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Ontario Fishing Report
August 3, 2011
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So What About All This Heat?
Today's report will find most US readers sweltering in the hottest summer temperatures in over a decade. And the lack of rain only adds to the problem.
While we have experienced a few days here and there of warmer than usual weather, it is much more pleasant north of the US/Canadian border these days.
So what about the fishing? As you read through our reports this week you will find that the usual and expected slowdown of trophy fish at this time of year is happening again in 2011, however, the numbers of fish being caught are quite stable. Sooner than you would think, we will turn the corner into our fall weather patterns, and the big Walleye and Pike will get the call from Mother Nature that the long Canadian winter is not far off. And let the feasting begin! In the meantime, come on up North - you'll love the cool.
This past week I received a very thoughtful letter from one of our soldiers from the July 2011 Healing On The Albany - Project Healing Waters event up at Miminiska Lodge.The sidebar article to the right, has the cover letter from Rob Martin of Perth, Ontario. Rob has written a great essay about his recent visit with us that you may receive as a PDF file, including his photos. His essay was well written...and served to underscore our commitment to this very worthy event.
We've learned a lot this summer about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, - or as Rob calls it "Battle Fatigue" - and realize now more than ever what our guests and associates have told us about the power of our product, company, and associates in helping those who face these issues everyday.
Keep in touch...email is easiest...click here.
Alan
Alan Cheeseman |
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News from Mojikit Channel
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Big Pike from The Mojikit Channel
It was with great pleasure that we recently welcomed the Dan Szurgot group of eight from Paducah, Kentucky USA. Dan, Cliff, Ron and their son's Josh, Andrew and Conner, were joined by two newcomers to the group, Joe and Drake. It was their first fishing trip to Mojikit Channel. (See photos on the right.) The first fishing trip up the channel to the "honey hole" at the end of the rocky point, going into Ogoki Reservoir, had Josh landing a 40-inch Northern Pike, needless to say it made his day and his trip worthwhile. His dad, Cliff, joked, "Josh is now finished with fishing, content to call it a great fishing trip." Later in the week Drake the young new guy to the group, caught and released a 42-inch Northern Pike, making his first fishing trip a great success. With great weather and great fishing, catching lots of Walleye and Northern Pike, camp managers Boyce and Alma treated this group to a dinner on the lawn, with Walleye au gratin for an appetizer and deep fried Walleye, potato salad and "bush" beans with Alma's home made bread and chocolate cake for dessert. The following day, Alma and Boyce were invited to dinner with the group, where they enjoyed a great meal and a lovely chat. All of us at Wilderness North look forward to seeing the Szurgot group again at Mojikit.
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News from Striker's Point Lodge
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Good Fishing at Whitewater Lake and One Really Great Pike Proves It
The last couple of weeks at Striker's Point Lodge have welcomed a steady stream of eager anglers. It was our pleasure to welcome the Visgars, from Ortonville, Michigan, the Schramms from Morton Grove, Illinois and the Webers from Minnetonka, Minnesota. While these parties reported no official Master Angler trophies, we have several honourable mentions to report. Stuart "Grillmaster" Schramm caught and released a 38-inch Northern Pike on a perch coloured SwimJim - using twelve-pound test line in 6-ft of water. Although he was alone in the boat, he took a picture and released the handsome Pike on his own. This toothy girl was caught near the island closest to the lodge. Kathy Schramm caught two 33-inch Pike down the river as well. While many large Walleye were caught and cooked or released, the biggest was 21-inches. These Walleye were caught in depths ranging from 6 to 23-ft of water ... off rocky reefs and points. The Schramms also saw two bears! The Visgar party had a great trip as well, no trophies, but Kate caught and released a 33-inch Northern. Well done! We celebrated Kate's birthday during her stay, with a special cake baked in her honour. The Weber party from Minnetonka, Minnesota also had a 33-inch Pike to report. It was caught by Jay Syers of Fairfax, Virginia on a jig dressed with plastic yellow or red twister tails. Aside from a near disastrous spill taken by Doc, (he almost lost his rod, but saved it and himself!) the boys had a great trip. This past week we hosted the Ellman party, of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Fisk party of Oakhurst, California, the Moores of Overland Park, Kansas - and - "drum roll please"... the mayor of Striker's Point, Par Shiree of Atlanta, Michigan. Par comes up three times a year, and on this trip his decision to share some of his fishing wisdom and experience with Dan Shaack of the Ellman party-paid off big! Dan caught and released a 43-inch Northern at a little place up to the left of the lodge now called "the MAYOR's OFFICE". Congrats Dan! The Fisk party, three generations from California, had a great trip as well, boasting an honourable mention from grandson Hunter - a 33-inch Pike caught and released. The Moore party had a wonderful stay using the services of First Nation Guide - Peter Nate. They successfully wrangled in plenty of Walleye in the 16-23-inches average and from 10-25ft of water. Our recent hot temperatures, windy (and sometimes smoky) conditions with plenty of humidity reflect the heat wave blanketing our US neighbours. We are hoping for cooler temps soon. A recent sudden storm dumped one half inch of rain on us in 10 minutes, paired with some hail and crazy winds - with gusts so strong they blew down several trees near both the front and back docks here at Striker's. This week our own meteorologist, Graham Saunders, will be camp, so we will put the pressure on him for improved weather (as if that will help!) |
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News from Makokibatan Lodge
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| More Good Walleye at Makok Lodge and Outpost
After an early July break, guests arrived back to fishing at Makokibatan Lodge during late July.
We welcomed the Walker group from Stevensville, Maryland. This three generation - father, son and grandfather trio had excellent weather and enjoyed lots of hours out on big Makokabatan Lake with fishing tackle in their hands and fairly good fishing, catching lots of Walleye and Pike but just missing the Master Angler mark. The Walker's had an especially great day down river with one of our First Nation guides Earl Baxter, as they caught 20-30 Walleye and some very nice Brook Trout - the biggest being a very respectable 22-inch Brookie.
At the outpost we recently welcomed the Hugill group of Lockport, New York who were a hard fishing and fun lovin' group of guys. They reported catching hundreds of fish during their week here and managed to catch and release three Master Angler Walleyes - the biggest being 28-1/2-incher caught by Jim Noble. Craig Hugill wasn't far behind with a 27-1/2-inch Walleye. And last but not least Jeff Eglin reeled in a nice 26-inch Walleye - all on jig heads with worms.
Most recently guests at the outpost included the Francis group from Monclova, Ohio who did some serious fishing and caught an unbelievable number of fish but just missed the Master Angler mark (26-inch Walleye; 40-inch Northern Pike). The Francis group caught a staggering 525 fish in total, 426 golden Walleye and 99 nice Pike. The biggest Walleye was 24-1/2-inches and the biggest Pike was a respectable 38-inches. Their lures of choice were a Bomber Swim Bait and a Hot-n-Tot.
Overall the fishing has been excellent at Makok, and all of our guests had a great time catching fish and experienced good times with lots of laughter.
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Graham Saunders Weather Ahead
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Cool Off Ahead
 Last week's weather featured high pressure most days. The result was mainly clear skies, sunshine with very warm days and cool nights - ideal for most activities and comfortable sleeping overnight.
Forecast
Today's temperatures will be cooler than recent days and usher in a few days in the mid to higher 70s F, normal for this time in the summer. Expect sun and cloud with light winds, occasionally moderate in the afternoon. Some showers and scattered thunderstorms with slightly cooler conditions are likely later in the week.
In spite of some rain over the region, forest fire danger continues to be high - be very careful with any open fire.
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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PHW- Thank You
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Dear Alan and Krista,
In my efforts to express my thanks to you upon my return to Perth, Ontario, I began to write a thank you note. I hope that what evolved will serve as my thanks to you all for everything you have done for us injured veterans, and for me personally.
To say that Healing on the Albany 2011 was a profound life experience for me is understating the fact. It was transformative. I am extremely thankful and grateful for all of your generosity and kindness.
I believe that our paths will cross again, and look forward to that occasion.
Most sincerely yours,
Rob Martin
Perth, Ontario, Canada
Mr. Martin has prepared a great essay on the power of the wilderness in healing the physical and non-physical wounds of battle.
His essay captures in both word and photos his thoughts.
We will send you a PDF file so that you may enjoy his work. Click here to request yours by e-mail.
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Mojikit Channel Photos
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2012 Wilderness North Photo Calendar
| 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, it's the natural beauty and the wildlife that we're looking for as well - for our 2012 calendar.
You may attach these photos to an e-mail to us - in the highest resolution you have.
Don't forget to include your name, mailing address, and phone number.
We look forward to seeing your pics soon...and thanks in advance.
Start an email by clicking here. |
Dan Shaack's Pike
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| Master Angler |
 Many of our guests are official Wilderness North Master Anglers. As such we have prepared a special "hat pin" that certifies their remarkable angling. Our Lodge Managers often collect their catch data, and pass out these pins. However, sometimes we miss a departing guest who has had such good fortune. Or someone from an outpost adventure heads home without registering their catch. Not To Worry... If you have caught and released a Walleye 26 inches or longer, or a Northern Pike 40 inches or longer in 2011 you qualify. Here is your chance to register your fish, and receive by mail your hat pin. 
By clicking here, you can tell us about your catch. Make sure to give us your phone number so that we may call you, and have you tell us about the moment. |
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