Well....it sure is a strange year.....
The spring break up came earlier this year than I ever remember.....In the past, if you were to check back through history, the date when the ice is "out" on Banning Lake (ie when you can get a boat in the water), is around April 27. We're usually ahead of land locked lakes due to the river current.
Last year the ice was out pretty much on schedule on April 27. At that point, I spewed out my predictions on how everything should be just ducky...spawns on time etc etc.....The problem was though, that it took forever for the water to warm up after that. It seemed like we were stuck in May weather through most of the summer. It was cold & wet, but overall the fishing was very good.
So, in light of last years lessons, I'll be cautious at spewing out my predictions this year. Mother Nature gave me a well deserved slap in the spring / summer of 2009 and showed me who was really boss.
This year though has been a complete exception.....we had some friends launch a boat here & go fishing on April 4!!
Daytime temperatures have been in the 70's (20's for you Celsius types). There was little run off and we basically have had no rain all for a month + . Water is low....very low for this time of year. We already have a fire ban.
Right now the pike are spawning in the back bay....that's at least 1 week, maybe as much as 2 weeks ahead of the normal time. Surface temps on the water are between 8 - 11 celsius.
This can be a good thing for our fishery....early spawns, longer growing seasons....some warm years in the past have spiked fish populations and helped produce larger fish on average.
But it's not necessarily all that simple. There is potential for more negative circumstances as well.
In this weeks Atikokan Progress, Jessica Smith wrote a fantastic article on the implications of an early spring. The effect on both the fish and the wildlife. You really should check it out... here's the link....
http://www.atikokanprogress.ca/
Anyway, we're full steam ahead for the 2010 fishing season....right now we have a group on the Namakan River, another coming in today for some bass & pike fishing on a nearby lake, and some lake trout anglers due in later this week. Although the dry weather is a huge issue, it's still terrific to be out in the boat in April fishing with just a T-shirt on....
Been great talking with y'all lately. I gotta laugh how, once the weather warms up I get a whack of phone calls / emails from people just chomping at the bit to wet a line....keep 'em coming.....and thanks to all of you who have reserved as well......we're working at improving the camp every year for you.
Further to that, we're busy getting the camp ready to open.....Cabin #3 is getting a complete facelift on the inside & some new siding on the outside. There's lots of fresh paint going on the outside of cabins.
Water will be on on most of the cabins this weekend. Doing some finishing work inside the big new cabins (ie the "classrooms").
We've ordered lumber and have made plans to start the new fish house in early May, plus we're looking at 2 new docks along with fixing up the 3 older ones....
Might not be all ready by the walleye opener next month, but will be sometime this year!
Talk to y'all soon!
Quent
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Fishing Licences / Boat Regs Snowmobile Trails / Ice Fishing etc
Hey Everyone,
A quick update with fishing licence info / prices....
For non-residents of Ontario...here's the new licence fees...
Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application only. Valid for three years. Annual licence tags must be purchased.
$9.00
One-year Sport Fishing Licence Tag (for holders of a valid Outdoors Card)
$69.50
One-year Conservation Fishing Licence Tag (for holders of a valid Outdoors Card)
$42.75
Eight-day Sport Fishing Licence *
$44.50
Eight-day Conservation Fishing Licence *
$25.75
If you were to Ontario last year & bought a licence, you should have received your plastic "Outdoors Card" in the mail...IMPORTANT....remember to bring it with you this year...otherwise you'll have to purchase another one. I know it's only $9, but why pay double? You may need that $9 to replace the classic Rapala that a monster pike tore off your line!
I've written about the new boating regulations that took effect in Canada last September before in this blog. As there's still lots of questions I'll address it quickly...
Basically, if you're renting boats from us, we now go through a checklist with you (which you sign off on)....basic operations and safety issues. As many of you know. if you rent boats & motors from us, I usually spend 2 - 3 hours out on the system with you going over hazardous locations, reefs, fishing spots and motor operations...so really, adding a check list to this is no big deal.
If you bring your own boat & motor, you don't have to worry about getting certified unless you are spending 45 days (or something like that) consecutively....so even you guys that come up 4 separate weeks per year you're still fine as is.
A quick update with fishing licence info / prices....
For non-residents of Ontario...here's the new licence fees...
Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Fishing Outdoors Card and Application only. Valid for three years. Annual licence tags must be purchased.
$9.00
One-year Sport Fishing Licence Tag (for holders of a valid Outdoors Card)
$69.50
One-year Conservation Fishing Licence Tag (for holders of a valid Outdoors Card)
$42.75
Eight-day Sport Fishing Licence *
$44.50
Eight-day Conservation Fishing Licence *
$25.75
If you were to Ontario last year & bought a licence, you should have received your plastic "Outdoors Card" in the mail...IMPORTANT....remember to bring it with you this year...otherwise you'll have to purchase another one. I know it's only $9, but why pay double? You may need that $9 to replace the classic Rapala that a monster pike tore off your line!
I've written about the new boating regulations that took effect in Canada last September before in this blog. As there's still lots of questions I'll address it quickly...
Basically, if you're renting boats from us, we now go through a checklist with you (which you sign off on)....basic operations and safety issues. As many of you know. if you rent boats & motors from us, I usually spend 2 - 3 hours out on the system with you going over hazardous locations, reefs, fishing spots and motor operations...so really, adding a check list to this is no big deal.
If you bring your own boat & motor, you don't have to worry about getting certified unless you are spending 45 days (or something like that) consecutively....so even you guys that come up 4 separate weeks per year you're still fine as is.
Ok - feel better?
Anyway...the last few days here have been unseasonably mild....which is a really nice change.
Our cold weather in December & early January made for some great ice on the lakes....lots are out ice fishing this weekend enjoying the warmer weather.
I guess they've started grooming some of the snowmobile trails....we've got snow, but could use some more...I'm sure we'll get it. Still enough to get around on the sleds though.
Mount Fairweather - Atikokan's downhill ski hill opened last weekend. Conditions are pretty good...more snow wouldn't hurt. Wyatt was out skiing there last weekend.
Lori's been out on Atikokan's world class cross country ski trails and reports that the ones she was on were "very good".
Me? I haven't been out doing much yet....made a few rounds on our snowmachines....getting bugged by Lori to go with her cross country skiing. gotta get some skis, but in the meantime I may tag along with snowshoes....Who knows...maybe I'll get a hole drilled and get some ice fishing in this week?
Hope you're all having a great winter so far!
Talk soon!
Quent
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Merry Xmas & Updates
Hey Everyone...
Hope you're having a great Christmas season, and that this posting finds you all healthy & happy!
A couple of quick updates....
FYI - June 2010 is really starting to fill in quickly. As an example, for the weeks of June 12 - 19 and June 19 - 26....we are currently out of boats & motors for those weeks. As of right now though, if you bring your own boat & motor, we have 2 small LHK cabins open for those weeks - none of the larger HK cabins. Of course, check in with us anyway as cancelleations do happen.
Otherwise, the rest of the summer is peppered with bookings...still pretty good availability, but, being a smaller camp we do fill in quickly so if you've got some dates in mind, let me know & I'll hang on to them for you.
Beautiful weather here right now....got about a foot of fresh powder (ie snow!) on the weekend. Snowmobiling has been awesome, although the snowmobile trails aren't open or groomed yet.
Atikokan's world class cross country ski trails are open though. Looking like anothe great year for skiers! I'm hearing rumours that Mount Fairweather - Atikokan's downhill ski facility is opening soon. Should be a great winter for that too.
We're making a big rink on the ice on the lake today. As we had some cold weather in December with no snow, the ice is nice. Shouldn't need too much flooding to make it very good.
Anyway - take it easy everyone. Hope to talk to y'all soon!
Quent
Hope you're having a great Christmas season, and that this posting finds you all healthy & happy!
A couple of quick updates....
FYI - June 2010 is really starting to fill in quickly. As an example, for the weeks of June 12 - 19 and June 19 - 26....we are currently out of boats & motors for those weeks. As of right now though, if you bring your own boat & motor, we have 2 small LHK cabins open for those weeks - none of the larger HK cabins. Of course, check in with us anyway as cancelleations do happen.
Otherwise, the rest of the summer is peppered with bookings...still pretty good availability, but, being a smaller camp we do fill in quickly so if you've got some dates in mind, let me know & I'll hang on to them for you.
Beautiful weather here right now....got about a foot of fresh powder (ie snow!) on the weekend. Snowmobiling has been awesome, although the snowmobile trails aren't open or groomed yet.
Atikokan's world class cross country ski trails are open though. Looking like anothe great year for skiers! I'm hearing rumours that Mount Fairweather - Atikokan's downhill ski facility is opening soon. Should be a great winter for that too.
We're making a big rink on the ice on the lake today. As we had some cold weather in December with no snow, the ice is nice. Shouldn't need too much flooding to make it very good.
Anyway - take it easy everyone. Hope to talk to y'all soon!
Quent
Sunday, November 1, 2009
An Update - Rapid Fire Stuff
Hey everyone!
Almost the end of the season....last group of hunters are in now.
Overall, the fishing was great this year...so much so that we have more groups than ever already booked for '10. June is flilling up very quickly....2 weeks in June are already booked as far as boats / motors are concernes ( we still have a couple cabins open for those bringing there own boats with them during those weeks).
Hunting is the same....moose, deer & grouse have been great....regulars have rebooked for '10. Still room though.
Hoping to see some of you this winter snowmobiling & ice fishing.
FACEBOOK
We now have a Facebook page ....we are updating it more frequently than this page (not that that is very hard - but we're getting better). Search Facebook under "Branch's Seine River Lodge" and become a fan. We love seeing your posts & pics!
BOAT RENTALS
New laws in september 09 re: renting boats in Ontario....basically, we just have to give you a quick tutorial and you have to sign off on a saftey check list & liability waiver. Not a big deal....but there are rumours all over that you need to take a course etc etc.
As many of you know, we usually spend 2 - 3 hours with Fishing Package guests reviewing motor operations plus hot spots, rocks & reefs so it's really not a big deal to work these new regs into our current procedures!
Talk to y'all soon!
Almost the end of the season....last group of hunters are in now.
Overall, the fishing was great this year...so much so that we have more groups than ever already booked for '10. June is flilling up very quickly....2 weeks in June are already booked as far as boats / motors are concernes ( we still have a couple cabins open for those bringing there own boats with them during those weeks).
Hunting is the same....moose, deer & grouse have been great....regulars have rebooked for '10. Still room though.
Hoping to see some of you this winter snowmobiling & ice fishing.
We now have a Facebook page ....we are updating it more frequently than this page (not that that is very hard - but we're getting better). Search Facebook under "Branch's Seine River Lodge" and become a fan. We love seeing your posts & pics!
BOAT RENTALS
New laws in september 09 re: renting boats in Ontario....basically, we just have to give you a quick tutorial and you have to sign off on a saftey check list & liability waiver. Not a big deal....but there are rumours all over that you need to take a course etc etc.
As many of you know, we usually spend 2 - 3 hours with Fishing Package guests reviewing motor operations plus hot spots, rocks & reefs so it's really not a big deal to work these new regs into our current procedures!
Talk to y'all soon!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Fishing Update
Hey Guys & Gals,
A quick update as promised in the last post....
Late June / early July saw some good fishing....
Jeff & Judy Welch were uop for the 1st time & did terrific bass fishing...good numbers / good sizes etc.....they did very well despite the weather, which was pretty much crappy through their whole stay...High winds have been a standard this summer....yes it has been rainy at times, and it has been unseasonably cold, but the strong winds seem to be the most consistent weather feature this summer.
The Haulotte / Hardin group was up again from Milwaukee.....the guys, like the Welch's had bad weather....the inclement, inconsistent weather seemed to produce smaller walleye for the guys, but Gerry & Scott in particular switched it up & worked the shoreline & had a great time with smallies.
Both Brian & Larry Killeaney were up again with their respective groups....as usual they did very well walleye fishing...which is a niice reward when you're out in the cold, wet conditions.
The McNabb family was up during thsi time period and, as always did great with whatever they seemed to go after. The bulk of the group like the bass and did really well with those (am I starting to sound like a broken record?).....Mike did manage to get some out jigging for walleye & a couple of times & they had no trouble at all catching them. BTW - David got a few nice bass on his fly rod late in the week (around the 3rd of July)....the mayflies started & it was just what was needed to get some smallie action on the fly!
Another thing that happened really quick in early July is that the weeds took off. I've never seen them "pop up" that quickly - it seemed almost overnight. Needless to say, all thos bays that were free & clear of weeds a couple of weeks ago are now loaded with them, so you may wish to keep a few weedless lures in the tackle box...especially if you're throwing for pike.
We weren't quite as busy in early July as usual, but it's starting to gear up again now...
The Klocksien's have been doing great with walleye numbers....again, wind is a hallmark, but they are making it work. Thanks to Dale Stus for some great guiding this week.
A few check ins today should bring some new things to report later this week. We have some new groups checking in, some old guests of ours, and some groups that are new to us but veterans of the Atikokan area, so it should be fun!
If you're coming in the next few weeks, be prepared for virtually any kind of weather.....
Water is average....not too high, not real low.....for those of you who guage it by the rock in our back bay, it's maybe 3" - 4" above the surface right now.
The 'eyes seem to be anywhere between 15' or so feet to 25' give or take. Good old jigs, Lindy Rigs / Little Joes as always, plus some Thundersticks, Raps, Wally Divers that'll give you 15' - 18' depths should be good.
Smallies still hitting topwater, but many will be moving deeper soon....some of our biggest smallies last year were in August off of 25' ledges (guys jigging live bait for walleyes).
I always like using buzz baits for pike in the weeds this time of year....I never go pike fishing without my 1 oz red & white daredevil though....plus trolling with big Raps can usually produce some nice ones this time of year.
Like clothes, prepare for any type of fishing.....topwater, shallow, deep water....live bait & all kinds of artificial....As much as there are rules and consistencies in fishing there are tons of inconsistencies & the so called "rules" are blown apart every day ....whatever works for you. Stuff that I can't buy a bite with, others hammer 'em with. You never know...when it comes down to it, there really aren't any rules...go out, try different things & have fun. The only thing I can really say with certainty is that the fish are in the lake. After that, the ball's in your court (& we're in your corner to help any way we can)!
Talk to y'all soon!
A quick update as promised in the last post....
Late June / early July saw some good fishing....
Jeff & Judy Welch were uop for the 1st time & did terrific bass fishing...good numbers / good sizes etc.....they did very well despite the weather, which was pretty much crappy through their whole stay...High winds have been a standard this summer....yes it has been rainy at times, and it has been unseasonably cold, but the strong winds seem to be the most consistent weather feature this summer.
The Haulotte / Hardin group was up again from Milwaukee.....the guys, like the Welch's had bad weather....the inclement, inconsistent weather seemed to produce smaller walleye for the guys, but Gerry & Scott in particular switched it up & worked the shoreline & had a great time with smallies.
Both Brian & Larry Killeaney were up again with their respective groups....as usual they did very well walleye fishing...which is a niice reward when you're out in the cold, wet conditions.
The McNabb family was up during thsi time period and, as always did great with whatever they seemed to go after. The bulk of the group like the bass and did really well with those (am I starting to sound like a broken record?).....Mike did manage to get some out jigging for walleye & a couple of times & they had no trouble at all catching them. BTW - David got a few nice bass on his fly rod late in the week (around the 3rd of July)....the mayflies started & it was just what was needed to get some smallie action on the fly!
Another thing that happened really quick in early July is that the weeds took off. I've never seen them "pop up" that quickly - it seemed almost overnight. Needless to say, all thos bays that were free & clear of weeds a couple of weeks ago are now loaded with them, so you may wish to keep a few weedless lures in the tackle box...especially if you're throwing for pike.
We weren't quite as busy in early July as usual, but it's starting to gear up again now...
The Klocksien's have been doing great with walleye numbers....again, wind is a hallmark, but they are making it work. Thanks to Dale Stus for some great guiding this week.
A few check ins today should bring some new things to report later this week. We have some new groups checking in, some old guests of ours, and some groups that are new to us but veterans of the Atikokan area, so it should be fun!
If you're coming in the next few weeks, be prepared for virtually any kind of weather.....
Water is average....not too high, not real low.....for those of you who guage it by the rock in our back bay, it's maybe 3" - 4" above the surface right now.
The 'eyes seem to be anywhere between 15' or so feet to 25' give or take. Good old jigs, Lindy Rigs / Little Joes as always, plus some Thundersticks, Raps, Wally Divers that'll give you 15' - 18' depths should be good.
Smallies still hitting topwater, but many will be moving deeper soon....some of our biggest smallies last year were in August off of 25' ledges (guys jigging live bait for walleyes).
I always like using buzz baits for pike in the weeds this time of year....I never go pike fishing without my 1 oz red & white daredevil though....plus trolling with big Raps can usually produce some nice ones this time of year.
Like clothes, prepare for any type of fishing.....topwater, shallow, deep water....live bait & all kinds of artificial....As much as there are rules and consistencies in fishing there are tons of inconsistencies & the so called "rules" are blown apart every day ....whatever works for you. Stuff that I can't buy a bite with, others hammer 'em with. You never know...when it comes down to it, there really aren't any rules...go out, try different things & have fun. The only thing I can really say with certainty is that the fish are in the lake. After that, the ball's in your court (& we're in your corner to help any way we can)!
Talk to y'all soon!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Stats From The Mitchells!
Hi Guys & Gals,
I have a few things to report....nothing earth shattering - just conditions etc....will do so in the next few days.....
I just received an email from Steve Mitchell - he & his wife Debra just spent a couple weeks bass fishing here....their 2nd trip after being here last August as well.
If my memory serves me correctly, the first few days of angling for Steve & Deb this year were a little slower as they figured out where the smallies were in the earlier part of the season....after that though, they did awesome as you'll see.
As promised, Steve kept stats on their fishing & tackle used.....I love reading this stuff. It helps with tackle selection for others plus it's just darn interesting....anyway, here's Steve's email....
Hey quent, sorry I have not got you the results yet,but here we go. we caught 500 total fish,358 bass,135 pike,and 7 walleye, a big bonus for us. by the way they tasted great. we had a great time and look forward to coming back next year.
stats:
12" under 75
12 1/2" 5
13"-14" 41
14"-15" 53
15"-16" 97
16 1/2" 8
17"-18" 49
18" up 30
79 bass over 18" is really great fishing in any book.
the largest bass was 20 1/2"
the largest pike was 32"
the largest walleye was 22"
top water was the most productive as we caught 229 on a chug bug,devil horse, and jitterbug. sure paid off getting up at 3:30 each morning.
next was the zoom super fluke in bumble gum, white,smoke and silver
last was a variety of soft plastics creatures,paca craws and tubes in white, and black blue tails.
again we had a great time and look forward to doing it next year. if you have any questions, email and I will help anyway I can. Talk to you later. Steve and Deb
There ya have it....great stuff eh? Steve & Deb worked very hard, but it paid off big time....they found those early mornings before the sun got real high & hot gave the best action...a time of day that many people don't fish anymore.
A note that all the bass & pike were released....just a few 'eyes were kept for a meal.
Like I said, I'll post some other current info soon, but I just wanted to pass this along....part bragging them up, but also some great info for any new anglers coming up bass fishing...
BTW Steve - pretty nice catching 7 walleye on topwater and or shallow conditions.....wish I was that lucky....
Here's a couple of pics...will post the rest on the main web page soon....
I have a few things to report....nothing earth shattering - just conditions etc....will do so in the next few days.....
I just received an email from Steve Mitchell - he & his wife Debra just spent a couple weeks bass fishing here....their 2nd trip after being here last August as well.
If my memory serves me correctly, the first few days of angling for Steve & Deb this year were a little slower as they figured out where the smallies were in the earlier part of the season....after that though, they did awesome as you'll see.
As promised, Steve kept stats on their fishing & tackle used.....I love reading this stuff. It helps with tackle selection for others plus it's just darn interesting....anyway, here's Steve's email....
Hey quent, sorry I have not got you the results yet,but here we go. we caught 500 total fish,358 bass,135 pike,and 7 walleye, a big bonus for us. by the way they tasted great. we had a great time and look forward to coming back next year.
stats:
12" under 75
12 1/2" 5
13"-14" 41
14"-15" 53
15"-16" 97
16 1/2" 8
17"-18" 49
18" up 30
79 bass over 18" is really great fishing in any book.
the largest bass was 20 1/2"
the largest pike was 32"
the largest walleye was 22"
top water was the most productive as we caught 229 on a chug bug,devil horse, and jitterbug. sure paid off getting up at 3:30 each morning.
next was the zoom super fluke in bumble gum, white,smoke and silver
last was a variety of soft plastics creatures,paca craws and tubes in white, and black blue tails.
again we had a great time and look forward to doing it next year. if you have any questions, email and I will help anyway I can. Talk to you later. Steve and Deb
There ya have it....great stuff eh? Steve & Deb worked very hard, but it paid off big time....they found those early mornings before the sun got real high & hot gave the best action...a time of day that many people don't fish anymore.
A note that all the bass & pike were released....just a few 'eyes were kept for a meal.
Like I said, I'll post some other current info soon, but I just wanted to pass this along....part bragging them up, but also some great info for any new anglers coming up bass fishing...
BTW Steve - pretty nice catching 7 walleye on topwater and or shallow conditions.....wish I was that lucky....
Here's a couple of pics...will post the rest on the main web page soon....
Friday, June 26, 2009
Another Update
Hey - I'm posting 2 days in a row...that's a record...
Anyway, it's been a busy day...biggest news is that the walleyes turned on in big way for the Milow group....everyone in the group did great with the 'eyes today....saw lots of fish....all kinds of sizes....from little ones all the way through to lots of nice ones...
Most of the guys & gals were jigging with live bait...I believe they said around 15'....Cjad & Betsy weren't getting much action jigging but they started really getting into them in a big way by trolling the ledges with Wally Divers...
It was a hot day - everyone is about 3 shades darker from when they went out this a.m.....the wind was negligible .....the fishing Gods smiled today....
Oh - & hey...remember that I mentioned that 10 year old Jarrod caught a nice 29" pike? His sister Ellie caught a 30" tonight....and Jarrod even came over to tell me about it. Now that's a classy fisherman!
The Sell / Klug group went lake trout fishing today.....it's been hot the last few days so the lakers are starting to dive. Joe tells me that they were suspended between 60' - 80'...still they did very well including a real nice 8 or 9 pounder...
Mitchell's are wrapping up a very successful bass fishing trip with another great day......
Still a few boats out, so I may have to do a second post tonight....we'll talk to y'all soon!
Anyway, it's been a busy day...biggest news is that the walleyes turned on in big way for the Milow group....everyone in the group did great with the 'eyes today....saw lots of fish....all kinds of sizes....from little ones all the way through to lots of nice ones...
Most of the guys & gals were jigging with live bait...I believe they said around 15'....Cjad & Betsy weren't getting much action jigging but they started really getting into them in a big way by trolling the ledges with Wally Divers...
It was a hot day - everyone is about 3 shades darker from when they went out this a.m.....the wind was negligible .....the fishing Gods smiled today....
Oh - & hey...remember that I mentioned that 10 year old Jarrod caught a nice 29" pike? His sister Ellie caught a 30" tonight....and Jarrod even came over to tell me about it. Now that's a classy fisherman!
The Sell / Klug group went lake trout fishing today.....it's been hot the last few days so the lakers are starting to dive. Joe tells me that they were suspended between 60' - 80'...still they did very well including a real nice 8 or 9 pounder...
Mitchell's are wrapping up a very successful bass fishing trip with another great day......
Still a few boats out, so I may have to do a second post tonight....we'll talk to y'all soon!
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