Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/16 bto 8/22 2003

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 8/16 to 8/22 2003

Hello to all from the great very warm north, as we hit some of our warmest temperatures of the summer this week at Fireside Lodge.
In these warmest temperatures the Smallmouth fishing stayed hot, and those searching for toothy critters had some frustrating days, but also had some very good catching days. Ray and Keith Ketchem, father and son from Muscatine, IA. returned to Fireside Lodge for their 4th time. These two caught a lot of Smallmouth, and had 3 half days of fishing for Smallmouth catching totals of 25 plus, 21, and 31 Smallmouth. A lot were nice size ranging from 14 inches to 17 inches. Several other of these half days they did something they never did before, and that was Muskie hunt. Being new to both Ray and Keith they remarked on how fun it was to throw some bigger baits, with the anticipation of hooking into the fish of a lifetime. Despite their efforts they did not land one, however did make contact and got some follows, one being the length of Keith's leg, and Keith is 6'2" tall with very long legs. These two also caught some Northern Pike between fishing for Smallmouth, and also caught another weeks worth of father and son's memories. Thanks for returning to Fireside Lodge
Doug and Mary Bergman, from New Lenox, IL., returned to Fireside Lodge for their second time. They had a great trip fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. On their first night of arrival they caught several 17 to 17.5 inch Smallmouth, and continued to consistently catch Smallmouth throughout their 6 days of fishing. They had a day they caught more than 30 Smallmouth, and 20 were over 15 inches. This was a special day not just for the catching, but it was Doug and Mary's wedding anniversary day. We celebrated with them in the dinning room with some cake dressed with sparklers. Thanks for choosing Fireside to spend this very special day. They rest of the week included more catching of nice Smallmouth and Doug caught a Master Anglers Award Smallie at 18.5 inches, and they did well catching some Northern Pike in the 28 to 30 inch range. They also saw a lot of wildlife and enjoyed the northern lights a few nights. Doug and Mary had a lot of fun and made some wonderful memories.
Bill and Pam Hochstetter, from Rockford, IL., enjoyed their time at Fireside Lodge. This was Bill's third time staying with us, and the first time Bill introduced Pam to Fireside Lodge. Upon arrival Bill stated that it would benefit him and myself to show them some good fishing spots. After a briefing on the lake, and fish locations, Bill and Pam caught a lot of Smallmouth Bass on their first day of fishing. Well, the good fishing and catching continued throughout their 5 days of fishing, as they caught a lot of Smallmouth, and a lot of big Smallies. One day they caught well over 50, and Pam landed a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.5 inches. Bill also caught a 34 inch Muskie. At this point in their trip I think Bill's mission was accomplished. Pam was hooked of fishing. They also caught some nice Northern Pike and a few more Muskie. One day, while on a portage, thunder storms rolled in quickly, and trapped Bill and Pam on the portage area. Well, it was good sense to stay off the water, however we were all concerned for Bill's well being for taking Pam on a portage lake in such conditions. All was well in the end as Pam even seemed excited about the adventure of it all. Great time had by both, and good chance we will see Bill and Pam at Fireside Lodge again.
Brothers Dave and Glenn Norkiewicz, from Tinley Park and Lockport, IL. were back for their 4th trip to Fireside Lodge. Glenn and Dave are always on a BIG fish quest for either Muskie or Northern Pike. In 2002 Glenn was rewarded with a HUGE 46 inch Muskie. Well, on the day of arrival they located a lot of big fish seeing many Muskie and Northern Pike before supper. These two caught some nice mid 30 inch fish during their stay, with the big giant fish showing themselves, but did not get fooled by these two persistent anglers. The clear blue bird skies in the middle of the afternoon, when you are supposed to give up fishing for big fish, is when Glenn and Dave had most of their action, for 4 consecutive days. Just goes to show you that the fishing is always great, it's just the catching that varies. Glenn and Dave enjoyed their stay at Fireside Lodge as they already made their reservations for 2004. Thanks
Bill Bartley and Bernie Duchinski, from Springfield, Mo. returned to Fireside Lodge for their fourth consecutive year, and this year brought good friend Dean Ellingsen from Everton, Mo., and Bills brother-in-law Jim Tutschulte from Lawrence, Ks., for his first fishing trip to Canada. These fellows had a blast catching a lot of fish, playing cards, having good conversation, giving each other a hard time, and adding to their fishing memoirs. Bernie, Bill, and Dean had an especially fun time seeing Jim have all of the first experiences that come along with a first Canadian Fishing Trip. In fact Jim's excitement would take him over to the point that a few times the others thought he might fall in the water while catching fish. Jim was fortunate being with experienced anglers as on their first full day of fishing the group landed well over 40 Northern Pike, and had a bunch of other action. The next day Berine and Bill concentrated on Smallmouth and caught over 50, all big from 15 to 18.5 inches. Bill caught 2 Master Anglers Smallmouth both at 18.25 inches. The 3rd day they all caught a lot of BIG Smallies, as Bernie and Bill caught 44, and Dean and Jim landed 36. Most over 15 inches, with a lot of 16,17,17.5 inchers, and Dean caught two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth one at 18.5" and the other a HUGE 19 inch fish. GREAT DAY FOR ALL! Bill and Jim portaged to Terry Lake on their fourth day and caught quote "loads of Northern Pike and 4 Walleye 21 to 26 inches. On this groups last day they toped their trip off with landing over 50 Northern Pike, with lots of other action, and Dean caught his third Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, a beautifully BIG 19 inches. Great trip had here by all. and thanks for returning to Fireside Lodge.
Father and son Paul and Michael Letourneau, from North Oaks, Mn. were back to Fireside Lodge for their second time. Here for four days of fishing they got right down to catching fish on their first full day landing 30 plus Smallmouth by 1:00 PM and decided to come in out of the unseasonable warm temperatures. Obviously the knowledge gained from the previous visit helped Paul and Mike get off to a quick start. This set the tone for their other three days, as they caught a bunch more Smallmouth, Paul catching two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth one at 18" and the other at 18.5 inches. They also caught some nice Pike along with their Smallmouth fishing. Great having your smiling faces back, and hope to see you both next year.
Bill Kuster, John Sigurdson both from Escondido, Ca., John's son John Jr. from Spring Valley, Ca., and good friend Lou Kilgore from Redondo Beach, Ca. were all at Fireside Lodge for their first time. They were here to experience a different part of Canada they have never been to before. Well, this group got of to a slow start, as sometimes happens. On their second day Bill caught his first Muskie ever, a nice 34 incher. Not bad for being the fish of 10,000 casts. John Sr and John caught 12 nice Northern Pike in an hour and a half, after finding a hot spot that proved to be hot for everyone the next day as they all caught a lot of good size Northern Pike. On their last day John Sr and John continued their roll catching even more Northern Pike. John Jr. ended up catching his first Muskie, a brute if a 36 incher, and John Sr also caught his first Muskie on his last day. So even though they started out slow, persistence and patience paid off for this group, and for a group from California with no experience at Muskie fishing ended up with three of the four members catching their first ever Muskie. They also went home very satisfied with the service, meals, accommodations, and equipment. Thanks for coming all that way to visit us at Fireside Lodge
Last but not least, to report on this week is on father and son Donald and David Nelson, from Windsor and West Plaines, Mo. Donald was a very fortunate father when his children presented him with a Christmas gift, which included a 4 day fishing trip to Fireside Lodge. What a proud smile Don had on his face when telling me of his gift. These two came to Fireside Lodge to target Smallmouth Bass, and they did great catching, as on their first day ever on our lake system they caught over 30 Smallmouth. Second day they caught over 30 again, and on their 3rd day they ended up catching 40+ Smallmouth. Don and Dave left just as they came, with big smiles on their faces, and memories that were made and given by Don's children, which are priceless. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge for this very special gift.
That's all for this weeks fishing report, so until next week
"Keep On Fish'n." Alan