Jigs, Minnows and Leeches

The reports from the lakes indicate that the walleye are biting and hitting jigs and minnows as well as jigs and leeches. Night crawlers are also working extremely well. Gulp Alive is working very well too if you don't want the hassle of life bait. The walleye seem lazy (probably due to the cold water) and too much action with your jig is deterring the hit. Drop it to the bottom and count to 10 before moving it and the walleye are hooking themselves.
The walleye have been moving out of the river areas and into the lakes.

Northern are active on flashy spoons like Doctor spoons and Cleos.The biggest northern are being caught near the rivers probably since the suckers are still in the area spawning.

This coming week will be very busy around here but if you have time near the end of June or early July, for a fly in adventure with Ignace Outposts, drop us a note. We have limited openings for that time available.

Can't Fight Mother Nature

Today was one of those days! Woke to pouring rain and a yard full of eager fishermen. A quick check of the weather indicated no improvement until at least lunch. So we wait.
Just around noon the weather lifted and the aircraft were off. 1 and 1/2 hours is all we need to turn around Seseganaga and Metionga trips. About 1 hour and twenty minutes later, the temperature fell and the fog dropped in very quickly. Both the Beaver and Otter had to land on Sowden Lake. Sowden is less than 10 minutes by air and just over an hour by bush/logging road. With 10 guys and two pilots optioning to sleep in the De Havilland hotels, I jumped into the Suburban with a trailer and hired our local Taxi van to head out to pick up the stranded pilots and passengers. A couple of hours later after navigating muddy grease like roads, everybody is back in Ignace and most are on their way home. Unfortunately half a party is still at Seseganaga lake for the night. Needless to say, we won't get our work done today, but there is always tomorrow. Pushing the weather is not worth it. I like to tell those who get too anxious, that "it is always better being down here wishing you where up there, than being up there wishing you were down here."
Frank Kapple one of the fishermen returning from Sowden with me in the Suburban did comment that in his 50 years of coming to Canada fishing (over 40 times/years with Ignace Airways and Outposts) he thinks the fishing is better now than it ever has been. Maybe putting the big ones back really does make a difference.
We did spot 2 moose and 2 bear on the drive from Sowden.
Oh the life of an outfitter!


"I am jealous of the life I am supposed to be living."

Fishing reports have to wait.

As a proud Papa I can't resist putting up at least one photo of our new grandson Jonas. Here he is with Mom and Dad (Krista and Scott).

Addtition to the Family!

Over the years, many of our guests have watched our kids grow up into adults with their own families.
Today we welcome our second grandson, a brother for Zachary. About an hour ago, our daughter Krista delivered a new addition to the family. Jonas Bradley Gothard was born in Vancouver BC. Proud daddy, Scott, called us with the news. It was difficult for Karen not to be able to be present but I think she is planning a visit to BC soon. Mother and baby are doing well.

Of course pictures will follow.

Memorial Day 08

Today many of our guests and friends will be planning a cook out and get-together in observance of Memorial Day in the United States.

"If you don't want to get behind them... then go stand in front of them!"

Memorial Day Foundation

As well as a remembrance to fallen soldiers, Memorial Day is traditionally the kick off of the summer season.

Even here in the Great White North we look forward to summer eventually.
In Ignace we are not planning much of a BBQ today since it is barely above freezing and it is snowing. I imagine fish populations are a little safer today but fire wood supplies will take a beating. I would like to have a little chat with Mr. Gore about some of his global warming ideas and see if he can't send some of it to us. In Northwestern Ontario it is a stay inside kind of day. We have work to do however, and camps to service and fishermen to fly.

Enjoy your holiday.




Beaver ZBR waiting to go - Memorial Day 2008

Itchius Bitingus

Last night I killed my first mosquito of the year. Actually I think I sent a few dozen into the next life, but after the first I generally loose count. I have to admit that with the cold temps this spring, the first Itchius Bitingus (my own scientific sounding term for mosquitoes) caught me by surprise and nearly knocked me over when it landed. The first batch of the year seem to be of the XXXL variety.

I quickly came to my senses and with the help of a nearby spade, managed a lethal blow to its mid thorax and insured at least 3000 more eggs would not be laid.

I bring this tid bit of experience to your attention not to deter your trip but to remind you to pack two essentials - bug spray with Deet and “Pic Coils”. Bug spray is worth at least 50 red chips when playing Texas Hold’um and the Pic Coils can make the Texas Hold’um possible if you’ve left the door open too long. We have done our part as well in helping over come this flying beast. According to Wikipedia window screens, introduced in the 1880s, were called "the most humane contribution the 19th century made to the preservation of sanity and good temper."

We have installed screens on the windows to allow fresh air and hold the biters outside.

If no one in the group remembered bug dope, or you all fail read this blog, you might want to learn the “Ignace Duck”. The Ignace Duck works really well on Black flys too!

Grand Slam Fishing

The waters of Irene Lake lure anglers from far and wide for the ultimate Grand Slam of freshwater fishing: Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. The combination these world-class fish are found together in Irene Lake.

The lake itself is deep, clear and offers about 6,000 acres including a couple of portage lakes.

Our catch-and-release tradition (begun in the 1980's) helps assure great fishing year after year. We make every effort to conserve the fish population for future generations.

Mike and Darla returned today from another Irene Lake adventure.
Darla told us that one day she had 6 layers of clothes on to keep warm but that didn’t stop the fishing action. Several walleye over 30 inches, football size smallies, ferocious northern and tasty lake trout made the unseasonable weather much more bearable.

As usual before they left for home they not only left us some nice photos, they rebooked for their 2009 adventure. It is not too early to pin down May 2009 dates while they last. Give us a call today.

Fish On!

Another day and more great fishing reports from the lakes. Seseganaga lake which is known for its large northern and plenty of walleye did not disappoint this week. The Skjod group from Minnesota said the weather reduced their beer consumption but they managed some great fishing. You can always put more clothes on when the weather brings snow and wind, but you can only take off so much when it is warm.

These last few days have been more conducive to fall fishing than May but at least our guys have been able to get on the lakes. I understand many north outposts are still frozen as I type. If you are stuck for a spring trip because of a late ice out, give us a call. We have an opening or two for next week and we don't mind the short notice.

Get packed for Ignace Outposts today.




John Molamphy 40 inch northern on Seseganaga Lake

Biggest of her life!

Even while getting the work done, there is always time to fish. Pam and Peter, were at our Flindt Lake camp getting things ready this weekend. Pete took Pam out to invite a few walleye for supper and she latched onto the biggest fish of her life. This nice northern went back into the lake after the photo session and swam away full of life. Many may remember Pete, he flew our Beaver and Otter for a few years a decade or so ago. He still flies for a small airline but loves to get back to his roots when he can.
In spite of the fact it snowed here today and it continues to snow at our north camps, a cold wet day of fishing is still a heck of a lot better than a warm dry day at work.
Check out our web site and book your Ignace Outposts trip today.

Fishing report

We just completed a "round the patch" camp check. Season has only been open two days so this is just an interim report. Weather has been unseasonably cold and windy with night time lows just above and just below freezing. Day time temps barely made the low 40's. Saturday was squall after squall.
Walleye fishing was tough the first two days until the winds and weather changed last evening. Just as the wind died down the walleye turned on. Northern fishing has been hit and miss. A few big ones have been landed and released to the depths.
As the first groups leave we'll have more updates.
Till then, keep your rod tips up and the line tight,

Brad

Walleye Season is OPEN!

Today is windy, cold and wet, what else can we expect for walleye opener. It feels good to see familiar smiling faces arrive in the yard ready for another Ignace Outpost Adventure. Just a few days ago we were scrambling to get camps ready and now we have guests in camps likely having fresh walleye for supper.



Mere moments separate a fresh walleye from the lake to the pan. Nothing beats that first feed of walleye! Just imagine a little coating of of your favorite secret breading combined with a little heat and these walleye are fit for the finest in wilderness dining.

Book your trip with Ignace Outposts today and enjoy the bounty of Ontario's fresh water lakes.

How to get a good night’s sleep:

Walleye season opens tomorrow and undoubtedly rods are ready, hooks have been sharpened, and reels are oiled. Here is a little humor to brighten your day. Maybe this is true, maybe not, my brothers won't admit to anything.

"The guys were all at an Ignace Outpost camp. We had to bunk two
to a room. No one wanted to room with Blair because he snored
so badly. We decided it wasn't fair to make one of us stay
with him the whole time, so we voted to take turns.

The first guy, Phil, slept with Blair and comes to
breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and
his eyes all bloodshot. We said, "Man, what happened
to you?" He said, "Blair snored so loudly,
I just sat up and watched him all night."

The next night it was a Todd's turn. In the morning,
same thing--hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot.
We said, "Man, what happened to you? You look
awful!" He said, "Man, that Blair shakes the roof. I watched
him all night."

The third night was Doug's turn. Doug is a big
burly ex-wrestler; a man's man. The next
morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy
tailed. "Good morning," he said. We
couldn't believe it! He looked rested and wide awake.
We asked, "Man, what happened?"
He said, "Well, we got ready for bed. I went and
tucked Blair into bed, patted his backside and kissed him
good night. Blair sat up and watched me all night! "

First Party is In!

The first party of "Die Hards" flew into Irene Lake today. The lake is still more than half covered in ice and the wind is blowing it at the camp. In few days I should be able to start posting fish reports. Seseganaga and Metionga, Hilltop and Flindt will have lots of activity this weekend as well.

Stay tuned...

Seseganaga Joe

Today Joe replaced Seseganaga John as our camp attendant at Ses. John retired last fall after 14 years on the lake. Many will miss his smiling face but none more than us. John agreed to fly in to Ses today with Joe to show him the ropes. Joe put some time in at our Metionga Camp last year so the the transition to Ses will be easy. Joe is a trapper, fisher, aircraft Maintenance engineer and all round outdoors type of guy. He actually helped build some of the original cabins on Seseganaga back in the 70's. So, when you step off the plane at Seseganaga Lake you'll be greeted by a different smiling face. Seseganaga Joe is on the job.

All dressed up and no where to go.

Ice is out, guests are heading our way in days and we can't get off the dock. Today rain and fog shut us down. I guess better now than on opening day which seems to be the norm. We have the planes loaded and a bunch of cabins to get ready for the weekend. First guests arrive Thurs and Friday. We need to clean, get water going, motors in, boats ready, propane hooked up, gas flown in, spring repairs done and what ever else comes our way. Running a fly in camp is a great lifestyle and an awesome way to raise kids but some days...

Introducing our new Cessna pilot

Today we began the checkout of our new pilot Derek. Some regular guests may remember Derek as the little helper around the dock some 9 years ago who grew into a very handy dock hand a few years later. Derek has recently graduated from Confederation College’s Aviation Flight Management Program with a commercial pilot license and he is ready to work. Derek will be flying the Cessna 206 and hopes to see some old regular guests in a different capacity this year. And yes, Derek is my nephew so I guess he has the “genes”.

When he worked the dock, he was known as “Bud Lite” since my dad is also Bud. You can call him Derek or Buddy, but not “late for supper”.

Planning your trip

There are many things that you may want in the bush and a few that you must have. Since we've asked our guests to lighten their loads to save on overload charges, we want to remind you not to forget, besides your fishing gear, a good first aid kit. This can be a group item so you really only need one. I have put a few ideas together to help you prepare this kit.

A good First Aid Kit is something every fishing group should have.

Some items to consider:

Hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds

Sterile Gauze and sterile ointment

Steri-strips to use in lieu of stitches

An eye cup, sterile rinse and ointment for eye related injuries

Pain Killers

Antacid for stomach disorders

Laxative and antidiarreal

Antihistamine, in case someone reacts to food or an insect bite

Toothache gel

Tweezers and scissors and pliers (quality ones)

First aid manual

Suntan lotion

Solarcaine or similar for sunburn

Anti-itch cream

Others things which may be required for personal needs

Pack these items in a small tackle box or something similar. Assign someone in the group to be responsible for the kit and that every one knows where it is. Tape a contents list on the inside of the lid. You may want to indicate what some items are used for. The best situation is to ensure someone in the group has a current first aid certificate.

Please ensure everyone in the group has their own personal medication including things like antacid, aspirin and especially prescription medicines. We do not have a pharmacy in Ignace, so please be sure you have all your prescription medication before you go into the bush. Extra medicine is advisable in the event there is a delay in getting out of the bush. If someone in the group has a particular condition such as diabetes or a heart condition, another person in the group should be instructed in the proper method of administrating medication, in the event the person becomes incapacitated.

No one plans to have an emergency, but it is best to be prepared. When on a fly in, help may be a far bit away.

IceOut!

Ice went out on Agimac on Friday May 9.

The Otter is Launched!

Ice is moving out quickly now. A good wind and we'll be ice free in Ignace. We launched the Otter today and now we wait for open water to finish our annual checkouts and then we start setting up camps. It is a large under taking getting the big bird into the water.



We had to do a little ice breaking near our docks to get the Otter floating. I'm sure in a few weeks we'll be complaining about it being too warm.

Don't put it off any longer. Book your Ignace Outposts Adventure today.

Eating and Counting – it isn't that hard:

As you are well aware, there are fish laws in Ontario. The law that applies to fish is “you get caught - you could get eaten”. The law that applies to you as a fisherman is complex and concerns sizes and limits. I will not expound on the details but suffice it to say that if you have too many fish, or you otherwise abuse our natural resource, there are consequences. The hunter/gatherer instinct must be over come with a little common sense and sportsmanship.

Think back to when you would steal Christmas baking from your mom’s freezer in November. You didn’t always get caught but when you were it was not a pleasant experience. Mom just happened to show up at times when your mouth was full and your indiscretion was impossible to explain away. Our game wardens work under the same principle. They don’t constantly look over your shoulder, nor always announce their arrival but if they catch you with your creel too full, so to speak, the consequences are not pleasant.

My best advise, don’t break our fish laws, enjoy the resource, especially the shore lunches and remember any fish you eat at lunch count in your limit for the day. I need not remind you I’m sure, but don’t kill those fish you are not going to eat. Come to our area to experience the abundance of our fisheries and resources – but don’t abuse the privilege. The onus is on you to know the limits and obey them. Ignorance may be bliss, but it is no defense. There is no place on earth like the lake you maybe heading to at Ignace Outposts. Let’s keep it that way, eh!

Book your Fly in adventure with Ignace Outposts today.

Why not Ignace Outposts?

Walleye and northern are featured in each of our lakes except Gamble Lake where the smallmouth fishing is world class. Some other lakes boast lake trout and smallmouth bass too! Essentially we have some of the best remote fishing in Canada suited to walleye, northern, lake trout or smallmouth fishermen. Our camps feature deluxe accommodations with running hot and cold water, showers, and solar lighting. Each location is unique. Our carefully chosen lakes range from large (Seseganaga) to small (Tri). Some lakes offer great portaging and exploring opportunities, while others are well protected and solitary. Flindt (in the Wabikimi Park) and Tri lakes each have only one cabin.

Fifteen cabins on nine lakes ensure Ignace Outposts can offer something for everyone. Our company is owner-operated and our staff has been chosen to best exemplify the friendliness and courtesy, which is known as our Canadian tradition of hospitality. Safety concerning your fly-in trip is a top priority with us and you can rest assured our pilots are skilled professionals. Our own maintenance staff keeps our aircraft in top-notch condition, exceeding Transport Canada regulations. Boats and motors are kept in top shape with spare motors available at each camp in the event of unforeseen break down.

Seseganaga and Metionga Lakes each have a full time camp attendant on site. The other cabins offer more solitude. As well, we do make regular check fights. You can be remote and alone yet not completely cut off from the outside world. Each cabin is equipped with all dishes, pots, pans, fridge, stove, BBQ, etc . . . , all you need to bring is your food and personal gear, bedding, towels and fishing gear.

Over the years, we've realized that fishing is fishing and weather is weather. We can do little to control these. However, service, facilities, and equipment we can control. You'll find this is where we differentiate ourselves from other fly-ins. Breathtaking views, great accommodations, good equipment, and, of course, quality wilderness fishing await your visit.

Please check our web site for current news and rates. www.ignaceoutposts.com

The Count Down is ON!

May 5/07

Agimak Lake is getting dark and the ice is candled. My best guess now is about two days to ice out. The northern lakes will follow in about 4 to 5 days as well as Irene Lake. John from Metionga has begun to drop off his stuff so we know he is ready! Once the ice clears, we will be in gear to get pilots trained and camps ready.




Yes the white stuff in the front of the photo is SNOW!

Less than 2 weeks to walleye opener!

Two weeks yesterday will be walleye opener. We are still tight with ice (those -6 nights don't help) but I am thinking we will see ice out by this weekend. We've been fortunate with early ice out the last couple of years but this year seems more normal (over the 23 years we've been here) than late.
I envy drive-in camps only in their ability to prepare while ice is on the lakes. I hear they envy our fishing however, so I will take our problems over their's. The good news is that the ice moved yesterday so we won't be sitting here long. Our work/cleaning crews are on hold for now. The Beaver and Cessna are ready to splash and the Otter will be ready this week.

We will be ready to go when the bell rings!

If you haven't booked your 2008 trip or if you are wishin' to talk fishin' give us a call.

www.ignaceoutposts.com

email

807-934-2273

Brad

Catch, Photo, Release - CPR for your fish

photo by Jim Pierce on Gamble Lake

With summer approaching and fishing season only days away, I want to give a few pointers on photographing and live releasing your trophy fish at Ignace Outposts. Of course, we encourage you to enjoy the bounty of our lakes by having fresh fish for lunch or dinner while on the lake, but it is our policy to sustain our resources by live releasing ALL trophy fish. Smaller, tastier walleye, northern or trout make great dinners and trophies make great memories and pictures.

I am no professional but I can tell you that having a camera with you does little to enhance your memories unless you use it. The large northern you catch will certainly be happy if you have your camera with you in the boat rather than at the camp if you decide to drag the fish there for a photo.

Perhaps each person in the boat should familiarize themselves with each other’s camera before you land the lunker or lunkette. Doing this in the cabin is simple and results in fewer missed photos. Also using more than one camera insures a better chance of a once in a lifetime photo and the fellow catching the fish usually appreciates a shot or two on his own memory stick.

Before the fish is caught, have a plan.

When a photo-worthy fish is hooked, the other angler (now designated photographer) should reel in. Have a net handy and cameras in a mutually available place. As the fish is landed the photographer can prepare the cameras and plan the pictures. Some great action shots can be taken as the fish breaks the surface

Light is an import consideration. If possible don’t shoot into the sun.

Unhook the fish before showing it off. Pictures of a 4 inch Rapala with three hooks buried in your fingers may be amusing at time but loose their appeal when your partner would rather fill his memory stick with your agonized facial expressions as the fish flips and twists to your dismay.

Measure your monster, and click away. If you planning a replica mount be sure to capture a photo showing the fish’s color.

Take a big breath, take your photo quickly, don’t cut off your buddy’s head in the picture – you can’t exaggerate his size anyway - return the fish to the water before your next gasp of air and smile. The fish will survive and you can boast of his awesome size with a picture to prove it. My own astute observation of the human psyche reveals that you need not do more than place the mounted photo behind your desk at the office and the accolades will flow your way - particularly from underlings. A fishing wall of fame will even impress the boss as long as you have the authority to put nails into the office decor. Please plan to keep a good supply of our brochures handy if you do manage a few good photos for the office. The fish are supportive of this concept and so am I.

To avoid serious internal damage large fish should NEVER be held vertically. Fish do not have the skeletal structure to support their intestines. They have likely never been vertical in their lives. Unlike us, fish are used to living in a horizontal gravity environment.

www.ignaceoutposts.com