Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 5/22 to 5/29 2004

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 5/22 to 5/29 2004

Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario. I will start off this weeks fishing report with news on Frank Hazzard, from Arlington, Tx., who was here for his second full week of fishing. Frank and his fishing friend Stewart had some great days of Smallmouth fishing catching some Northern Pike along the way. Some of their daily catches were, 55 Smallmouth & 5 Northern Pike, 48 Smallmouth & 7 Northern Pike, 44 Smallmouth & 2 Northern Pike, 58 Smallmouth & 7 Northern Pike, 29 Smallmouth, 44 Smallmouth with 5 between 18.5 and 19.5 inches & 10 Northern Pike( the 2 Smallmouth at 19.5 inches weighed almost 6 lbs), and the last day they caught 53 Smallmouth. The majority of Smallmouth caught were very nice fish between 15 to 18 inches. For the two weeks Frank's boat caught 1035 Smallmouth Bass, for a daily average of 74 Smallmouth per day, with 30 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, and hundreds between 17 up to 18 inches. That is impressive Smallmouth fishing, and tells the potential anglers have while fishing at Fireside Lodge. It also shows what 14 years of learning a lake system can do for fishing success, as that is how many consecutive years Frank has been coming to Fireside Lodge. Amongst all this fishing was many wildlife experiences seeing countless Bald Eagles, Loons, several Moose sightings, including a cow with her new born calf, Great Blue Heron, Sand Hill Cranes flying north, Geese, various Ducks, Black Bear, and all the smaller wildlife like Mink, Otter, Beaver, and the list can go on forever. An interesting Bear story which reflects nature in it's truest sense, is when Franks fishing friend Stewart and another person stumbled upon a cow moose apparently killed by a Bear while giving birth to a new born calf. In the vulnerable state of giving birth she was unable to defend herself. It is a know fact that Black Bear will take a new born calf in the spring when there is lack of other sources of food, however an adult moose is able to defend themselves, and it is very unusual for a bear to kill an adult moose. Frank had another great fishing trip full of memories and fun. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to be part of your fishing and "Living Years."
David Young and son BJ from Franklin Tn., were back to Fireside Lodge for their 7th time, and as always enjoyed every minute of being here. They did well catching some good fish every day, having to brave the rainy cold weather a few days, and had the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful spring days. With the water being so cold, they found a surprise while fishing below Twin Falls on the Vermilion Lake side, as they the caught a bunch of nice Lake Trout. These two have always enjoyed the fishing here, but most of all find Fireside Lodge a place to regroup and as Dave put it "it helps ground them for a while." Davie, Dave's other son could not make this trip but they plan to return in August, and hope Davie can join them at that time. Thanks for making Fireside Lodge a place to unite and make family memories.
Bill Stayer from New Freedom, Pa was back to Fireside Lodge for his second time. Prepared to learn more about our lake system, along with a positive attitude, Bill did very well fishing. Bill consistently caught fish, which is what he set out to do, as he concentrated on the lower half of Little Vermilion Lake. He had some 15 to 20 fish days catching a number of Smallmouth at 17.75 inches, just missing a Master Anglers Award. Bill also caught a number of nice size Northern Pike, a few Whitefish, and accidentally caught a few Lake Trout, as they were shallow from the water being so cold. Bill also became involved in the night time lodge discussions which we often have at Fireside Lodge, and found this very enjoyable. In all Bill had a fabulous trip and intends on returning to Fireside Lodge.
Jack Hires and Mike Ryan from Valparasio and Chesterton, In., were at Fireside Lodge for Jack's second time and Mike's first. They had a great time catching Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. This style of fresh water fishing was fairly new to Mike, and he found it challenging but very enjoyable. The weather did not allow them to use their fly rods often, however they gave their spinning gear a good work out, catching some great northern Pike which we were able to view instantly. We have a new digital photo card reader and player which now allows us to display any guests digital photos as soon as they come off the water. It was a lot of fun viewing Jack and Mike pictures, along with everyone else's pictures. At the end of their trip Jack made his reservations for 2005. Thanks.
Richard Bimm and son in law Ryan Sweany from Indianapolis, In. were at Fireside Lodge for their first trip, and Jack Hires referred them to Fireside Lodge. These two took on the challenge of learning a new lake system in rather rough weather conditions, having some rain/snow/sleet, and cold temperatures. Despite the adverse conditions they still caught some very nice fish, with Ryan catching a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at a BIG Bulging 18 inches, and Ryan also caught a GIANT Lake Trout while Smallmouth fishing. This fish was estimated at 39 to 40 inches and over 30 pounds, however they did not weigh the fish as the wanted to get the fish back to the water immediately, according to regulations. These two also caught some good size Northern Pike, and we were able to view all their pictures in the lodge at evening time. It's is fun for all our guests to see the fish pictures of fellow anglers during their stay. Thanks for sharing these memories with all.
Richard Colgin, Cecil Andrews both from Glen Allen, Va., Warner (Tony) Parker from Richmond, Va, and Charles Raymond from Powhatan, Va. were all at Fireside Lodge for their first time, and this was the first Canadian Fishing Adventure for all. These fellows had an absolute blast on their first fishing trip to Canada. Everything they did was a first, and Audrey and I were excited watching these fellows enjoy themselves in our Canadian Wilderness atmosphere. They all caught some great fish including Dick's first Muskie at 38.5 inches, Cecil also caught his first, a 31 incher. Charles and Tony also caught some nice Northern Pike as did Dick and Cecil, and they all caught some good size Smallmouth Bass. This groups 1st Canadian fishing trip was such a success that they are returning in 2005, with David Colgin, who was originally scheduled to come but shoulder surgery prevented him from making this years trip. Also Cecil is planning on bringing his grandson. Great success story for this group, and looking forward to seeing all in 2005.
Les Hill and Roger Haglund from Tulsa and Afton, Ok here for their second time brought another friend Alistar Paton from Corralce, NM. They were on a short 3 day package and had success catching both Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. These three could always be found joking and laughing at their dinning room table either at breakfast or supper. This trip was a relaxing break from their every day work routine and stress, and by the smiles on their faces this is just what the doctor ordered.

Hot Lures of the week: 4" Tube Jig, Blue Fox Spinner, Smithwick Rogue, Doctor Spoon.
That's all the fishing news from Fireside Lodge for this week, and until next week "Keep On Fish'n." Alan