Last of the Fishermen and Moose Hunting begins.

The last groups of fisherman were on the Cobham and at Loree Lake. The weather was not ideal for most of the week since we had snow and rain for a day and a half. Fishing was great before the weather came in but when it was snowing it was nicer playing poker and stoking the fire than fighting the weather. A good drink and a deck of cards make a good pair on those kind of days. Since then the weather has warmed up and should be 75 once again this week coming. We do not have any hunters out this week, the first week of hunting. I am glad as I have had a few years when it has been this hot an the moose do not move much. Should be good for next week. As one of my hunters from last year would say everyday "we have them right where we want them." Hopefully we will see some big ones coming out.

Loree Lake Kralowitz Party. Keith had a 42 inch northern 50 yards from the dock and had great numbers before the rain and snow came. Jeremy who is 9 years old got all of his homework done so he is hoping to be able to make the trip next year with his dad and his buddies. He had a blast and kept things pretty lively around the camp apparently.

The River Anderson Party. These guys are from Kansas and I figure they knew they were not in Kansas anymore when the snow came. Being Pure Walleye fishermen only neeed to know where the deep water was and they would find the fish. They had over 250 Walleyes their first day of fishing but caught them in around 23 feet of water. The largest being 23 and a half inches. They have fished the Cobham a few times but never that end of the River. As I always say, Fishermen always catch fish. They had a visitor in camp after the snow as well. A Wolf. There was only tracks but he meandered through the camp and made his way down towards the outhouse before walking off in to the bush. I love a fresh snow, you can sure see what has been going on.

We are always telling people that safety is imperative in the north as you are far away from immediate help. A couple of recent fisherman found out how true that statement is this week on the Cobham. Fortunately I was staying at Daniels and had just arrived on the lake with my trusty tool box. They used the satellite phone and Rena told them where I was and just came over in the boat. Good thing it was not too rough because it would not have felt to good with a 9 inch lure hanging from your bottom lip and chin.

One thing everyone may want to put on your list of things to bring is a pair of cutters able to cut a hook. I had to try a couple of different onces to get the right combination. It was pretty funny when it was all said and done but scary in the fact that it could have been way more serious. A nice self portrait.
The Doctor calling Rena to let her know all is Good.
The Culprit looking at the hook.
Tools of the trade.
Post Op relief, and a good laugh.
Cobham Morley done for another year.
We really went hard on the dock work our first day, I went swimming to move some rocks. Glad I did as the weather was good around 60 and sunny, but the weather was about to change significantly.....
The wind went down and the black clouds rolled in. Cooler air had fog coming off the water and the rain turned to Wet snow!! When you are up there you just react to the weather, you have no weather forecast. I was not worried, we had a warm cabin, enough beer, and the plane was safely tied to the dock. What else could you ask for.
Around 7 PM it started to snow fairly heavy...
During the night we had to move the Otter around and pull it up on shore. If you get to much snow on the wings and tail the old girl might sink. I figured I would sleep alot better if it was on some solid ground. This was the scene from Daniels the next morning. The snow continued until 7:30 the next night. Not overly cold just wet and miserable, my helper John and I worked all day in the wet snow, taking breaks to go and dry out a bit. We built a new boat ramp and fixed the dock. We had planned to go to the river to do some work the next day but the weather was to crappy to fly and we had a big chore of removing the snow from the wings.

Here is the new boat ramp at Daniels. Should be easy to use and ramps to walk between each boat will be nice. The snow was almost melted by the time we left.
When the snow stopped it was a beautiful sunset. Not quite cold enough to freeze the water to the cabin.
Next morning we were in camp closing mode once again and Daniels was off the list. West wind blowing and Temperatures were on the rise. It was pretty comfortable by noon. Weather the last few days has warmed right up once again and is going to be 75 degrees or warmer this week. I am heading back up to close Loree and do some more work at some of the other camps. Hopefully we won't get snowed on, in this country we might come back with a SUN BURN.

Until next week...

There is a story to go along with this one!

Some minor surgery was required when I arrived at the Cobham yesterday. Details when I get back from the Bush.

September, Season is starting to change.

Groups of fisherman are slowly winding down now and we are approaching the season when the big northerns start to feed heavy and come up into the bays and weed beds like they do in the spring. Top water lures are a Blast, seeing these huge Northerns come up and hit them is pretty cool and very exciting.

Some recent fishing reports:

Jeanette Lake Hiscocks Party: These guys are long time guests who alternate between Jeannete and Springpole. This year they ended up going in for 9 Days! They arrived early enough that I was able to get them in that early. Alot of planning on food and drink goes into a trip that long, but Ted C. has been doing this for a long time and has it down pat. They had a young man with them this year who was 14 or 15 years old I think and was able to miss a week of school to go fishing with his Grandpa. From what I heard he kept thing interesting, playing jokes and messing around with the boys. He did end up falling in the lake so the men got the last laugh.
Some fish they caught:
41 inch Northern was the largest with a number in the upper 30's.
Walleyes were very good on numbers and size as well. Mark had the biggest being a 28 incher around 7 pounds and lots of other good quality walleyes.

Next year they are going to Springpole where last season they had a 30 pound Lake Trout. Caught it right out in front of the cabin and released.

Cobham Daniel Pertl Party: Dan and his son Andrew have been to many of our lakes and this season they returned to the Cobham. Andrew is another young man I have had the pleasure of knowing for a long time and is now grown and still coming fishing with Dad. They added a couple of new guys this year who had never done a flyin before and were quite impressed with everything from the scenery to the amount of fish they caught. Andrew had to show the experience pays off with catching the biggest fish being a 41 inch Northern. They are already making plans for next year.

Cobham Morley Muzzillo Party: These guys have been fishing Canada for a long time and used to fly from the border when Bruce was operating down there back in the day, and decided to make the journey further north and fly further north to see if their was a difference in the fishing. They come to find out that there is a difference. The Walleyes on average were quite a bit bigger than they were used to catching on some of their other trips. Many, many Walleye between 20 and 24 inches. The largest measuring 25 1/4 inches. They had an excellent time, hope to see them next year.

Loree Lake Fitzpatrick Party: A nice bunch of guys who had seen a few lakes around our area of NW Ont. but used to fish further east and one year made the drive to Red Lake and have been hooked ever since. They tell me the fishing is night and day better in this area. Well worth the drive. They had some windy weather for a couple of days but they caught their biggest fish on those days. The Northerns were right up in the weeds in the windy bays and had 5 Northerns over 41 inches. The Biggest being 45 inches and Fat!! That one was caught by Jim T. Pat R. had a 42 and 37 inch Northern and 25 inch Walleye, John T. had a 41 and a 42 inch Northern and took the Best Fisherman Award. 25 bucks and a trophy which is worth Bragging Rights, the most important thing for the next 365 days.


The weather is starting to cool down a little but still nice. Daytime temps have been from 70 to 55 degrees. The nights are slowly getting cooler but still comfortable. Have had a few showers but relatively dry, water is dropping which I like to see. Lower water usually makes for better Moose Hunting, I am hoping to get some more good video to put on youtube. Keep an eye out this fall for them.



Here is the Bay on Cherrington Lake.
Putting the cabins to sleep for the winter, It is kind of sad, but it would be pretty hard to maintain the pace we go at for 12 months. 40 degrees below and 4 feet of snow may hinder that as well. LOL

More New Pictures!

Here are some pics sent us from some of our guests. The first ones here are forwarded from a long time guest from Manitoba. This is a 56 inch Northern that weighed 55 Pounds. That is a 36 inch Northern in his mouth.Here is his email,

"Hi John: Thought you might enjoy these photos, even if the fish wasn't caught at an AMIK Camp. I saw a pike like this once at Vee Lake. Ron Mehmel had just released a walleye that was way to big to keep. The pike scarfed the walleye just as it left Ron's hands. It took forever for the fish's back to pass by the boat.

Hope the season is rounding out well for you guys.

Best regards,
Rob



"A Jeanette Lake Hog! 43 inches!! Thanks Chris

Vee Lake From June. Another 43 incher!! Thanks Chuck.

Just as it is supposed to be, The Little ones catch the biggest Fish.

A few lakes in our area eh!

Fall is coming, the leaves are starting to turn.
Went to Springpole today and a squirrel was very friendly.


The end of August is near and the weather is a little cool. Nice during the day though. Not quite cold enough for a fire most nights, very comfortable as most of our fisherman left HOT weather behind. Have people out there right now from Georgia and Texas this week. I am starting to get the itch to go and call some moose soon.

Here are some notable fish from the past week:

Cobham River Kegler Party from South Dakota. Had a great time and had quite a few walleyes up to 25 inches.

Blackbirch Lake Crilly Party. Friends with the Gerken party who were in previous to them had a little visit on the dock when I dropped them off had a very good week. They did not want to leave. The rookie of the group Brian had the walleye prize, a nice fat 26 incher. He is looking to top that one next time.

Loree Lake Budzinkay Party from Pittsburgh Pa. They drove all the way, 9 guys, they must get along good. Had a fantastic time. Commented that some days the fish were all over 18 inches and had to put them back. Not a bad problem if you are eating steak for supper.

Cherrington Lake Frattalone Party. First time these guys have fished Cherrington and id very well. There is alot of water to cover but they did a good job at checking it out. Here is the Rena was able to catch on their way out.
Joe biggest fish he has ever caught. A 24 inch walleye
Pasquale Sr. 24 inch Walleye
Pat 40 inch Northern
Mike R. 27 inch Walleye
Eric 25 1/2 inch Walleye
Randy 38 inch Northern
David 34 in Northern
The Walleye of the trip. A 28 and a 1/2 incher. Peter is 7 years old, and was fishing with his Dad on the Cobham.

Joey is 5 years old and was an excellent helper netting the big fish and had a 26" Northern and a 20" walleye.


Even Dad (Steve) had enough time to fish when he was not untangling lines or landing fish.

Trophy Northern Pics

Another week has come and gone in the north. Weather has started to cool off and the walleyes are moving a little deeper but still consistant. Northerns are still active as I have heard many stories about Northerns attacking Walleyes. One report of a Northern attacking a stringer of Walleyes.
Here are some notable fish caught this week:

Findlay Lake Patenaude Party. Largest walleye by Sam 28 inches. Caught fish from 9 inches to 22 inches consistantly. "Great Time"

Springpole Lake Eggers Party. First day they were there most every Walleye was 21 inches or better. Hap caught 3 Lake Trout right in front of the camp, about 3,6, and 8 pounds. Bill had a much bigger one up to the boat but did not land him. Had some windy weather but had fair fishing. Hard to stay on the spots because of wind a few days.

Blackbirch Lake Gerken Party. These guys love Blackbirch. They are ecstatic on the way in and just slightly ecstatic when I pick them up because they have to go home. They had 1687 fish for 4 guys for 5 days. They fought the wind a couple of days but that is the advantage of fishing in the area we are in because you can find places to fish when it is windy. Biggest fish for their group were a 32 inch Northern and a nice 27 inch Wally. Numbers were good but the agressiveness and size were excellent. Pat could not have picked a better place to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Loree Lake Eggerding Party. Mark Z. was taking a snooze in the boat as they were fishing along and caught a 41 inch Northern. Funny. That was the biggest Northern of the trip and the biggest walleye they could muster was a 22.5 incher. Fishing was good but unstable weather made the fish change their patterns every day.

Cobham River Burton Party. These guys are from Alabama and most of them had never experienced anything like this before. They saw a bear one day and had Northerns attack their Walleyes 6 different times. They thought that was so cool. They had 4 Northerns over 36 inches in the boat but the ones that attacked their walleyes were much bigger. I guess their baits were not big enough, they should have had baits as big as a small walleye.LOL. Walleye fishing was good and catching fish not a problem. Depths were pretty consistant at 12 to 16 feet. A 24 inch walleye was the biggest being caught by Jesse.

Cherrington Lake Slygh Party. Mike has quite a bit of experience on Cherrington and loves fishing out on the Big lake. They had windy days on Cherrington too, but still caught fish. Just had to do alot of manuevering with the boat to stay on the spots in the wind. Wherever Gramma's spot is it was very productive during their stay. They had a lot of fish between 20 and 23 inches and had a Huge Northern get off right by the boat.

Here are a few pictures from the Comstock Party I wrote about last week on the Cobham River.





Our website will have the link to all of their photos soon. It will be listed under the Cobham River. Check it out.

Fishing is so easy even a Blind man can catch Walleyes.

August is approaching the mid point and summer has just flown by. It won't be long before the leaves are going to start changing. Weather has started to cool off some but sometimes the heat can still come back. Fish are moving deeper but only down to the 15 to 25 foot mark. Heard a few reports of catching some big ones in 40 feet though. Northerns are becoming more active with quite a few 40+ northerns being caught recently. It will not be long before we will be closing the camps. Maybe I could go fishing?

This is Mark E. He has been fishing with us for a few years and making two trips per year for the past few years as well. One to Shearstone in June and one to Loree in August. Yes he is blind but I talked to him about putting this on my blog and he thought it was a great idea. I stopped in there today to add a couple of more souls to the party to make 8 and heard the first fish for one man was a 41 inch northern just past the narrows with the cabin still in sight. Talk about setting the bar high right off the bat.
Here is a picture of a beaver as I am blowing by him. A beaver is a good bush plane but the 1000hp Otter we have is much better suited for the distance we are flying.
Notable Trips:

Findlay Lake, Longshore Crew. These guys have been fishing with us for a while now and Findlay is their favorite. A bunch of farmers from Ohio make the trip all the way up here but judging by the smiles on their faces when they came out, the long drive was worth it. They commented that the fish they caught were bigger this year than in years past. Here is a list of fish they caught this past week.
Ken 41 inch Northern
Phil 40 inch Northern
Ken 28.5 inch Walleye
Phil and Ken 101 fish one day
Lots of 24 to 26 inch Walleyes

Loree Lake, Anton Party. ND and MN boys had a few windy days but caught a ton of fish. 22.5 inches was the biggest walleye but caught over 1000 fish for the group. I can not remember the size but I was told that the first fish one guy caught was a big Northern around 38 or 40 inches if I remember right just past the narrows to the west still in sight of the cabin.

Cobham Daniel Hobson Party. Excellent time, quite a few first timers and had their eyes opened. A 39 inch Northern was the largest fish but caught an absolute ton of Walleyes. The quote as I remember it " Fishing in the cabbage, raising those hogs out of there."

Cherrington Lake, Halepeska Party. Yhese guys have spent a lot of time on Cherrington. This year they stated that the fish were slightly smaller than previous years. A 36 inch Northern was the largest and tried for lakers for a while but had no luck. They had a few windy days which is not good to head out to the big lake. Walleye fishing around the cabin was very good though and a good time was had by the Finns from MPLS.

Jeanette Lake, Grindle Party. These guys have been Lac Seul Airways guests for many years. They have also fished Jeanette lake for many years as well. The fish probably tremble when they get there. Fishing was pretty normal by their standards. A little slower the last few days after the weather changed and it cooled down. Wind played a factor in the fishing on Jeanette as well. They still caught some nice fish:
41 inch Northern caught and released by Greg
37 inch Northern
a few 25 inch walleyes

Cobham Morley, Herrington,Clark Party. Three fathers and sons. Of course the dads won the money for the fishing tournament. The boys all had the biggest northerns but however they do the tourney the dads won. A couple of 25 inch walleyes may have had something to do with the outcome. This is Brad and Brents second trip up with us as they were up in May and Brent was Sad to leave again as he said if he was not so busy in September he would love to come back one more time. The beauty and serenity of the North is pretty addictive. Here are there fish:
Heath 35 inch northern
James 35 plus 40 inch northern, boys all out together and no camera
Bennett 1st trip 32 plus 35 inch northern
Chuck(dad)1st trip 24 inch walleye
Brad and Brent(the veterans) had a couple 25 inch walleyes






I just had to take a picture of this t-shirt. The Comstock Party was into the River this week. They love to fish for Northerns and usually catch the crap out of them. This was one of those years. They had 41 Northerns over 30 inches. A 43 inch Hog was was the biggest and it was follwed by a respectable 40 incher. There was 4 or 5 that were over 38 inches in the bunch too. Not a bad week of fishing. Kipp has been in the Esox Magazine holding some Cobham Northerns and maybe he will get his mug in there again. They only fish walleyes for about 2 hours a day, just long enough to catch a few for supper and then it is back to casting the shoreline. Pictures of fish to follow soon.
Bruce really likes to fish the Big lake at Cherrington. Once you get the hang of fishing the deep water you can catch a bunch of Huge Fish out there.
Bruce and Josh, our dockhand is heading back to college soon. He is a private pilot now and will be ready for a flying job somewhere in the spring when he is done school. He has been a pleasure to have around and has the right attitude. He will do well. Thanks Josh.