Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 5/17 to 5/23 2003

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report for 5/17 to 5/23 2003

Hello from Fireside Lodge in Northwest Ontario. Yes, we are open as of 5/17/03, and it is wonderful to see people bring Fireside Lodge to life for our fourteenth operating season. After a long cold winter with ice attaining thickness of 44 to 48 inches, we have had a wonderful spring. Ice went out a little early, May 3rd, and the weather since about April 25th has been fabulous. Above normal temperatures, and dry have been the norm, and rain has been almost nil. All of this of course comes with the cost of having the lowest water levels ever at opening. About 24 inches lower than normal. A very familiar face arrived as the first Fireside Lodge guest, Frank Hazzard, from Arlington, Tx., with nephew David. This was Franks 13th straight spring at Fireside Lodge, and his experience shows in his fish catches. These are some daily catches Frank and David had. 80 Smallmouth Bass, 94 Smallmouth Bass and 24 Northern Pike with David landing a 38 incher, and most of the Bass were 14 to 16.5 inches and one was a Master Angler Award Smallmouth at 18.5 inches. 78 Smallmouth Bass one over 18", and 22 Northern Pike, most over 10lbs with one over 38 inches.74 Smallmouth and 12 Northern Pike with 1 Smallmouth over 18". 44 Smallmouth Bass and 16 Northern Pike, 77 Smallmouth Bass, and finally 49 Smallmouth Bass, and 35 Northern Pike. WOW what a week of fishing. That's not all folks as Frank and David will be with us for our second week. It's not all about fishing to Frank despite his success. He has been bushed since 1991. While on his first trip to Fireside Lodge he found a passion for the wilderness, wildlife, and feeling of being in untouched pristine surroundings. The call of the loon is his favorite wildlife sound of the North. All that Fireside Lodge has to offer has become so special to Frank that he chooses to spend part of his "Living Years" here. We thank you for that Frank.
Glenn Steiner and Frank Vandegriff came all the way from Allentown, Pa. to enjoy their first fishing vacation at Fireside Lodge. Glenn being an avid fly fisher was very excited with the prospect of catching Northern Pike on the fly. It did not take Glenn long to accomplish his goal, as on his first day he caught 12 Northern Pike, one being a 38 incher, and 2 Smallmouth Bass all on the fly. Great going Glenn. The second day he caught 11 more Pike, all on the fly he tied, called the blue buluga. It is so satisfying to tie your own fly and have it catch fish. Their last couple of days they also fished for Smallmouth having good success one day each catching 10 along with a half dozen Northern Pike. Frank also caught a huge 19 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. On their last day they not only caught Smallmouth but had great action on Northern Pike. Frank, while bringing his lunch box to the kitchen told Audrey everything was great but their was 1 problem. When Audrey asked what the problem was he responded, "you are going to have to put up with us next year because we are coming back in 2004". Frank, as you can tell was a joker. Thanks for coming and looking forward to seeing you both in 2004.
Two couples Jill & Broch Paplow, and Lori Sindelar & Neal Gulbrumson, from Verdale, Alexandria, and Kensington, Mn. Were at Fireside Lodge for their first time, and it was Jill and Lori's 1st time to Canada. This group had a great time seeing wildlife, enjoying each others company, and just having fun. They also caught a lot of fish, anything from all catching lake trout while fishing for Smallmouth, a lot of Northern Pike, Muskie and some Smallmouth to boot. One day they all portaged to Terry Lake and caught more Pike than they could keep track of, and 8 walleye. Another day they were teased by countless follows, catching some Pike, and each caught a Muskie while fishing for Pike. They were 36,37,38, and 39 inches. Another day while they were all having fantastic Pike action, Lori and Neal tied into and landed 4 Muskie. Neal landed the biggest at a Master Anglers Award size of 44 inches. Neal also caught a Master Anglers Award Smallie at 18.5 inches. The other 3 were 35 inches, however Lori had the most interesting Muskie catch. While Lori was fighting a 35 inch Muskie, Neal was preparing the cradle and suddenly heard crashing and banging in the front of the boat. When he looked up he realized that Lori's Muskie found it's own way into the boat. Yes, Lori's Muskie actually jumped in the boat. What a great fish story to tell for years to come. All four also saw the great sight of a cow moose with her new born calf, just days old. What wonderful memories these four made, which will last a lifetime.
Bow and brother Kevin Ellison, from Paducah, Ky. and Orlando, Fl had a great reunion at Fireside Lodge. Bow has been to Fireside Lodge two previous times, and it was Kevin's 1st trip. They had a blast catching lots of Smallmouth and Northern Pike during their stay, and between them caught 5 Master Anglers Award Smallmouth, and Kevin landed a Master Anglers Northern Pike right at 40 inches. Kevin also lost one much bigger Pike after a good long fight, right at the boat. Their highlight day was 77 Smallmouth. Great fishing, and wonderful time spent together at Fireside Lodge.
Neal MacKinnon and Tom Ferguson from Rossford, Ohio were at Fireside Lodge for their 4th consecutive year, with friends Robert Schwertfer from Toledo, Oh., and Dennis Carstensen from Perrysburg, Oh.
They had a great 3 days of fishing, relaxation, and great conversation. They caught all species, Northern Pike, Muskie and Smallmouth having an excellent first day. They also managed to catch some big lakers, up to 34 inches, while fishing for Pike and Muskie. They all had a great trip and are planning to come back in 2004. Also Rob MacKinnon, who usually comes with his father Neil, and his wife were just blessed with a new baby boy, Congratulations to them both from Fireside Lodge.
Jim and son Jimmy Regan, from Palos Heights, IL., were back to Fireside Lodge for their second trip in 10 months, and are planning their third trip in August of this year. They did great catching some Nothern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, finishing strong on their last day with Smallmouth. Jimmy was very excited to be back to Fireside Lodge with his father, and surly added to their continuing father and son memory book.
Well, that's it for this weeks fishing report at Fireside Lodge. Please stay tuned for fishing reports in the coming weeks, and until next week "Keep On Fish'n" Alan