised by the weight of a huge fish. Tim worked the "heavy
log" for a while, being determined to get this one in the boat when suddenly
out of the water jumps an Ontario White Sturgeon. It snaps off the line and in
a blink it's gone. Whew- is there an instant replay here? You want to see excitement? You should have seen Tim's face,
just telling us the story of a fish he claims may have been 7 feet long.
Okay calm
down now...so then it's on to the brookie's, where Tim caught a 21 inch beauty. Then
Matt hauled another big one in - this time 20 inches. He said, when you get the guide saying, "Holy *&%$% "
that's a big one!" Well, that's not the end of the excitement, next was a big
pike. He got that one to the boat and lost it and lost Matthew's Little-Cleo lure in the tussle. Moments later, brother Tim hooked a big pike and upon trying to get her ready for the
net, he saw his brother's Little Cleo in the pike's mouth at which point he
snapped his little Cleo off. How's that for a "The One Who Got Away"
story? Both brothers said, "anyone
who catches that pike - we want our little Cleo's back"...talk about excited for
one day!
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Fish the Wind and You'll Win !
...by Joe Pichey
 As we get deeper into the 2010 angling season, the
temperatures begin to play with our "fishing emotions" a bit more than they did
in the early part of the year. We see fishing patterns change and the
fish get a little more finicky. While some guests swear by the early and
late times of the season, July can be just as productive as any other time if
you keep a few things in mind. The first thing you need to do is locate the food source. By this time of
the season, most walleye should be feeding mainly on minnows and smaller
fish (perch, tiny walleyes and even a small pike) which makes it so important
to locate schools of baitfish. These schools will be looking for the cooler
water temps which usually means in the deeper water. If you can find the baitfish,
you are sure to find some hungry predators nearby.  One of the things we tell guys before they head out is to fish the windy side
of the islands. Always! The winds will blow the baitfish into a
concentrated shoreline area and the feeding fish will follow. This can
last for a few hours or a few days. Never give up on a spot just because
the winds have died down. If the baitfish are there, so are the
ones we are after. Lastly, make sure to keep on the move in the summer months. These
fish have a tendency to scatter a little more in the heated sunny days. It is less likely that you will catch 100 fish in one spot like you did in late
May or June. Try drifting or trolling until you locate these
schools. Don't rule out the shallows either. Give it all a shot
until you come across a proven pattern that works for your group. The early and
late times of the day have always produced the biggest fish in July as well as
the best "relaxation" time on the water. There is nothing better than a
cold beverage, a great Canadian sunset and monster walleye on the end of your
line to end a perfect day in the wilderness. I look forward to
hearing from you all soon! Send me an email. |
 And Summer Rolls On!
...by Graham Saunders
A
summer weather pattern is firmly established in Northern Ontario. People who
recall the weather conditions of one year ago perhaps still shiver with
thoughts of last July's stubborn spring-like weather. Afternoon temperatures
have been mainly in the 70s F (21 to 26 C) although some locations experienced
highs up to 84 F (30 C) last weekend.
Showers
and occasional thunderstorms are likely beginning this afternoon and extending
into tomorrow. Clouds and widely-scattered showers should be replaced by
mainly sunny skies on Saturday when temperatures near 80 F (27 C) take over.
The
longest day with the sun at its highest point above the horizon took place on
June 21. On average, the warmest time of the year, the heat of summer if you
like, takes place about one month later. Seasonal afternoon temperatures in
locations at Wilderness North lodges and cabins on the Albany and Ogoki River
systems are 75 F (25 C).
Of course, it is an average.
Last year, 65 F (18 C) was general. My prediction for this year is warmer than
average but the forecast in one week may have to "tweak" this longer-term
prediction.
Wilderness North Weatherman Graham Saunders teaches weather at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, and writes a weather column for the Thunder Bay Chronicle.
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