Great Canadian Fishing

Feb Desktop Calendar

2012-01-30T17:50:00.001-06:00

It is a good thing Karen keeps on top of what day it is. She has posted her Feb 2011 desktop photo calendar on her blog. If you would like a touch of her “backyard” on your computer to keep the thoughts of a Canadian fishing trip with Ignace Outposts dancing in your head, download it now. Here is the link.

I look at it this way. Only 3 1/2 months until walleye season opener.

Get your new Ontario Outdoors Card

2012-01-26T10:03:00.001-06:00

Many of our guests purchased an Ontario outdoors card 3 years ago. Since these cards will have expired at the beginning of this year, it is time to renew. Check the last two digits on your outdoors card for the year of expiry. If it reads 11, you will need a new card. Renewal notices were sent out before the New Year but if you missed it or have not already renewed your outdoors card, here is some help.

Helpful links to our government website.

As is typical with a government website, navigation is not easy.

What is an Ontario Non resident Outdoors Card?

How to renew an expired Outdoors card.

A little simplification:

To renew your card you will need the following information:

Existing Outdoors Card Holders

your Outdoors Card number
your date of birth
your postal or zip code last on file

Your Outdoors Card will arrive in approximately 20 days.

Online renewal

If you cannot print your e-licence, call the Outdoors Card Centre toll-free at 1-800-387-7011 and they will print and mail you a copy.

Buying your card over the phone:

Call MNR's interactive phone line toll-free at 1-800-288-1155. Again your Outdoors Card should arrive in approximately 20 days.

Similar to any government, phone purchases can be an interesting experience.

Having a current Outdoors Card when you arrive in Ignace to go fishing or hunting will simplify the licence issuing process. If yours has expired, please renew and if you have never had one, please consider getting one before you arrive.

back home

2012-01-24T10:36:00.001-06:00

During the summer months, we have hundreds of guests drive to Ignace to experience the great Ontario wilderness and abundant fisheries. The highway through this part of the country is mostly two lanes and we often share the roadway with moose and tractor trailers.

During the winter months we have another thing to deal with. Moose don’t hibernate so they are still common on the road, and tractor trailers carry goods that keep the country supplies, so they are still sharing the road. The additional concern is snow and winter driving conditions. I wish I could say we can get used to it but we do have to exercise extra care this time of year.

The photo is the trans-Canada highway between Ignace and English River and out of cell phone range. We took our time and made it home from two weeks of sport shows safely. I am not sure whether the excessive traffic on the roads south of the border in a snow storm is any more desirable than the lonely roads in our area during a snow storm.

We are back in the office for a week or so. If you missed us at the shows last week, give us a call and we will set up your Ignace Outposts summer fishing trip.

That time of year again

2012-01-08T16:07:00.002-06:00

We are off to sport shows this week. The first show is the All Canada Show in St Charles Il. Then it is Madison Wisconsin and Milwaukee. Our show schedule with addresses and times is on our website Ignace Outposts

If you can get to a show, we'd love to see and talk a little fishing and hunting. If you haven't confirmed your 2012 trip, stop by and we will get you set up. If seeing us at a show is not possible and you want to plan your 2012 trip, contact us. We can be reached via email, or by calling our office and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

January Desktop

2012-01-03T19:23:00.001-06:00

Yikes! I am sleeping at the switch. Karen has her January Desktop up on line and I have yet to post it here.

So, for those who like to put these on their computer desktops and have a piece of Ignace year round, here it is.

Click here to get the proper size for your screen.

For more of Karen’s great photography check out her blog Images of my Backyard

Fiesta Walleye

2012-01-03T19:15:00.001-06:00

Happy and Prosperous New Year to All

During the holidays, with the kids scattered about the country, I have lots of time to play in the kitchen.

Today Karen had the brilliant idea to have walleye for supper so in honour of a new year, I thought I’d invent a new recipe – something other than fried fish. For lack of a better name I call it Fiesta Walleye.

Thankfully I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions. This is not exactly diet food but it sure gets the juices flowing for another season of fishing at Ignace Outposts.

Here is Fiesta Walleye:

Ingredients:

Walleye (about 1 lb of fillets – 2 fish) I suspect any white fish will do if your next fresh walleye won’t be until next summer at one of our fly ins.

2 cups of mushrooms sliced and diced (not too small)

2 large cloves of garlic – mashed

1/4 cup of dark rum – be sure to keep the rest of the bottle for a imbibing

1/2 cup of whipping cream – yes the real stuff

3 – 4 Tbsp butter – not margarine or any other facsimile

1/4 cup diced (small) red peppers

1/2 cup of salsa

1/4 cup grated fresh/real Parmesan cheese

S+P to taste

Instructions:

You have to do two things at once so don’t start the rum drinking until things are under control.

In one pan, sauté the mushrooms and red peppers with some butter and the garlic. Careful with the S+P since the cheese at the end will be salty. Add the rum and reduce to a glaze at low simmer stirring often. Add cream and salsa and simmer on low to reduce about half and the mixture is thick. Add another dab of butter and stir in.

In the other pan, fry the walleye fillets in batches with a little S+P. Carefully remove the cooked fish to avoid breaking and place in an oven proof dish. I used a 9x9 clear cake pan.

Cover the fish with the mushroom sauce and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

In the oven put top rack about 8 to 10 inches from top of oven. Turn on broiler to high to heat up. Broil until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Serve beside steamed veggies – we should all have something healthy once in a while.

ENJOY - we did!

ps. We let the dog lick our plates (Karen wouldn’t let me do it). He tried to lick off the color.

Season’s Greetings

2011-12-20T11:15:00.001-06:00

Karen has been creative. The picture says it all.

“We wish you a Beary Fish Moose and a Happy Reindeer!"

A Winner

2011-12-08T10:09:00.001-06:00

“BRAD

I TOOK THIS SHOT OF JOE. IT CAPTURES WHAT HE DOES BEST, MOVING ONE GROUP OUT, [OUR GANG] AND WELCOMING ANOTHER IN.

HE IS A WINNER,

SEE YOU IN JUNE

JACK”

I agree. Joe is a winner. He moves guests efficiently and you can’t ask for a better greeting to your vacation on Seseganaga Lake.

December Desktop

2011-11-30T06:15:00.000-06:00

Karen has her December desktop calendar ready for download. If you want a good reminder of life in the north, check out this link, Desktop, and find the resolution you need for your computer to download a desktop calendar photo taken by Karen.

This is what the desktop calendar looks like:

Enjoy December and late in the month, check back for January's desk top.

Thinking fishing

2011-11-28T17:02:00.002-06:00

It is almost December which means it is just over 6 months til opening of walleye season. It is time to get the guys or gals together and plan your 2012 fishing trip with Ignace Outposts. Our 2011 end of season mail out will go out in a few days and that emailing seems to spur thoughts of fishing for next summer. Drop us an email and get your dates booked while the dates are still available.

To see our newsletter now check our website where it is already posted. If you want to join our mailing list, visit our website and sign up.

We are looking forward to 2012, are you?

Happy American Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:37:00.004-06:00

To our American friends, have happy and safe Thanksgiving. Living in this part of the world we have so much to be thankful for. We enjoyed our Canadian Thanksgiving a few weeks ago - even the leftovers are gone.

Your Canadian friends and neighbours,

Brad an Karen

2011 Newsletter is posted

2011-11-23T13:42:00.001-06:00

Our 2011 Newsletter has been posted to our website. You will find it here.

Some highlights you may want to checkout:

Fishing and hunting report, no fishing rate change, archery only moose hunt next season, Outdoors cards for US guests who received them in 2009 will be expiring at the end of the year so be sure to renew yours and.. well you’ll have to read it to find out.

How to spend a nice Nov day

2011-11-22T14:05:00.000-06:00

Once our aircraft are parked and we have a chance to do a little something for ourselves, we like to be in the bush too.

Karen and I spent a nice November day with friends out looking for our own “bullwinkle”. We covered a lot of miles and our best efforts were in enjoying the day. The moose evaded us (hunting success is definitely better at an Ignace Outposts fly-in camp) but the goal is time together doing what we like to do.

A Taste of Summer

2011-11-02T06:49:00.000-05:00

I received this photo from one of our good friends with the Ouisconsin Fish and Game Club. It is Randy bringing the Otter to the dock on a charter to Bell Lake.

It is nice to think about summer now that the weather is changing over to winter. Have you thought about your 2012 summer fishing trip with Ignace Outposts yet? Get in touch with us and we will help you make your fishing adventure happen.

November Desktop

2011-10-31T18:32:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to KAREN’S November Desktop Calendar.

November

Find the resolution you want and right click then “save to desktop”.

Enjoy

Not Shovelling Yet

2011-10-24T08:09:00.001-05:00

Shovelling snow is a part of our winter. We woke to snow on the ground today but I am sure it is just a foretaste of what is coming later.

The aircraft have been put away for winter and on Sat Randy and I winterized the base.

Bring it on, we are ready for winter.

Winter schedule

2011-10-22T06:14:00.000-05:00

We moved the aircraft to their winter home in Nestor Falls yesterday. Randy and I made the last flight of the season and can begin the adjustment to a new winter pace.

Most folks make a clock adjustment for Daylight Savings Time. I adjust for my winter schedule.

Some who have waited around here for weather to clear may think this is my regular schedule but in reality I wait until the aircraft are parked to change my clock.

2011 Season is a wrap!

2011-10-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

The last loads are always a mix. As we empty and shut down the camps for another winter, we get all the left over garbage, motors, and other assorted items out.

The last week we fought some nasty fall weather getting our hunters and their moose out of the bush. Today was picture perfect for the last shut down run.

All that we have left to do to finalize the 2011 season is to move the aircraft to Nestor Falls for their winter maintenance and storage.

Occupy Seseganaga

2011-10-18T11:45:00.001-05:00

Joe has been out of the bush for only a few weeks and already he has become caught up in world affairs.

He has begun a movement to Occupy Seseganaga Lake. Of course you will need a leader for this movement if for no other reason than to book the trip. Dates for this movement are limited to fishing season 2012 but there are many to choose from.

Hopefully this movement spreads and Occupy Metionga Lake and Occupy Hilltop Lake get the same attention.

What time is it?

2011-10-13T06:21:00.000-05:00

One day this summer I got a radio call from one of our camps asking, “What time is it?”

I responded, “Who is calling?”

The person on the radio replied, “What difference does it make?”

I replied “It makes a lot of difference. If you are someone heading out to an outpost, it is 2 o’clock. If you are one of my pilots, it is 1400 hours. If you are a competitor, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 2. And if you are already at an outpost, it is Thursday afternoon.”

Sea King

2011-10-11T10:48:00.000-05:00

A Canadian Military helicopter was flying by from east to west last week and swooped in for a photo op.

Quite the machine. It is a CH-124 Sea King.

Things to do in Ignace

2011-10-08T06:48:00.000-05:00

During the fall, moose begin to respond to “the call”. Moose rut and breed in late Sept and early Oct. We will go out some evenings and practise calling with camera ready. Karen’s cousin Anneke from Holland was visiting last month and we took her on a couple of moose searching adventures.

In spite of my best intimations of a female moose in heat, the best moose encounters we managed were not visible. The girls were ready with their cameras but we only heard the bulls respond by grunting, pacing and thrashing in the bush. They were most active at night due to the warm temperatures and wouldn’t show themselves for our cameras.

Calling the odd evening or morning before or after work is not a concerted effort at bringing out the bulls but sometimes we do get lucky.

Fall repairs

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Joe and Randy log cabin repair team ventured to Gamble lake to replace a rotten log on the log cabin. This type of job requires time and a little know how. Joe has the skills and patience and with Randy they make a formidable team.

There is still another day’s work to be done fitting the new log in place, but moving moose hunters will take precedent.

Fall jobs

2011-10-06T07:09:00.001-05:00

This time of year we not only continue with hunters, there is no shortage of other work to be done too. Hunters don’t want us making noise while they are hunting so we service the camps and pick up moose only when required. We try to focus our work efforts at lakes other than where hunters are or here around Ignace.

In a few weeks temperatures will drop and things will begin to freeze up. Snow will need to be dealt with. Therefore, we take advantage of any “good” days to work outside. Everybody gets a job (or two).

Karen doing some roof repairs at the base.

We had lots of wind this summer and had a few shingles to fix.

Called him out

2011-10-04T08:03:00.001-05:00

Don called out this nice bull on Seseganaga Lake and was able to take him with his crossbow at less than 20 yards within 1 km of camp.

“Hi Brad and Karen,
Thanks for making my Dad's trip such a success. It's a wonderful thing to see him bag such a wonderful trophy and have such a great time. I wish I had been there with him, but it was nice to be able to get a clear picture of the story having been there last year.
Thanks again. Hope to see you again on a future trip.”
Jeff

“Brad and Karen:

Thanks again for allowing us to have a great hunting experience on Ses. As, usual you two and Randy provided great service.Attached are a couple of pics of the moose. I have others... if you want more. I'll let you know about next fall as soon as all the boys let me in on their availability and interests.”

Don

Archery hunting for moose is a hunter’s dream. We offer archery moose hunts in some of the finest moose areas in the province. Hunts book quickly so if you are interested in 2012, contact us soon.

October Calendar is on line

2011-10-01T06:46:00.000-05:00

Be sure to get your October desktop calendar from Karen’s blog.

October Calendar

Find the resolution best for your screen, right click and save as desk top.

Enjoy the image of “our backyard” for a month.

That time of year

2011-09-30T06:25:00.001-05:00

We are into our archery moose hunt already.

Cool calm mornings are perfect for calling an amorous bull into the area. A little fog rising from the water and the quiet of early morning makes a moose call an eerie sound across the bay.

He may be a good pilot…

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Randy spent a little time last week working on his angling skills. If he had to rely on those skills for sustenance, I think he would starve.

Fall fishing on Hilltop Lake

2011-09-27T06:05:00.000-05:00

Joe will fish in the sun, he’ll fish in the rain, he will fish in May and he will fish in Sept.

Last week on Hilltop Lake the walleyes did not disappoint. Joe told me the average was about this size with lots of good action. A little searching was required on occasion with the changing weather, but that is what makes fishing a sport.

If you want a guarantee of fish, I am sure a local meat market or grocer carries walleye. If you want a little adventure and a little peace and quiet with great fishing too, go to Ignace Outposts.

Now is a good time to start thinkning about 2012.

Busy beach

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week we had some guys at Hilltop Lake. One morning they woke to moose tracks in the sand in front of the cabin and the next morning bear tracks. They were fishing so they had to settle for that very thin “track Soup”.

The hand prints were added by the photographers – likely to show the size of the tracks.

Makes you wonder how busy those animals are at night and how close they can come without us seeing them.

More Sept walleye on Hilltop Lake

2011-09-24T10:07:00.000-05:00

Paul caught and released this walleye, just around the point from the camp on Hilltop Lake. Not really one for the record books, but certainly something to remember and add to the stories once home and recounting the trip with family and friends.

Dress for success

2011-09-23T06:25:00.000-05:00

Over the years I have seen just about every fishing outfit there is. Some folks are rather minimalist in their attire while in the bush (in season of course) and others have all the latest Gortex, Thinsalate, water proof and hook proof gear they can pack.

I don’t think the fish mind what you wear or don’t wear. Dressing for success at Ignace Outposts in Sept may require a few layers - or not.

Release the trophies and keep the eaters

2011-09-22T06:14:00.000-05:00

The big ones go back, the small tasty ones are invited for dinner.

Ignace Outposts fishing at its finest!

Fishing in Sept.. Oh yeah!

2011-09-21T06:12:00.000-05:00

Ok so the weather wasn’t as balmy as July, but Paul (one of St Paul MN’s finest) takes his vacation when he can get it. Paul and his partners like Metionga and Metionga Lake likes them back.

Can’t argue with success. In Sept, Walleye and Northern Pike tend to hit well bulking up for winter. When you are on the lake in the fall weather can be unpredictable but the prize at the end of your line rewarding.

The walleye was caught in site of the cabin at the rapids!

Are we having fun…

2011-09-20T06:05:00.000-05:00

A little snow and sleet doesn't slow down an avid fisherman. Last week we had snow and sleet here in Ignace but I was seconded securely in my office. The guys at Metionga Lake decided fishing was OK in the cool weather if they were properly dressed.

Yes they had fun.

Anticipation

2011-09-18T06:52:00.000-05:00

Those who follow this blog know that we operate our camps with a great emphasis on the experience over the filling of a limit. We highly encourage Catch, Photo and Release (CPR) and you will seldom see fish on a stringer on this blog.

These walleye make the anticipation of lunch look so good that I had to include it.

The walleye were invited to lunch and where headed to the frying pan. We do enjoy fresh walleye ourselves. Our policy is to only kill the fish you are going to eat. Enjoy the resource but do have respect for the abundance of our fisheries.

Lynn (above) enjoyed Bob`s cooking so much that not only is she inviting him back on her next trip, but he has no excuses at home anymore either. Sorry Bob, but I guess one of the dangers of these trips is that some secret abilities are revealed.

Keep your eyes open

2011-09-17T06:44:00.000-05:00

This “perfect” beaver hut is in the bay just north of the camp, where the large bull moose was also hanging around. Bob

Many guests at Seseganaga Lake saw the bull hanging around near this beaver dam. Caribou were seen near the spot too. Now you know approximately where to look. Get up to Ses and keep your eyes open.

Why not make it a date?

2011-09-16T08:40:00.001-05:00

Bob took his wife Lynn on a date to Seseganaga Lake a couple of weeks ago. Bob is a veteran with us and Lynn was the newbie. Not anymore. From what we hear, it is something they will be doing again.

Bob’s comments: “Walleye Lynn out fished me the first hour… working on dates and group size for next year—will let you know.”

Take your wife fishing. It opens a whole new world of things to do together.

We’ve equipped our cabins perfectly for couples - indoor showers, double beds, multiple bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchens so you can show her how you can cook as good as you can guide.

2012 is approaching quickly. Give us a call or contact us via email and we will set up an adventure you will both enjoy. Ignace Outposts

Hot to cold

2011-09-15T06:19:00.000-05:00

On Saturday records fell across NW Ontario as we saw temperatures in the 30 + C range (high 80’s F) and yesterday morning we had snow flurries with overnight temps below freezing.

If you don’t like the weather in our area, stick around a bit. It will change.

It appears fall has arrived and with it the moose hunt. Our first archery hunters fly in on Sunday morning.

Joe’s office

2011-09-14T06:04:00.000-05:00

Even at Seseganaga Lake our camp manager Joe has a little office. We call it the phone booth and I know for a fact he spends very little time there. Everyday about 7 AM, I get a “Everything’s OK” check in call and unless Joe has a list if things needed at camp, the conversation is over quickly. Joe is a man of few words and lots to do. I think he’d rather talk fishing with our guests than weather with me.

It is handy having phone communication from two of our camps (Seseganaga Lake and Metionga Lake) for emergency, camp servicing, guest requests and piece of mind.

Smart move

2011-09-12T06:29:00.000-05:00

It is not wimpy to leave the water when something like this storm is approaching. Safety on the lake demands a little common sense. Most of us are blessed with a bit of this and really should use it.

Lightening and graphite rods seem to attract one another. It is the guy who waves one around while casting that can shockingly find this out. Also, high winds, rolling waves and poor visibility can hamper navigation if being too bold lets the storm overtake you.

Be smart and be safe.

Two Lake

2011-09-11T06:22:00.000-05:00

Two Lake is a small portage lake just behind our cabin on Hilltop Lake. It holds walleye, and northern pike. We have also seen some nice perch in the lake.

If the winds on Hilltop Lake are high or you just want to explore, Two Lake is a nice option. There are no cabins on Two and we have the only boats there. It is only a 3 minute walk right from the cabin. We keep the boats and motors there for you. The boats are 12 footers but they do the job on a small lake. You only have to carry your gear and maybe some gas from Hilltop. We have a wheel barrow there help make that easy too.

No need to pout

2011-09-10T06:17:00.000-05:00

After I released my umpteenth (that’s a big number I made up) walleye and Dave lost his umpteenth jig to another “steam dog” (a term of endearment for a northern pike which takes your lure and runs), Dave took time out to pout.

Hey Dave, it still beats being at work - wouldn’t you say.

Typical fall fishing on Hilltop Lake

2011-09-09T06:07:00.000-05:00

One day can be short pants

The next is thermal pants and a warm jacket. Joe also had on blue long johns which we thought was just a little over kill since we did get a high of 40F that day.

Labour Day Labour

2011-09-08T06:03:00.001-05:00

Most folks get Labour Day off. Not in the outfitting business! And yes that is how it is spelt in Canada.

I have no shortage of “buddies” who are willing to help me with my camp work. Of course, they do take a moment or two to catch supper, but generally they are good workers. Since I am rather discerning about who I will spend time with in the bush, the real go-to guys are the same ones I have been hanging around with since high school and in one case well before. This allows for some familiarity, and great afterhours banter. We all seem to have different recollections, not only from foggy decades old memories but even from previous tellings of the stories.

I tried finding gremlins to manage this part of my business but they all seem to be busy working at my mom’s. It is not just spring cleaning that keeps our camps ready to go. Somebody actually does do these jobs. During the summer it is hard to find a break to get in to do this but now I can work it into my schedule.

All the pots and pans have been removed from the cupboard and washed, the cupboards washed and then pots returned.

Peter cleans up the bathroom.

We also bucked up a cord or so of firewood, cut down several trees that were threatening to fall on our cabin and managed a bunch of those little jobs that just seem to get put off during the busy season. Hilltop lake is now ready for fall fishing as well as a moose hunt.

Hilltop Lake Blueberries

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fishing is just one of the attractions of our Hilltop Lake camp. Of course it is the big attraction since it is nothing short of fantastic. But when the arms get tired or the desire of doing something else overtakes you there are other things to do.

Wild life viewing, exploring and, in season, blueberry picking are wonderful options.

There is no limit on blueberries and a gallon can be picked in short order within sight of the cabin. Blue berries have a boat load of antioxidants and wild blue berries can not be beat for taste. Blueberry pancakes, blueberries on cereal, blueberries in yogurt or have an Iron Chef blueberry challenge - we did last week and the result was amazing.

Hilltop Lake on Labor Day

Dave and I have been having adventures since we needed a step-stool to pick blueberries. If Dave got as many in his jar as he tried to get in his mouth, he would have had the gallon picked in half the time.

(click the picture to see what I am talking about.)

Once again…

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Brad & Karen,
Once again, the fishing on SES was spectacular! We didn't catch any real monsters, but the quantity of fish we caught more than made up for that. Our group of 12 caught somewhere between 1,400 and 1,800 walleye in the 4.5 days we fished (and didn't kill ourselves doing it)! I'd estimate the average size to be around 19 inches. Attached is a picture of the northern I caught while jigging with my ultralight. As you know, I'd rather catch fish than waste time taking picture. Luckily Rod had an "old" disposable camera in his tackle box, it was the only evidence we had for our fishing contest as the fish was released.
Take care,
Todd

Thanks for the note Todd. It is always great to see you guys. See you in 2012!

Walleye

2011-09-05T16:10:00.001-05:00

Now that’s what it’s all about!

Busy Beaver

2011-09-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Left to their own devices Beavers can be very successful architects.

And we thought Joe stayed busy at Seseganaga Lake. As our camp attendant there he keeps things in fine shape. I wonder if our cabins would look like this if he used only mud and sticks.

This is our shed at Ses just for the tools and equipment needed to keep things in tip top shape.

On Vacation

2011-09-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Looks like a good way to spend a vacation. Seseganaga Lake in August can provide R&R as well as some good eats!

Ghost of the north

2011-09-01T06:13:00.001-05:00

It seems photos I can use on my blog come in spurts. Since I am not at the lake with my guests (some say that’s what make our trips so appealing) I must often rely on guest photos to enhance my blog.

The Wagner party retuned from Seseganaga Lake last week and gave us some great shots of a Bull Caribou they watched on the bay north of our cabin on Ses.

Seeing these magnificent and relatively rare in our area animals is an opportunity everyone should have but not many do. The caribou in the Seseganga Lake area are some of the most southern natural herd of woodland caribou on the continent. Unlike the barren land caribou these animals do not travel in herds of 1000’s or more. They prefer solitude and are often referred to as the “ghosts” of the forest. They are often seen momentarily and then when you look again they are gone… like a ghost.

So Long Poke

2011-08-31T15:02:00.002-05:00

One of our long time customers and friends from Wisconsin never missed a chance to go fishing. Randy picked up his crew last Friday after a week of fishing and sadly Poke passed away on Sunday morning the day after he returned home. Poke had already been up this summer before this last trip. When he left on Friday he told us he hoped to see us yet again in Sept. Poke was 87.

So long Poke...

Brad, Karen, Randy, Marc, Joey.

A bit of Drumming

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

When at a fly in fishing camp, fish and the acquisition thereof are usually of prime importance. There is a time however when after the day’s adventures have ended on the water, a guy’s talents are revealed to the group. Some cook, some play cards and some provide entertainment.

Travis is talented and at Metionga Lake a few weeks ago, he entertained his comrades. Fortunately, the event was recorded and you can share in his Metionga Lake solo. Sit back for about 5 minutes and enjoy.

Metionga Lake Drum solo

I always wondered about the dents on the bottom of the pots.

Ignace Outposts fly in fishing

Spick and span

2011-08-26T07:40:00.005-05:00

Not only do we take pride in our facilities, we do our best to keep equipment in tip top shape.

Then and now con’t.

2011-08-25T06:02:00.000-05:00

Irene Lake beach cabin in 1985.

Irene lake beach cabin in 2011

Irene Lake beach cabin is our oldest cabin but has been completely remodelled over the years. Notice the wood burner is still the same.

Different strokes…

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Some guys take the hard work of fishing seriously and others don’t. If you are on vacation, Ignace Outposts makes a fine destination to just do what ever you want.

Bobby sometimes finds the busy life of a Chicago suburb a little stressing and will make more than one trip each summer to enjoy an Ignace Outposts camp. Since we’ve been here in Ignace, Bobby has not missed a summer. I guess it is just a matter of priorities.

He says he has nothing against a walleye so once he has a few to eat, he will kick back and let time go on by without him.

I couldn’t find out whether his nap was before the walleye above or after. Either way I am jealous.

John still has the touch

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Over the years many of our guests at Seseganaga Lake became good friends with our camp attendant John. John retired from Ignace Outposts and Seseganaga Lake about 4 years ago.

He still finds time in retirement (he’d already retired once before we hired him) to fish a little on Sowden Lake. John’s home is on Sowden Lake (about 20 air miles from Ignace and about 45 miles by road.)

John is doing well and occasionally stays in touch with many long time guests.

Worthy of a photo

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Roger M from Illinois can catch fish. No doubt this walleye is a beauty and we are pleased it went back into the lake. The only thing Roger needs to work on now is instructions on how to use his camera.

Or maybe, it was planned that way and his wife thinks he was in Vegas last week. Either way, good to see you guys and we look forward to seeing you next season.

At least the horizon is straight.

We’re tired of this

2011-08-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Irene Lake, Hilltop Lake, Metionga Lake and now Seseganaga Lake.

Seems as though summer storms are meant to provide us with more work and firewood.

More Then and Now

2011-08-18T16:46:00.001-05:00

Seseganaga Lake West Bay in 1985

Seseganaga Lake West Bay cabin today

Seseganaga Lake cabin # 2 (old cabin #2 is now our “garage” )

Seseganaga Lake cabin # 2 today

We’ve come a long way

2011-08-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

It was 26 years ago this week that Karen and I began our adventure in Ignace. We were young, full of energy (what’s that) and so green that we actually thought this outpost thing was a good idea. It was a tremendous amount of work but still a good idea.

As we begin our 27th year we couldn’t imagine a better way to make a living, raise a family and get up every morning wanting to go to work.

Old Hilltop Lake cabin as it was when we arrived in 1985.

Hilltop Lake cabin 2011.

Hilltop Lake cabin exterior from 1985 as we started renovations slowly by little as we could afford it. And today with a totally new cabin.

Over the years our philosophy has been to put money back into the business to make an Ignace Outposts vacation one that we would like to do ourselves.

Join us to experience the Canadian Wilderness as it is meant to be. It is not too early to be planning for 2012.

Who got the piece of tail?

2011-08-15T09:17:00.001-05:00

“Hey Brad,

How big do you think the pike was that took the bite outta this guy’s tail?? Had a great time this year at Flindt, fishing was phenomenal.

Dave J

Bedford, Indiana”

Makes you wonder eh Dave

nice Northern Pike

2011-08-10T05:43:00.000-05:00

“Here is the photo of my 39 inch Northern on Seseganaga Lake. I caught the fish but Mike took it off and I wanted back in the water quickly as I did not want it to die. So we snapped a few photo's and put him back in...Hind site is 20/20...I should have just gotten at least one picture with me holding it! It was the third Northern I caught when I pulled in this beauty. Hopefully I will catch him again next trip up!” Kathy

Best during a rough situation

2011-08-09T06:35:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I blogged about a rescue of some wayward fishermen of Seseganaga Lake. They sent me some photos to share of their ordeal.

They did make the best of a tough situation. The moral of the story is be sure to know where you are on the lake and watch the gas levels in your tank.

“Just wanted to take moment to thank all of you again for all your help on on trip to Ses! We are still telling the stories and everyone is amazed when they read the article on your blog. Again many thanks and God Bless all who helped.”

I agree

2011-08-08T06:19:00.000-05:00

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~Henry David Thoreau

Take the kids

2011-08-06T06:06:00.000-05:00

Family vacations are the times that kids will remember and talk about for a lifetime. “One on one” time is critical to kids as well as parents and grandparents.

What more can I say. These kids will be remembering Seseganaga Lake for many many years.

Three generations

2011-08-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Jerry has been hunting and fishing with me since before we came to Ignace. When I was a young pilot earning my strips working for another outfitter I flew Jerry and his dad in and out of the bush. When Karen and I came to Ignace in 1985, Jerry switched outfitters and is still with us fishing as well as hunting in the fall.

This summer he brought his wife, daughter and son-in-law and 3 grand daughters.

Seseganaga Lake was the destination and fun was the game. I understand the girls out fished grandpa and dad. They also toasted some mean marshmallows too.

I’ve said it before…

2011-08-04T05:57:00.000-05:00

When you go fishing with your kids, or grandkids, don’t look at the fish, look at their faces.

Advice – take it or leave it

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have never been a fan of rubber bungee cords. They have their uses, but they can be very dangerous.

The bungees, if they let go, which they can do at the most inopportune times, can cause damage either to a person or an object like a car.

Notice the duct tape on the back window of the vehicle. As guests were leaving our place on Sat to drive back to Wisconsin the bungee slipped and flicked up to strike the glass on the back of the vehicle. The glass instantly shattered and a bush repair was made. Fortunately no one was hurt. I was standing only two feet away talking with the guest who had the bungee miss his face by inches. Accidents tend to happen fast.

Ratchet straps do the job well and are much less dangerous. The vehicle parked right next to this one was being loaded too.

My advice, use ratchet straps instead of bungees.

Turtle eggs

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

This painted turtle created a place to lay her eggs right in front of our cabin at Irene Lake

I suspect there is a gaggle, a flock, a herd, a murder, a swarm, a litter, a brood or whatever they call a group of turtles, swimming around the area.

OK I looked it up, the collective nouns for a group of turtles is a nest, a bale or a dole.

Walleyes?

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Even though we don’t push Irene Lake as a walleye lake, it does produce nice walleye.

These trophies are normal for Irene Lake but you just don’t catch a lot of walleye. It is a clear water lake with trout and bass as well as northern pike. The walleye are there but can be fussy sometimes. The catching of one of these is rewarding.

Book it for the northern, bass and trout fishing and if you are determined and moderately lucky, you can boat a trophy walleye too. Just be sure to let the big hogs or hogettes go to keep breeding more ‘eaters”.

Whitefish

2011-07-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

“Found out this AM that my son never did send pictures to you.

Here is a typical size whitefish caught by Andy - we caught several whitefish during that first week of June 2011.” Mike

Catching multiple species of fish is an attraction on Irene Lake. These lake whitefish fight very hard and taste good too.

How would you measure success?

2011-07-29T05:57:00.000-05:00

Metionga Lake offers some successful catching as well as great fishing. Yes there is a difference.

There is always a story…

2011-07-28T05:54:00.000-05:00

“Larry S is holding a lake trout caught minutes after arrival from in front of Irene 2. He was the first person to get a pole ready and the trout was caught from shore on the second cast.”

Not a bad way to start a trip but I think it would require a lot of effort to maintain top dog status. I wouldn’t want the pressure.

Thanks guys!

2011-07-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our life is one big adventure. There are some adventures that we can do without but when they turn out great like yesterday, we’ll take them as part of the job.

Monday morning at his regular morning check in, Joe at Seseganaga Lake had already spoken with our 11 man group at main camp and was about to head to our West Bay camp to check up on a 3 generation family of 4 staying there. When he arrived at the cabin, Joe’s “trapper sense” (similar to a “Spidey sense” but better) started to stir. Something didn’t seem right. It appeared no one had been in the cabin overnight. Joe let me know and he began what ultimately was a 6 hour boat search of all the lake’s known and best hiding spots. Our other guests pitched in and began looking too – we hated to give up our best hiding spots but given our concern...

Normally this type of situation is quickly resolved. (Yes it’s happened before.)

By mid afternoon, with no luck searching by the guys on the water, Randy (on his day off) took our Beaver and flew to Ses to begin an aerial search. Joe and some of our other guests joined him as spotters and they covered the lake more than once. They found no sign of the missing family. It was as if they had picked up the boats and moved on.

When Randy returned before dark, I called our Provincial Police. An officer attended and put some amazing wheels in motion. Early on Tues morning, less than 8 hours after the police where notified, we had 10 specially trained officers from the OPP Emergency Rescue Team in our yard. We loaded the Otter and Beaver with 8 officers since with max fuel we couldn’t take them all, and flew to Seseganaga for another search.

Within an hour after arriving at Ses, with the officers as spotters and two aircraft flying, a weary, hungry and cold but otherwise well preserved family were spotted sitting on a rock at the very wrong end of the lake. We will make note of this new hiding spot.

Turns out the lake really is bigger than the gas tank.

All is well as ended well. We thank the OPP for their quick and competent action. And I thank Joe and Randy for their extra effort in making sure our guests were safe. Our other guests at camp also deserve thanks for the time they put in searching.

A successful search.

Diesel the OPP K9 searcher was probably the only one disappointed in the success of the search. This was his first official call out but he never got to fly in since his talents are best on the ground.

After two nights stranded in the Canadian wilderness the found fishermen had only one request… more minnows on the Wednesday check flight… they have lots of fishing to make up for.

Another upgrade

2011-07-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

One more little upgrade to keep ahead of the pack.

It’s hard to believe this is an outpost camp 100 miles from Ignace.

The counter top at Flindt Lake had a swell near the taps from the sink being improperly installed. We’ve had a little time to do some “camp maintenance” and have installed a new counter top. Now the a sink and counter function well and look great too.

Now lets see how long it takes before someone puts a hot pan from the stove onto the counter top and leaves a mark.

Dad can do it too

2011-07-24T05:55:00.000-05:00

I am sure some of the rods and reels Jeff and Jeff (father and son) brought to Metionga Lake a few weeks ago needed a little maintenance when they got home. Nothing like field testing the equipment in the real world.

With fish like these being cranked in you’d almost think axel grease would hold up better than light reel oil.

Walleyes too

2011-07-23T05:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted about Jeff’s 50 inch northern pike at Metionga Lake.

They caught lots of walleye too!

The weather wasn’t too shabby either.

Jeff wrote on his facebook page

“1 of about 600 walleyes caught by me and my dad in six days. No exaggeration.”

No wonder they rebooked same week same lake, same cabin as soon as they returned to Ignace.

50 incher - THE BIG ONES ARE STILL HERE!

2011-07-22T05:45:00.000-05:00

No need to photoshop or stretch this one. There is nothing worse than seeing a 30 incher described as a 40 incher.

For those who think you need to go to Northern Saskatchewan for lunkers, here is a 50 inch Northern caught and live released on Dove Lake a portage lake off Metionga Lake.

The photo op

The release

It happens that this is my 600th blog post. I can’t think of a better topic than catching a releasing such a fish. Jeff and his dad have been making the trek to Metionga Lake from Minnesota for several years. No doubt this trip will provide dinner table talk for many years to come.

I would never tell anyone that they are guaranteed to catch a fish like this but it is great to positively say great fish are still in these lakes. And you can have a chance to catch it or one similar yourself.

My personal advice; skinny dip (or chunky dunk) at your own risk in an Ignace Outposts Lake.

How much per square foot?

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

This pair of eagles certainly have a room with a view. I suspect a condo with this type of 360 degree unobstructed view could command some significant coin in the right neighbourhood. Of course, these eagles consider the Ignace area the right neighbourhood.

Having a camera ready while on an Ignace Outposts trip often provides some great opportunities to take wildlife shots.

Ignace from 36,000 feet

2011-07-20T06:19:00.000-05:00

We did not take these photos from our aircraft. If we are 3,600 feet we are liable to get nosebleeds since we are not used to even that extreme height.

Our son and his family recently flew from Winnipeg to Toronto on West Jet. About an hour into the flight Mike thought he might be close to Ignace and looked out the window at just the right time to see Ignace pass underneath the aircraft.

He snapped a a couple of pictures with his iphone and voila, here is Ignace from 36,000 feet. (you can even see our seaplane base)

How can it get better?

2011-07-19T06:17:00.000-05:00

Sitting on the beach at Irene Lake provides some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. Of course you could be here yourself “checking out” the view from the beach. Add a few friends or family members and life time memories are made.

I suppose if a day on the lake is not enough, the view is just as good from the boat but you might be a little too busy to really enjoy it.

There is always something to marvel at when on an Ignace Outposts vacation.

ps. cellphones, internet, email, tv, blackberries, and the like don’t work here. We actually planned it that way.

43 years ago today

2011-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week a friend in Ignace found an old newspaper in their cottage. The paper was dated July 18, 1968. It was the News - Chronicle from Port Arthur, Ontario. For those who keep up with world events, Port Arthur and Fort William amalgamated in 1970 to become Thunder Bay.

When this paper was published, my grandfather was the head printer of this newspaper. On pg. 12 was a small article about Ignace Airways. Since 1985 our other company, Ignace Outposts, has run the Ignace Airways’ fly-in camps.

Here is the article.

We still cater to the tourist trade however the $99.00 for a 5 day fly-in trip is long gone - so don’t ask. Add a zero and we are close to our Irene Lake 7 day trips.

The front page of this paper has articles about postal workers being on strike looking for an increase in their $2.63 per hour wage. These guys were just on strike again last month and I think adding a zero here is also very close to what they wanted to increase.

Everything is relative. All things considered, our fly-in fishing adventures are a great deal.

Nice surprise

2011-07-17T06:17:00.000-05:00

June on Seseganaga Lake offers exciting lake trout fishing. When the trout are in shallow water they make for a nice surprise when fishing walleye. Nothing like the fight these strong fish provide on light tackle. They are good eats too.

Brad,

I am a little late and maybe Steve already sent you some pics but here are two lakers that were very similar in size 34”. Nothing like fishing for walleye and having one of these guys crawl on to your jig! Very exciting and very tasty on the grill!!

Phil

All dressed up

2011-07-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

“Brad/Karen,
Attached is a picture of a moth that visited the screen door in fish camp. (Irene Lake)
It's beauty was astonishing! After 40 years of Canada/Ontario fish camps there is always a surprise. Another great trip.” Stan

Turns out this is a Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda). They have reddish-to-pink legs and antennae, yellow bodies and hindwings, and pink forewings with a triangular yellow band across the middle. Males have bushier antennae than females. As the name implies, rosy maple moths mainly feed on Maple trees.

Irene Lake bass attack

2011-07-15T06:05:00.000-05:00

Irene Lake may be a fair haul from Eastern Tennessee, but when the boys get together, it is the smallmouth bass attack that keeps them busy.

Storm damage

2011-07-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

We flew into Irene Lake to light the fridges and double check everything was ready for guests this weekend. We’ve had no one on the lake for a week.

I brought Karen, my cousin and her husband for the ride with the idea we could “wet a line” for a few hours after the work was done.

Flying to the lake I saw some fresh blow down areas at the north end of the lake. Flying over the cabin I could see our day’s plans would be changing.

I flew back to Ignace to get a chainsaw and other equipment and then the day’s efforts went into a clean up.

The cabin is now ready to go and we’ll fish another day.

Sour Gummy bait?

2011-07-13T05:49:00.000-05:00

Brad,
Here are some pictures from our trip last week on Seseganaga Lake. The northern was 39", caught by my brother Jack. The big walleye was 29". Look carefully at the picture of the smaller walleye--caught it on a pink-and-blue sour gummy worm on a jighead. Those Canadian walleyes will eat just about anything!
Mike

Care with fire

2011-07-12T06:39:00.000-05:00

This is not something you want to see while on the lake. And it really is not something you want to be responsible for. And particularly it is not something you want to pay for.

A small fire on an island can quickly become a forest fire with the wrong winds and a little inattentiveness. Fortunately, the provincial firefighters responded quickly and managed to get this fire out.

Thankfully it was not started by a shore lunch but by lightening.

Not bad

2011-07-11T06:35:00.000-05:00

It seems that Seseganaga Lake just keeps on giving up lunker northern pike.

Hang on to your rod when fishing this lake. These fish fight like they would rather not visit with you. They will attack most anything that looks like a meal. And that seems to be anything smaller than themselves.

Reel them in, carefully remove them from the water, quickly photograph and release.

Loaded and secure

2011-07-10T06:29:00.000-05:00

We are often asked what the “orange net” is for when folks look into our airplane. It is a cargo net. We use it to secure the loads onboard to prevent shifting and to keep the exits clear.

Everything onboard must be secure. Inevitably even after I ask that everything is put on the scales to be weighed and to allow the staff to load the aircraft, guys show up with pack sacks and briefcases telling me that they will hold these items. I get strange looks when I tell passengers that we do not allow carry on bags. We have no over-head baggage compartments, and even the major airlines don’t let you hold a packsack or computer on your lap during take off and landing. There are requirements that prevent this. Rest assured, your bags are safe packed behind the net, and we do it for your safety.

You can hand our crew your valuables and they will carefully stow them as required.

In fact we actually encourage you to help load and unload the airplanes. It is your stuff and we do not have a gorilla in a back room waiting to jump on your bags like the big airlines seem to have.

Great Seseganaga Trip

2011-07-09T06:08:00.000-05:00

From Indiana, the trip to Ignace Outposts may seem like a lengthy drive. To Leigh and the crew, the annual trip flies by as fishing stories are rehashed and anticipation grows.

Leigh had a great trip on Seseganaga Lake with more than one fish that would make a trip. Great to see the pictures and even better knowing that the fish were live released to fish another day.

Dee does it again

2011-07-08T06:01:00.000-05:00

Dee and Dave have been fishing with us for years on Metionga Lake.

It seems from the pictures and reports, Dee consistently out fishes Dave. Either it is pure skill, or Dave is smart enough to know how to make this an annual trip. I am just speculating, but either way, it is always great to see you Dave and Dee, and we look forward to seeing you again in2012.

Float plane safety

2011-07-07T05:55:00.000-05:00

Flying off the water provides an experience slightly different to flying jets off paved runways. I have flown many times in jets and notice that very few passengers pay any attention to the passenger safety briefings provided by the cabin crew.

On board our aircraft we give passenger briefings outlining emergency exits and procedures and it is hard not to pay attention when the captain is talking directly to you. Especially if he asks a question or two expecting an answer. Even so, much of what is said goes in one ear and out the other sometimes picking up speed in between.

Similar to the big guys, we also have passenger briefing cards available in the aircraft with the idea passengers would actually look at them.

I took my 15 month old granddaughter for a flight and even she enjoyed the briefing cards. Nice pictures for her and if you are flying with us, great safety info for you.

Some fireworks

2011-07-06T05:46:00.000-05:00

The 4th of July is known for fireworks in the USA. Being a little north of the border in Ignace, we had had to settle for a different type of fireworks.

Karen captured a rainbow and a spark show in the same frame.

Really?

2011-07-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

“… and it was this wide between the eyes!”

Even retired lawyers still come up with some good ones. Nothing like getting back to camp and expounding on the activities of the day. The best part of catch and release is the the telling part.

ps. John, in grade school I learned that during show and tell you actually needed something to show.

Independence Day

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and of course, fishing at Ignace Outposts.

Have a great 4th of July!

Lunch anyone?

2011-07-02T06:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Canada Day

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

To us it is another working day. It seems vacationers don’t take time off so we have to work to ensure their Ignace Outposts fishing adventures are as good as can be.

To those who celebrate Canada Day… Happy Canada Day! To those who wait until July 4th, you’ll have to wait a few days for your day.

An oxymoron

2011-06-30T06:12:00.000-05:00

How can a smallie be big? On Irene Lake… that’s how.

With controlled enthusiasm I believe I am fairly accurate making a safe bet that Irene Lake is the only choice for big smallies. Some guys will catch these fish with casual formality as though it was old news while forming a new tradition with Ignace Outposts. Recent history proves that the non-stop flight to Irene Lake can be an instant classic. I am hopelessly optimistic that catching fish in a random order does not result in any fictional truths. The picture tells the story.

I was almost surprised that this bass was a little big.