Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/17 to 6/24 2006

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/17 to 6/24 2006


Hello from Fireside Lodge in Great Northwest Ontario. The weather has stayed as perfect as you can get being about 50 degrees at night and about 70 to 75 during the day with a few warmer days. I will start off this weeks report with a few repeat guests from 2005 Jerry Amer and Bill Calhoon who brought a couple of friends Gilbert Gradisar and Glenn Babka all from Columbus, Ohio. Well, you can’t get two more excited people about fishing than Jerry and Bill, and they had their friends all wound up about the fishing they experienced at Fireside Lodge in 2005. The hope was that Gil and Glenn could have the same experience Bill and Jerry had in 2005. This was not a problem as Gil and Glenn not only experienced fabulous fishing, but it far exceeded Bill and Jerry’s expectations set from last year. Well the day of arrival Jerry, Bill, and Glen caught well over 30 large Smallmouth from 15 to 19 inches and all on fly rods. Fabulous start. Gil was arriving one day late so the three on the first day caught at least 150 Smallmouth Bass of all sizes, almost all on fly rods, and even caught a few Northern Pike. The second day, with Gil joining them, they caught 120 to 130 Smallmouth, and Bill said you know the fishing is great when you are trying to shake off 14 inch Smallmouth because the group was catching most fish over this size. The third day was focused on Northern Pike with Bill and Gil catching 40 plus, and half were on the fly rod and Jerry and Glenn caught well over 100 Northern Pike. The late arrival Gil caught the largest of the day landing a 40 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike which can be viewed on our web site mailto:www.firesidelodge.com under the Weekly Photo 2006 page. Their fourth and final day they did what they love best which is Smallmouth fishing and caught a lot but unlike their first two days they had to cover more area, and work a little harder to find the post cool front Smallmouth. All left with large smiles an had great fun fishing at Fireside Lodge, already reserving their dates for 2007.

Ron and Mary Beth Huffman from West Dundee, IL were back to Fireside Lodge for their second year in a row. They had another fabulous fishing adventure and started of on their night of arrival with hot Smallmouth Bass action and Ron landed three Master Anglers Award Smallmouth 18”, 18.5” and 19.5 inches. WOW what a start! First day they portaged to a lake and caught many Northern Pike and some very nice walleye. Second day had them catching 50+ Smallmouth Bass, several Northern Pike and a Musky. Third day was great fun catching about 70 Northern Pike and 1 Musky, and the fourth day they portaged to a lake to fish for Musky and the Muskie would have nothing to do with them, so they adjusted and fished for and caught a bunch of Smallmouth. All good fishers know how to adjust for different situations, and that is just what Ron and Mary Beth did. Fifth day was the best Northern Pike day of their lives as they caught 150 to 200 Northern Pike with numerous doubles, including two 39 inch, and one 40 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. They finished their trip just as they started catching a lot of Smallmouth up to the late evening before their departure. They left full of fabulous memories and saying they will call early for 2007 reservations.

Tim Bergen and two sons Joe and Adam and nephew Tim Komenda from Orland Park and Hickory Hills, IL were back for their fifth consecutive year. This has become a traditional family trip for these four in their fifth consecutive year. Tim K is now 18 and Joe and Adam are 14 years old. Always great to have this group at Fireside as they remind me of my family fishing vacations as a child. A bit older and more dedicated to fishing this group did very well as on their first day fishing they landed 56 Northern Pike up to 33 inches. Second day they fished for Musky in Cedarbough Lake, one of their favorite lakes introduced to tem by Doc Hogan. They did great as both Tim K and Adam landed a Musky each, Tim and Joe each hooked and lost a Musky at the boat, and they had numerous follows, including a monster that followed Tim’s lure. Fourth and final day was spent catching some fish for a half day and finishing a traditional Monopoly tournament they have each year. Great fun was had by all and another wonderful set of family memories made. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to make these wonderful memories.

Woody and Wade Martin, Hector Leal, Jody Garcia, and Jerry Littlefield from Collinsville, The Colony, and Eulless TX were at Fireside Lodge for their first time. In fact this was their first Canadian Wilderness Fishing Experience. The first day they enjoyed the wonderful wilderness we have to offer and caught some Northern Pike and a few Smallmouth Bass. Second day they caught a bunch of Northern Pike going to one of our creek accessible lakes and what an adventure that was. Their third and final day they fished and caught again Smallmouth and Northern Pike and also enjoyed a traditional shore lunch, where they cooked fish we supply, with potatoes, onions, baked beans over an open fire. All had a lot of fun on their short three day stay at Fireside Lodge. Thanks for coming all that way.

First timers to Fireside Lodge Jack Kruse, sons Jason and Ryan, Scott Smith and son Chase, Doug Inglee, and father and son Jim and Rob Fetterman made a journey to Fireside Lodge from Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins, and Denver, CO and Redwood, CA. This group fished a lot and did very well on their first trip to Fireside Lodge. The first few days they learned the lake system and caught some nice fish. One highlight was when Jack and son Jason portaged to fish Closs lake for Musky. Just before leaving the tackle shop that morning Jack said he had never caught a Musky, and on that day caught his first and second. Great going Jack. Another day the group caught many Northern Pike and could not give me numbers but said it was a lot. This is somewhat of a traditional fishing trip for these fellows and all said everything was great from the accommodations, meals, equipment, and fishing experience. Glad we could be your hosts for one of your memory making fishing vacations.

Long time return guests Joe Denise from Palos Heights, IL and Bob Nelson from Elmwood Park, NJ were back to Fireside Lodge for their 11th consecutive year. These two are the most relaxed yet serious fishermen I know. Always having great conversation and enjoying every meal. The first three days they had fantastic Smallmouth fishing as they were catching almost all of their fish on the surface. Other days when fishing for larger toothy critters they caught some nice fish as you will se Bob’s picture on our Weekly Photo 2006 page of our website at mailto:www.firesidelodge.com holding a large Musky. They also had a fast action Northern Pike day catching many fish, and Bob had one he lost at the boat that Joe thought was a Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. Their final few days they discovered the bigger Smallmouth started to move into the weeds, and is our normal summer pattern, which usually happens in mid July, and they started to catch them on the surface again. For Joe and Bob this is the best way to catch Smallmouth. After 10 days of fabulous fun and great fishing these two went home refreshed and smiling.

Good Friends Don Landbo from S Elgin, IL and Dan Szkola from Sugar Grove, IL were back to Fireside Lodge for their 6th consecutive year. First day they portaged to a lake and caught close to 75 Northern Pike. Great fast action and fun. The next day they the stayed on the main lake system and caught 99 Northern Pike and two Smallmouth Bass with Dan catching a Master Angler Award Smallmouth measuring 18 inches. Even more fabulous was that 70 were caught on buzz baits, and they had twice as many hits as fish landed. What exciting fishing for Dan and Don. Third day they caught 89 Northern Pike Don’s largest being 37 inches, Dan’s measuring 38 inches, and he also caught a nice Musky. Fourth day they caught about 20 Smallmouth, and on their fifth and final day they finished strong catching 77 Northern Pike, some nice size Smallmouth, and Dan caught a GIANT Master Anglers Award 19.5 inch Smallmouth Bass, which you have to see on our weekly photo page at http://www.firesidelodge.com Both had a fabulous fishing trip and made their reservations for 2007 before departing.

Back for his second time was Ken Krzeminski from Tinley Park, IL and this time with father Joe from Orland Park, IL. Ken’s knowledge from his past trip paid off as on their first day they caught two Musky, and Joe lost what they thought to be a 40 inch fish at they boat. On two other days they caught too many Northern Pike to keep count, and landed some Big fish with Joe catching a 40.5 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. They also had good Smallmouth Bass catches including two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Joe catching an 18.5 inch, and Ken landing a beauty 19.5 inch monster. Both had an enjoyable fishing trip and were able to get away from the big city life for a while.

Father and son Paul and Tony Capecchi were back to Fireside Lodge for their 4th consecutive year and another fabulous year fishing. And hears the run down on their fishing as they keep a daily log themselves, and gave it to me at the end of their trip. Day of arrival between 1:30 Pm and 6:30 PM they caught 40 Northern Pike. First full day fishing Tony caught a Musky on his second cast, and they caught a total of 125 Northern Pike. Second full day they caught 80 Northern Pike with the average size being bigger, 20 being over 30 inches, and Tony caught another Muskie. Third day they landed 60 Northern Pike and 6 Smallmouth, with Tony catching two Master Anglers Award Smallmouth measuring 18 and18.5 inches. Fourth day had them catching 45 Northern Pike, and Tony finished the day right by landing a 41 Inch Muskie on the last cast of the day. On the fifth day they decided to commit to Musky fishing and fished Cedarbough Lake, which they never fished before. Well, they did great with Paul catching a 36.5 inch Musky and Tony caught four measuring 34, 39, 40 inches, and again on his final cast of the day hooked and landed a beautiful 42 inch Muskie. What a GRRRRREAT day Musky fishing. On the sixth and final day Tony caught another Muskie and both caught over 60 Northern Pike. Paul and Tony got to experience this fabulous fishing in a wonderful atmosphere as the enjoyed the scenery and wildlife that surrounded them, and were fortunate enough to see 5 Moose during their stay. All of the above happenings are very valuable to Paul and Tony in the making of a great fishing trip, but the memories they made together during their week at Fireside Lodge are the biggest catch of all, and I know both Paul and Tony would agree. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge in the past, and making Fireside Lodge the place to make another week of memories together in 2007.

Denver and Christi West from Lakeview, AR were at Fireside Lodge for their first time. On their day of arrival, with never fishing our waters before, they caught 18 Smallmouth Bass. GREAT START! First full day they focused on Smallmouth and caught about 20 of these fighters. The second day they fished for Northern Pike and caught well over 50 which was fabulous, especially for two people who are fairly new at Northern Pike fishing. Their third day they caught 54 Northern Pike, and on their fourth and final day they ended their trip as they started by catching 20 plus smallmouth Bass. They had a wonderful first stay at Fireside Lodge and were already talking about their possible return.

Don McCann from Ozark, MO was referred to Fireside Lodge by his son and came with Dennis Ballenger, from Battlefield, MO and Chris and Shawn Patrick from Nixa, MO. Don’s son and daughter in law referred him to Fireside Lodge after spending some time with us in 2006. First day on the lake found themselves learning, and catching a few fish. Second day Don and Shawn caught a good number of Smallmouth Bass a Don caught a dandy 19.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, and was it ever huge. Look for this monster on our Weekly Photo Page at website http://www.firesidelodge.com On this day Chris and Dennis caught a lot of Northern Pike. The next day all four fished for , and caught a bunch of Northern Pike and all had a great day. The last day they fished for Musky and Dennis landed his first ever, and they had a lot of follows and loads of fun. After four days I got the feeling they were just getting started and did not want to leave. But that happens to me no matter how long I fish.

Fathers and sons combo of Jim and Bryan O’Toole from Mokena, IL and Mike and Steven Korbit from Downers Grove, IL were back for another year of enjoying the wilderness we have to offer at Fireside Lodge. From the moment they get here Jim and Mike just soak up the peaceful surroundings, by sitting on the chairs at the end of our dock, breathing deep, as they take a relaxing moment to unwind, Bryan and Steven first came to Fireside Lodge when they were young kids, and now they are both young adults. Their four days were full of fun and very good fishing. One day they caught a bunch of Northern Pike having action all day long, The rest of their days they caught a combination of Smallmouth and Northern Pike with Mike landing the largest Northern Pike of the group measuring 38.5 inches. All had a ball and are returning next year with a group of ten finalizing their plans before leaving. It is great to see fathers and sons spend quality time together in the great outdoors, as I have always believed that it is a wonderful way to bond and make memories together.

Lloyd Morton was back to Fireside Lodge for his tenth year in 11 years and for his 14th time in 11 years, but this trip was a very special trip as he had his grandson Josh Bleigh with him. In the past Lloyd has been with friends, his son , and his wife, and this trip with his grandson was an exciting moment for both. When I was talking with Josh we figured that he was two or three years old when Lloyd made his first trip to Fireside Lodge. Lloyd having the knowledge of our lake system as he does got Josh into fish quickly as They caught some Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike on their day of arrival before supper. The first full day fishing they caught 40 Northern Pike, and lost at least 40 and you should have seen the ear to ear smile Josh had on his face at supper time. Second day they caught 45 toothy critters, and Josh just missed lading a Tiger Musky as it got off at the boat,. Third day they landed 32 with many follows an misses. Their last two days they caught plenty more fish, and had a great time having lunch at twin falls, which is a natural highlight on our lake system. Both had a fabulous time and I think Josh will have wonderful memories of his Grandpa and him fishing at Fireside Lodge for a long long time to come. Lloyd left as a proud grandfather that just had a fabulous time showing Josh his special fishing place for the first time. Thanks for choosing us at Fireside Lodge to spend this special time together.

Charles and David Wright drove all the way from Mabank, TX to be at Fireside Lodge for their second time. These two had great Smallmouth fishing, catching many in their first two, out of a three day stay. On their third and final day David wanted to catch toothy critters, and did they ever. As David put it “ we caught Northern Pike until our hands were wore out.” David also caught his first ever Musky, a nice 31 inch Muskie, and he was all smiles as this was a goal he wanted to achieve on this fishing trip. We also enjoyed several nice conversations with Charles, David and a few other guests which is always a nice way to end an evening at Fireside Lodge. Both left as quick as they came having great fun and fishing together.

Walt LaCasse from Minnetonka, MN assembled a group to return to Fireside Lodge for the seventh consecutive year. Two original group members of Jim Jones from McKinney, TX and Ron Ditillo from Pittsburgh, PA were back again along with John Hietah from Northfield, MN, Richard Oksanen from Dalls, TX, David Creith from Caroline, Alberta, Bruce Layboune from Milford, OH, and Larry McDowell from Mabank, TX. Well, the original three, Walt, Jim, and Ron when they first came to Fireside Lodge 7 years ago, I doubted that they would ever return. Why?? They came on a three day trip and on the first day a severe cold front came through and it was so cold on the water that as they were combating the rain and cold on their way back to the lodge Jim turned around to Walt and Ron, being from Texas, said “This is the worst day in my life” and Walt and Jim lost it with laughter. Because of severe continuous thunder storms they could not fish for 1.5 days of their 3 day fishing trip. Also the high temperatures for their last day was 42 degrees. After all this they still came back, and have been back every year since, and in Walt s case twice a year. This trio on their first day fishing landed over 30 fish mostly Northern Pike a few Smallmouth Bass and Walt caught a nice Musky. All had a great day. John was top in catching Smallmouth. The next three days were all good days with some catching more than others and Richard cam up with the BIG fish of the group during their four days and landed a thick 41.5 inch Musky. All had a great time fishing and having fun and made their reservations for 2007 before departing.

Catches of the week; 41.5 inch Musky, 40.5 inch Northern Pike, 19.5 inch Smallmouth

Hot Lures of the week: There was such a mixed bag of lures that were working that nothing stood out.

Master Anglers Award Catches for the week: 6 Smallmouth Bass 18 to 19.5 inches and 2 Northern Pike 40.5 and 40 inches



Well, That’s all fir this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report. Until Next Week “Keep On Fish’n.” Alan
http://www.firesidelodge.com
800-545-0815
fireside@xplornet.com