Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/11 to 6/18 2005

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 6/11 to 6/18 2005

Hello From Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada. Well, the weather kept persistently rainy for the first half of the week, however the temperatures were much warmer than last week. If someone did not know any better you would think we were in a monsoon season. By Wednesday things turned around, and we had three beautiful sunny days with temperatures in the middle 70's.

Back again for their fourth time was father and sons group Ken and Kenny Heflin, Jim and Bryan O'Toole, and Mike and Steven Korbit, from Elmhurst, Mokena and Downers Grove, IL. Here to get away from the stress of everyday life in the Chicago, IL area, the day of arrival found Jim O'Toole about as relaxed as you can get, sitting the best chair in the world, at the end of our dock, looking out onto the lake, at lake level. After he was surgically removed from this chair the group got down to fishing, and did they every fish during their four days. This group had great fishing as they have had in the past. They caught a lot of Smallmouth with Jim O'Toole and Kenny Heflin being Smallmouth Bass Master Anglers, Jim's measuring at 18.5 inches and Kenny's two at 18.5 inches, and a whopping 19 inches. Mike Korbit seemed to have the hand a GIANT toothy critters catching a Master Anglers Award Northern Pike at 42 inches, what a monster this fish was, and all can see this fish on our digital picture viewer in the lodge. He also managed to land a 37 inch Northern Pike, and a 40 inch Muskie. All in just 4 days. WOW! Bryan O'Toole also caught a Giant 41 inch Muskie, and caught a lot of good size Pike and many larger Smallmouth. Steve had a ball catching some fish and missed his biggest opportunity by the way of a break off. Ken Sr did great catching Smallmouth with his son, and making great memories. All intend on returning soon.

Dave Throne from Plainfield, IL decided to come to Fireside for the first time with his seven year old son Jacob. What a great way to spend some special time, and make special memories with a young son. They spent three days of enjoying each other while fishing, playing some games, and father watching his son fall asleep in his lap from the good tiered we all feel when spending time outdoors. Jacob caught his first Northern Pike and several others on their first day out, and the second day was a little tough being rainy and very cool. The third day Jacob caught several Smallmouth Bass, one being very large and made a great picture we have showing on our digital picture viewer in the lodge. We enjoyed having Dave and Jacob, and it was good to see another generation of fishers begin. Great memories and great fun had by this father and son.

Jim LaLone from Waterford, Mi., also found his way to Fireside Lodge just to spend a weekend, and relax in the wilderness away from the fast life of his business and everyday life. A very short two day trip did just that for Jim catching a few fish and relaxing amongst the pristine beauty and wilderness we have to offer. When time allows Jim intends on bringing his grandson back to Fireside Lodge

Rex and Eve Dillenger, from Noblesville, In., are long time return guests of Fireside Lodge, and this time spent and extended stay, fishing 11 days. This is just what the doctor ordered for Rex and Eve as they both needed a getaway to regroup and enjoy each other in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This was one of their best fishing trips ever as they both just tore up the Smallmouth Bass. A few examples of the fishing they had daily is, 44 Smallmouth up to 18.5 inches, 5 Northern Pike over 30 inches and Eve caught her first Muskie. 46 Smallmouth Bass, several Northern Pike and Eve caught her second Muskie. Well over 50 Smallmouth Bass and a lot of BIG fish. 27 Smallmouth in four hours, and 7 were Master Anglers Awards Smallmouth over 18 inches. Over 40 Smallmouth with a lot being 16 to 18.5 inches. The remarkable thing is that between these two they caught 22 Master Angler Award Smallmouth between 18 and 19.75 inches. It was a great trip, and they were both obviously sad when it was over.

First timers John Shaffer, Vance Hearn, David Glenn, Doug Danner, Steven Howlett from Shell Knob, Mo., and John Katz and Rod Turner from Wichita, Ks. came to Fireside Lodge to catch Smallmouth, have fun with friends, and the did a whole lot of both. The first day ever fishing at Fireside Lodge John Shaffer and Doug caught 60+ Smallmouth Bass, while Jim and Steve caught 18 Smallies. Their second day, all had a great day, as they discovered a pattern, with John and Doug accounting for another 60 Smallmouth, with 4 Master Anglers Award fish, and Jim and Steve catching over 40, and the rest of the group caught between 12 and 25 per boat. This group was not only catching fish but were having an absolute ball, as they laughed and enjoyed each others company every evening at supper in the dining room. The pattern they developed during their first day was plastic baits, then top water prop baits were doing great, and then back to slower techniques using live bait and plastics. The key here was this group was flexible, willing to use any method, and adapt to what the fish wanted. Because of this they caught a lot of fish with the last three days landing over 250, 300, and 275 Smallmouth on each day, and as a group landed 25 to 30 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. Also, they caught a lot of Smallmouth in the 13 to 17 inch range. Great first Smallmouth fishing trip to Fireside Lodge for this group, and they are already planning their return in 2006.

Second time return guests Mike Stevens, Jack Schneider, Paul Douglas, and Jim Zuehl from Barrington, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, and Wilmette, IL were back to enjoy fishing in the wilderness. This group had a lot of fun in our wilderness atmosphere catching fish, having shore lunch, and just enjoying a close male friendship. Every day was a great day for this group, and as for the fishing they really got into the Smallmouth one day, as Mike said, catching one fish after another and Mike caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth at 18.5 inches. The other days they spent most of their time pursuing the huge toothy critters we have roaming in our waters. They landed some toothy critters, however the largest did what they do best, taunting these four and eluding their array of lures and presentations, just following and returning to the mysterious depths we all try to envision as avid fishers. Fun was had by all as we enjoyed their return visit to Fireside Lodge

Jerry and Steven Pilcher from Omaha, Ne. were came to Fireside Lodge for their first time to catch Smallmouth. Both had never caught a Smallmouth before, and were new to this type of fishing. The first day was a learning process, but did they ever catch on after that, having some wonderful Smallmouth fishing. The second day they caught a dozen Smallmouth each catching their first ever, along with 5 Northern Pike and a Muskie. The next day had them catching a lot of Smallmouth in the 13 to 16.5 inch range, and the another day caught 20 plus, with Steve catching two Huge Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, one being 18.5 and the other 19 inches. Jerry got very close with a 17.5 incher, which is a great catch. Their magic bait was a stick worm made locally in Nebraska which had a secret sent formula. Wondering what this was, I asked to see this special worm. It was a sinking worm fished on a simple hook with no weight. Simplicity is sometimes the best way to catch fish. They also discovered the magic of live leeches and circle hooks. These brothers had loads of fun and were very sad to leave.

Kevin Checkett and son Brendon, Donald Ross and son Levi, and good friend Dan Armstrong all from Carthage, Mo were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time. Their first few days were spent learning the lake and catching a few fish, and by their third day the efforts paid off. They had a great day Smallmouth fishing and catching, by landing a lot of Smallmouth. Everyone in the group had a great day, and Kevin caught the largest, a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, measuring 18.5 inches. Brendon and Levi also hd pictures holding large Smallmouth. On their fourth and final day they targeted Northern Pike, and did well with all catching a lot of Northern Pike at two of our portage lakes. Great trip and memories was had by all.


Return Fireside Lodge guests father Art Rulon, and sons Barron and Bart from Lexington, Ky and Green Bank, Wa were here to fish for their second time. This father and sons group was so fired up to be at Fireside Lodge that the first morning they showed up in the dining room they found all the lights off and no one around. Well, Art figured he would laugh real loud to get someone's attention, only to find our that they forgot to set their clocks back to central time, and they were too early. These three had some great fishing for their weeks stay. First day out Art caught two Muskie, Bart caught one Muskie, and all three caught over 25 Smallmouth Bass up to 17.5 inches. Second day they caught well over 30 Smallmouth Bass 14 to 17.5 inches, and Barron Landed the fish of his life, which was a HUGE Master Anglers Award Northern Pike measuring 42 inches. This beauty is on our digital picture viewer in the lodge. Third day brought them 37 Smallmouth most between 13 to 16.5 inches, and a few over 17 inches. They had a few other days with over 30 Smallmouth Bass, and on their last day they targeted Northern Pike on a portage lake and caught 86. WOW what fast action and fun. Along with their great fishing, they made some wonderful Father and Sons memories, and took in a lot of wildlife viewing. In fact Bart lives on an island in Washington, and his profession is a wildlife artist. He wanted to get some pictures of loons, and did he ever, capturing a nesting loon and other loon activities. Great time was had by all, and they are already counting down the days until they can return to Fireside Lodge

Brothers Steve and Dave Smith from Olathe, Ks were fishing at Fireside Lodge for their first time. This was an absolutely great fishing trip for these two as they caught more BIG Smallmouth that they ever thought they would. Just their second day ever on our lake they caught 25 - 30 Smallmouth Bass all between 15 to 17 inches, and Steve caught the biggest fish of his life and his first Muskie ever, a BIG 40 incher. They had several other days catching 25 to 35 Smallmouth, another catching 40 to 50 Smallmouth Bass, and their very best day had them landing 75 to 80 Smallmouth Bass with over 50% being 15 to 17.5 inches, and the rest between 12 to 15 inches. Steve also caught a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass measuring 18.5 inches. These two brothers had great fun laughing and getting to know everyone, and most of all making some memories between brothers. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge to do so.

For their 5th consecutive year father and son Brian and Kyle Bakke were back to fish in the wilderness at Fireside Lodge. Audrey and I have watched Kyle grow up over these years, and this father and son were just so excited to be back at Fireside Lodge. Their first day they caught a lot of Smallmouth Bass and a few Northern Pike. Their second day was even better, not only catching a lot of Smallmouth Bass, but also caught large fish, both landing over 18 inchers which are Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. They also caught some really nice Northern Pike and had some huge follows. That evening they went out to try and hook one of these monsters, and did have one up to the boat and partially netted. The problem was that the fish was hardly fitting into our 48 inch cradle, and after an unexpected thrash won the battle at boat side leaving both Brian and Kyle holding an empty net containing only their lure, and the last site they saw of this trophy fish was the wave of her tail. Believe me we have all been there once or twice. Brian and Kyle got all the enjoyment of this fishes battle, except for the picture. Better to have the battle with no picture, that to have no battle at all. The next day they were rewarded for their positive attitude as they had a great day of fishing landing over 30 Northern Pike. The only bad thing about this day was that it was their last of three fishing days. They were sad to leave, but left with smiles on their faces, and full of another set of father and son memories. Priceless!

Hot Lures of The Week: Pop-R, Prop Baits, Fluke Worms, Sinking Worms, Chug Bug, Floating Rapala, Live Leeches

Catches of the Week: Two 42" Northern Pike, 41 inch and two 40" Muskie, 22 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Caught by a couple, largest 19.75 inches, and well over 30 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth Bass caught by a group of 8 people, largest 19.5 inches.

Well, that's it for this weeks fishing report from Fireside Lodge, Please stay tuned for next weeks report. Until then "Keep On Fish'n" Alan