Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/2 to 9/9 2006

Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report 9/2 to 9/9 2006

Fall is in the air at Fireside Lodge however our temperatures are still above normal and dry. Despite a cold front that came through on the last day of the week, we still could not get any rain even though it was predicted. Because of the dry weather all summer the fall colors have started and are advanced for this time of year. It’s hard to believe I am writing the final fishing report for the 2006 season, as it just seemed like yesterday that we were preparing to open.


Doug Dolhopf from Milwaukee, WI was back to Fireside Lodge once again. Day of arrival before supper Doug had a fantastic start as he caught 16 Northern Pike, most over 30 inches and he landed two monsters one at 39 inches and a 40 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. First full day he caught more nice Northern Pike including another 39 incher and lost a larger one, and caught two very nice Musky at 36 and 37.5 inches. WOW what a fabulous start for Doug. For the next several days Dough caught some nice Northern Pike 30 to 36 inches and some Smallmouth including an 18.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. All Doug now needs is a Master Anglers Award Musky to get the Hat Trick in fishing at Fireside Lodge. The rest of his week was full of high skies, above normal temperatures, and no wind. This made things tougher, however Doug still caught some nice mid 30 inch Northern Pike, but could not get his Master Anglers Award Musky. It matters, but it really doesn’t to Doug. As good a fisher as he is he knows that you only win some of the battles in fishing, and he just enjoys every minute fishing and loves to visit with other guests exchanging information and helping others. For Doug this was his eighth trip to Fireside Lodge, and we love having him here as much as he enjoys fishing at Fireside Lodge. Next year we hope to see his wife Miriam with Doug, as she has come with him several times.

First timers at Fireside Lodge were Chuck Barreras from Douglassville, PA, Thomas Crooks from Feasterville, PA, Richard Klimek from Cherry Hill, NJ, and Matthew Smith from West Friendship, MD. This group had to have a day of adjusting too, and learning Little Vermilion Lake as they caught a few fish. Second day they did well catching two dozen Northern Pike and had a great adventure traveling through a creek which required some effort getting over a few beaver dams. Third day they caught many Smallmouth of various sizes up to 16.5 inches. Forth day had them Musky fishing. Chuck and Tom gad a great Muskie day as they had eleven follows and Chuck landed a Musky, and missed another. The one he missed had a story behind it, as at breakfast we were discussing what to do when the fish were in negative feeding mood. I suggested using a smaller plastic jigging lure and fishing very slow. So when the Musky follows stopped Chuck tried this method and within minutes he hooked a Musky which got off after a fight. Fifth day had them Musky fishing again, and Chuck landed another nice Musky and they also caught some Northern Pike and Smallmouth. Matt caught a HUGE 38 inch Northern which by looking at the picture looked like a 40 inch plus fish. They said the measurement was not all that accurate. See this photo on my Weekly Photo 2006 page at http://www.firesidelodge.com to judge for yourself. Last day they caught some fish despite the cold front that came through and all enjoyed their last day. They also enjoyed their whole stay at Fireside Lodge and hope to return again soon.

Larry Pearson and Richard Wolf from Lakefield and Oshawa, Ontario were also at Fireside Lodge for their first experience. These two had a ball their first day fishing for Musky as they had about 30 follows and landed two nice heavy mid 30 inch Musky. Not bad for the first time ever fishing a lake for Muskie. Second day they traveled to one of our creek accessible lakes going through silt bars and over beaver dams, loving every minute. They had good results catching a lot of Northern Pike, but the Musky eluded them. Third day was another Northern Pike day, catching some nice fish and having a few Musky follows. These two not only enjoyed the fishing but loved everything there is about the atmosphere. Larry actually grew up at a fishing resort in Northern Ontario North of Toronto, so this has been in his blood every since he was a little boy. Two interesting happenings that occurred during their last few days were that while fishing in a certain area of the lake Richard raised a good Musky living between two reefs, but it would not cooperate. Well on the last day within the final hour of fishing Richard caught this fish coming from the same area as the day before hitting the same lure. Also on the last day Richard decided to fish for Smallmouth, and within fifteen minutes he landed an 18.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. As Larry was taking his picture, Richard noticed his rod moving. He left his lure dangling in the water, and he reached down, grabbed the rod, he hooked and caught another Smallmouth. So Larry got a picture of Richard holding both Smallmouth. At this Richard decided that this Smallmouth fishing at Fireside Lodge was just too easy, and both went back to Musky Hunting. Both caught a good number of Northern Pike, and landed some nice size Musky, and most of all made some great memories between two fishing friends. Upon departure they were already discussing their possible return to Fireside Lodge in 2008.

Michael Oliva from Chicago Ridge, IL was back to Fireside Lodge for his third time and with him this time was Paul Zint from Blue Island, IL. Day of arrival they caught some nice Northern Pike within a few hours before supper. The first day out was very good as they caught 25 to 30 Northern Pike, several Musky and a lot were over 30 inches. Second day they caught over 40 Northern Pike, and Paul caught a Giant 19.5 inch Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. This fish was absolutely bulging at the seems. Another day they caught a bunch of Big, 15 to 17 inch, Smallmouth and the fifth day had them catching 40 plus Northern Pike. Sixth and final day was a little slower as a severe cold front arrived, but still they caught fish and enjoyed their last day in the wonderful wilderness atmosphere we have at Fireside Lodge. Before Paul left he shook my hand, thanked me for a fabulous time, and said it was the best fishing lodge he was ever at, and intends on returning with his son in 2007.

Long time fishers of Little Vermilion Lake Kenneth Beta from Fox Lake, IL and Lawrence Psyk from Onalaska, WI were back to enjoy our beautiful waters at Fireside Lodge. First day they warmed up by caching some Smallmouth and several nice Northern Pike. Second day they caught about six Northern Pike and 8 Smallmouth. The next two days they caught 25 to 30 Smallmouth each day with most being larger, and they also caught some nice big, fat Northern Pike. Last day was slower, but they had a ball just being together and enjoying each others company and conversation in our wonderful wilderness atmosphere. Both Ken and Larry have been to about 15 different lodges in the last 30 years, and they said Fireside Lodge was by and far the best they ever stayed at, and intend on returning in 2007 with a larger group. These two are great examples of gentlemen with manors and respect for others. Thanks for choosing Fireside Lodge.

Aaron and Michele Hayes from North Aurora, IL were back for their second time this year and have been coming to Fireside Lodge for many years. Michele and Aaron had a fabulous spring trip with Michele catching their best catch, a Monster 46 inch Musky. First two days they both caught some large Northern Pike with Aaron catching a 37 incher and a 40 inch Master Anglers Award Northern Pike. Third day was very exciting as they had 54 Musky follows, had five hooked, and Michele landed two, one being a very nice 38.5 inch barred Musky. When asked, Michele said she caught 2 and a half Musky because as she was fighting a Musky it came clear out of the water right in front of her at boat side almost at eye level. Boy that will sure get your attention. Michele ended up loosing this fish but had an exciting fight to the finish. Aaron lost two Musky one breaking his line, and another Musky hit his lure three times but he just could not get a hook set. Next day was a very good day with Aaron catching a lot of Northern Pike and both ended up catching 12 bigger Northern Pike and 16 nice Smallmouth Bass. Fifth day was slower as was their sixth day, but after being here eight times, they know that all days fishing are great even though the catching varies at times. Both went home sad for their time to be over but already starting to talk of plans for next year.

Pat Hopson from Elwood, IN and Larry Hinshaw from Blue Grass, IA were at Fireside Lodge for their first time being referred to us by a friend. First day was learning a new lake system and catching some fish. Second day they showed they were quick learners and they landed about 45 fish and about 30 of them were Northern Pike. Third day they caught a few Smallmouth but did not set the world on fire. We all went over the map and planned a new Smallmouth Bass strategy. Fifth and final day they caught a lot of nice Smallmouth to finish their trip on a very high note. Patience and perseverance paid off for Pat and Larry. Both thoroughly enjoyed their stay and hope to return one day.

Joe and Sharon Richter from Kempton, PA were here with bells on even after the airlines lost their luggage. For Joe it is his third trip in two years, and his second visit to Fireside Lodge in 2006. Joe earlier this year caught a 44 inch Master Anglers Award Musky and a Master Anglers Award Smallmouth. Sharon told me while getting her license that Joe has to watch out now that she is here. First day was a little problem as they had to used borrowed fishing rods, reels and tackle but still caught some fish. Second day had them doing a portage lake and they had some Musky follows with Joe landing a nice 38.5 inch Musky, had a lot of Big follows, and they saw a lot of BIG Smallmouth but they were very hard to catch. Third day they caught a lot of Smallmouth Bass. Fourth day they portaged again and caught a ton of fish, well over 44, mostly Northern Pike. Very fun day for both as they enjoyed the walk through the bush and the exercise it provided. Their other days were full of fun, making memories and catching Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. One day when back from fishing I asked how their day was and Joe lit up as he described the fun, laughter, and enjoyment they had together while fishing. This is what fishing is all about. They left having a ball and intending on retuning next year.

Darrin Vanbibber from Plano, IL also back for his second trip in the same year this time came with his wife Ginger. Ginger was back to experience the stories she heard from Darrin ‘s first trip in June. First two days they caught a lot of Northern Pike. Third day they caught 20 Northern Pike and 17 Smallmouth Bass. The fourth day was wild as they caught 47 fish and about 35 were Northern Pike and they caught 12 Walleye. WOW what fast action and fun for Ginger and Darrin. Fifth day a severe cold from came in and Ginger just fished for a few hours, however Darrin continued on and caught a good number of nice Northern Pike, but found it a little slower because of the cold front conditions. Both left having a lot of fun and making some special memories. We wish them well and send special wishes for their expected new addition to their family.

First time guests of Fireside Lodge were two. father and son combos of Ross and Mark Kohlman from Eagan, MN and Portland, Oregon and Mark and Tanner Christman from Shoreline, WA. They were very happy to be hear and all were full of anticipation. First two days were spent learning the lake and catching a few fish. This group has not done much of this type of fishing and was very excited to be learning in such a great wilderness atmosphere. They did enjoy the terrain, wilderness setting and the wildlife we have to offer. Their third and final day they really did well catching a lot of fish during the day, and Tanner seemed to have the hot hand. In the evening after supper the fish turned on again and Ross caught back to back toothy critters, a nice Northern Pike and a 38.5 inch Musky. All had a great time making memories between fathers and sons, and all wished they had a few more days left.

Long time guests back at Fireside Lodge were father and son Alan and Jon Wohlman from Northbrook and Glenview, IL. At the end of their first day Alan walked briskly up to my tackle shop to tell me what a fabulous lake we still had, and one of the best he has ever been fishing. They said they stopped counting the Smallmouth caught at 60, and they also caught three 36 inch Northern Pike, and Jon managed to land a GIANT 45 inch Master Anglers Award Musky. Fabulous day fishing for Jon and Alan. Second day they caught about 20 Smallmouth Bass. Third day they Musky fished getting a lot of follows and landing a nice mid 30 inch Musky, and they also caught a lot of Smallmouth. Their fourth and final day was very good with them catching a lot of Smallmouth and a few nice Northern Pike. Both left having a fabulous stay and can’t wait to return in 2007 for a longer stay, as they said the four days just flew by.


Catches of the week: 40 inch Northern Pike, two 39 inch Northern Pike, 19.5 inch Smallmouth, 45 inch Musky


Hot Lures of the week : Blue Fox Spinner, Husky Jerk, Mepps Spinner, Fat Rap, Rattl’n Rap

Being the last fishing report of the 2006 season I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our guests of 2006, and the past 17 years, for making Fireside Lodge come alive each year with your voices, anticipation, actual happenings, sharing those happenings with others, and laughter. Many memories have been made by many people, and also many new friendships have been formed in the years gone bye, and Audrey and I hope for many years to come. Thanks from the bottom of both of our hearts, for all the fabulous memories we have made over the years.


Well, That’s all for this weeks Fireside Lodge Fishing News Report. Until Next Week “Keep On Fish’n.” Alan
http://www.firesidelodge.com
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