Lucky 13

A note from a two-time a year guest.

"My group has been flying into various lakes with Brad and Karen for seven years now, but we always make our August trip to Metionga. This, our 13th overall trip, was the best ever. The fishing was simply outrageous !!! In seven days, six fishermen caught something in excess of 1,400 fish. From the very first day on the water, the fish bit without pause. No mid-day doldrums, no furious, short-lived peaks, no isolated spots. They were everywhere with structure !!!

Metionga is almost always good (we generally catch 1,000 +), but this year was very special. I have been on 40+ intense, remote trips, but this tops anything I have ever experienced.

We'll be back for as many years as our age allows.

Brad - Don't forget about those handicapped boats, docks and cabins we need to extend our fishing lives into our 90s."

Tom Schwalbe

Thanks for the words Tom. We always look forward to your group's arrival. See you in June.

Brad

Fall is in the air

I wish it was me going moose hunting on Hilltop Lake this fall. Our fishermen last week took this picture of a 50 incher browsing near the outlet of the lake. I'm sure when called, he'll come running, perhaps with a bouquet of flowers behind his back. Only weeks now until archery season opens.

Great time away

A few days ago, I had the chance to do what I encourage every father to do.

Go fishing with your son.

In honor of Mike turning 25 and me blasting through 50 (both events later this month) Mike and I escaped for one night to paint a floor, install a new fridge, shovel out an ice house, and do a few other odds and ends at Hilltop lake between groups.

We worked hard to maximize some time in order to spend a few hours testing our walleye retrieval skills.




This walleye was typical of the many we caught and released. Not being too competitive, we didn't really keep official count but for some reason we did both have a number in mind as to what the other had caught.

It is an amazing phenomenon when the relationship with your son changes from being a nurturing authority figure to one of friendship. We talked, laughed, reminisced and otherwise strengthened an already great relationship. Two good friends fishing, it can't get any better.

Our only regret, is that the trip wasn't long enough. It's hard to believe but after being in this business for going on 24 years, I've never spent more than 3 consecutive nights in the bush.

... someday

First Fish!

The Adventure Continues.

Our daughter is still visiting from Vancouver with our two grandsons. Zachary (3 1/2) has been wanting to go fishing with Papa. And why not, we live on a lake and are tourist outfitters by profession.

Last evening Mike, Zach and I went out in front of the house for a few minutes.

Zachary had his own special Minnow courtesy of Verns Minnows, his own rod and more excitement than I could have imagined.

After bringing up some "salad" Zach's little rod began to pull back. Not knowing what was happening , he handed the rod off to Uncle Mike who gave it back to him and coached him through landing and holding his first walleye.

Considering this is a kid who lives on the west coast and has seen whales up close, he was quite thrilled with his "big" fish.

His comment after releasing the fish:

"He's going to get bigger, eh papa?"

"I want to tell mommy I caught salad and a fish bigger than yours."

"I Loooove fishing!"




Waiting for the hit



Fish on!



Look papa!




It's not so bad to hold.


Congratulations Zachary.

The big day has arrived

Today Marcel and Wendi left Ignace for a new life in Manitoba. Marcel will be missed around here. He promises to stay in touch and stop by now and then.

We wish him all the best, and success in this venture.

Sunrise at Metionga Lake

Sunrise on Metionga Lake. Not only some of the best fishing in Canada but absolutely gorgeous.

If you are looking for a fly in fishing vacation which you'll remember fondly for many years, contact us at Ignace Outposts. Check us out, we would love to help you plan your trip to one of our many remote lakes.

A pro at Work

There are not many Otter pilots in the country with the experience of our chief pilot Randy Winters. He has over 30 years flying float planes. Almost 20 of those years with us.

Here is a sped up video ( it actually took 4 minutes) of Randy sailing the Otter to the dock last weekend. When the winds are high it is often not possible to turn the aircraft on the water because it wants to act as a wind vane and point into the wind. Randy is one of the best. Here he brings in into the dock backwards and sideways. This skill is only developed with experience. Books just can't teach it. Those of our guests that have flown with Randy can attest to the fact that he can handle the Otter.

Head to head on Metionga

I guess the jury is still out. They both claim 26 inchers on Metionga Lake last week.

They didn't ask me for a ruling but I will give one anyway.

The only way to settle this is to return again next year and try again. Tom brings his crew twice a year anyway but since they are all now retired, an extra "grudge "match may be required.

Nothing like a little head to head competition.



Bruce B with a 26 incher



Tom S with a 26 incher.

Nice walleye to say the least. Thanks for putting them back guys. Returning these breeders to the lake is one of the main reasons we see groups catching 1000 plus walleye in a week.