Northern Hunting!

If you want to catch Big Pike, you need to come fishing in May! More often than any other time of year we have 40 plus inch fish caught and released at all of our outposts. This year, even with the early ice out the big ones were still up in the bays sunning themselves. The weather is always a question in May but you just have to be prepared for every type of weather if you want to catch numerous Trophy Fish!

The Collins family went to the River for the first time and had a great trip! They have been fishing with us for 10 years and have fished a number of our lakes, and I think they have found a new favorite! Everyone in the group caught at least one northern over 40 inches, and 15 more from 36 to 39 inches. Walleyes are a pest to these trophy fishermen but they were aggressive and hit some of their biggest lures in the box! They always say they catch enough walleyes by accident to eat!

Here are a few pictures from their trip.









Other Northern Hunters last week included:

Cobham Daniel had the Millhollin party who usually come to the Cobham as close to ice out as possible but this year came the second week. They caught 3 northerns over 40 inches an absolute ton of wallyes. A good trip despite a few windy days which made it hard to fish where they wanted. Mike K. is coming on a moose hunt with us in 2011 and getting very excited already. Hopefully I can coax a big one in for him!

Cobham Morley. The Mirick Party. One good doctor and his tough Pike Hunting boys. This year Mats and Patrick brought along a couple of new guys to experience the Cobham. They had an awesome trip catching two 40 inch northerns and 20 over 36 inches. The Rookies caught the biggest fish with Mats catching the most. They will be back next year loaded for the big ones!

Vee Lake has Northern Pike that are as big as a Sturgeon! The Johnson party came back as usual to fish their favorite lake, Vee. They are experienced fishermen and always do well. This year was no exception! Walleyes in 2010 were crazy! Catching over 200 in one short day for 3 of them. Barry who has fished with us for 21 years, was fishing by himself one day and hooked a big one! So big he did not even attempt to try to put it into the net. It would not have fit! He had it up to the boat a few times but could not get it tired out enough to attempt a grab. Barry estimated the length by noting where the nose and tail were adjacent to the boat. It was 57 inches!!! We have heard stories every year about the fish seen but not landed and this was a good up close look! Maybe we will see this monster again!!

I spoke to soon!!

Today I am sitting in the office delayed with weather. It sucks but that is the way it goes. Mother Nature dictates when we go. The flying will get done and the fishermen moved as quickly as possible.

Another note, crossing the border.... Some of our guests have had some issues at International Falls/Fort Frances as far as delays and getting searched. There is no guarantee that it will be easier at Baudette/Rainy River or Thunder Bay but it may be worth crossing there. It takes a little longer but I would suggest the Baudette/Rainy River crossing. When you get to International Falls turn west and go 45 minutes to Baudette, after crossing the border, the highway will then take you north to #17 which is west of Vermillion Bay. Head towards V-Bay and the 105 to take you to Red Lake. It may take you a little longer but will save time in the long run with delays. We have not had anyone come that way yet so we will keep you posted.

The Seal party who fished Loree Lake came out yesterday and caught more fish than they had ever caught in the 20+ years they have fished with us. Walleyes were on all the shorelines and the bays were filled with lunker northern pike! Fish of note was Chris S. caught a 41 inch northern on his first cast! Mike said he will send some pictures so I will put them up when I get them.

Mother Nature has been very kind so far!!

The weather continues to be great here in the north. Warm temps in the mid 70's and sunshine. After the last couple of colder than normal springs we started booking our fishermen 5-7 days later than usual and then 2010 comes along with a beautiful spring! Oh well, we have the camps in good shape for the season. If you are interested in making a trip this summer, contact us at 807-735-9968 or email amik@frontiernet.net for availability.

Many vacation memories and pictures are being taken as you read this. Fishing reports coming soon!

You can bring Potatoes into Canada Again!!

The silly rule of no American potatoes allowed into Canada has changed. You are allowed to bring store bought potatoes in but potatoes from your garden are not. The border gaurds will have to go buy their own this summer. :)

I had a bet going during the Canada vs USA gold medal game with an one of our regular guests, a case of beer to the winner. And I happily accepted my winnings today! Mike and his group are headed to Loree Lake in the morning for another good time.


I went to Ear Falls today and saw lots of wildlife. 3 moose and something I may never see again. I saw a wolf walking in the ditch beside me, which is not that rare of an occurance, but this time as I slowed down, I could clearly see he was proudly carrying a new born deer fawn! It was a gruesome site. His face was covered in blood and I could clearly see inside the young deers chest cavity. I tried to stop in time to get a picture but the wolf was gone like a flash when I started to back up. Here is one of the Moose I saw today.



We are over the hump of camp opening as well. The weather has been great, we have accomplished alot of jobs at each place with lots having taken place last fall. It is nice not having Mother Nature on our side. Warm and sunny everyday. A few bugs which is to be expected but better than wearing your parka!!

Here are a couple of pictures from the opening so far.

Don't forget your Ontario Outdoors Card

If you fished in Ontario last season, you would have received a Ontario Outdoors card in the mail. If you are coming up fishing this summer be sure to make sure you have this card with you. I would suggest putting it with your passport, that way you will have it with you when you come to see us in Ontario in 2010. Otherwise the all mighty Government will want $9 once again from you to replace it. We do not agree with the implementation of this card but you need a license to experience the awesome fishing we have to offer!!

The last of the new boats at Cobham Morley was taken up the other day. The water is on the low side up north but better than being up in the bush. There is still some ice in the shady spots up there and even some snow in the bush.

It is nice to have my Wheels back!!

It feels good to see a familiar face! The Otter is back in Red Lake and ready to go for another season. We will be heading up north to start getting things ready at the camps. The water is low since the spring came early but we had some rain in the last few days and even some snow. Great. But the fire ban is off and the water should come up a bit and the forecast is for sunshine once again this week, so I am feeling ready and set to go!


Look at the wings on that one! LOL

No Fires Allowed!!

It is been very beautiful in the north for a long time now. Sunshine and warm temperatures everyday. The Ice is out in Red Lake but not up north yet. It was snowing there yesterday and it was 75 in Red Lake.

Rena and I will be making the move this week and things will only get busier. We are ready and looking forward to seeing all of our friends again and showing our new ones the best vacation experience. I took a load of supplies to Red Lake the other day and saw some graffiti that made me feel good.


There is a lot of exposed shoreline. The water is low and the fire ban is in full effect. No open fires allowed.


The beaver ponds that broke out last summer during the heavy rains we had are all dried up.

The Otter will be back in my care next week and I can't wait!