Both Sides Now-Judy Collins

These were the coolest looking clouds I think I have ever seen and reminded me of the immortal Judy Collins tune....

Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air

And feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun they rain and snow on everyone

So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way

Great Weather, Great Fishing

A pretty good rain and lightning show on Monday night this week, otherwise the weather remained pretty nice for late May. Still lot's of T-shirts, shorts etc. in camp and the need for some sunscreen. The fish have held up their end of the bargain too with many limits this week by both camp veterans and newbies alike.

We have finished re-siding Cabin 6 already and will be starting in on Cabin 2 very soon. Here are a couple of pictures of both the new dock and the "new" Cabin #6!


The propane dryer in camp has gone "kaput", and I have found ordering an LP conversion kit for a gas dryer here to be quite the challenge, but that is another story for another time. In any event, one is FINALLY supposed to be on its way to us, just in time as it looks like some more rain (also known as excellent fishing) for next week.

Three new Yamaha four strokes were added to the outboard fleet this year completing the transition to 100% four stroke motors. As always, every outboard in camp is no older than four years ensuring you very reliable transportation as you motor around the lake. Granted 99% of you never go more than 10 minutes away, but even that would be a LONG paddle back to camp!

The season is already flying by as week three will soon be upon us. For those of you traveling up this summer, we hope your travels are safe and uneventful.

Priceless!

The smile on a 13 year old boys face who loves the sport of fishing making his first trip to Canada. Ken Wieczorek and his son Hunter along with 6 other relatives and friends including Dan Sr. and Jr. who drove 1,650 miles from North Carolina to be here, were guests of camp this week. And what a week they had!

Although Ken and some of the others are veterans of the Canadian fishing and wilderness experience-three in the group (Hunter included) were first timers. These guys had an absolutely incredible fishing trip and are already planning their return trip.

Back row: (L to R) Dan, Sr., Jeff, Bob, Alan, Eric and Dan, Jr.

Kneeling: Ken and Hunter

I asked Hunter to describe in a word his experience. He got a very thoughtful look on his face for a few brief seconds before responding "Awesome!" His father, Ken asked him what he most liked about the fishing and Hunter responded "the pike!"

For us it is always a treat to meet new guests of camp who soon become friends and also to have an opportunity to visit with our many long-time friends of camp. As we say goodbye to our friends from week one of the 2010 season, we eagerly anticipate greeting our friends coming in for week two tomorrow.

Until the next blog-take care.

Dave

Walleye Season Officially Underway!

Lot's of walleye dinners in camp tonight as the season started out with a very good walleye bite. Who would have thought it..... May 15th (the earliest the walleye season can open) and the weather was wonderful. A bit breezy in the late a.m., but lot's of sunshine, temps in the upper 60's to low 70's and of course a lot of fish caught to make it even sweeter. Gotta love it when you can fish the opener in T-shirts!

Tom Casper's party (on left) from Wisconsin took about 3 hours to get their 4 man limit of walleye this morning to start the season. Way to go guys! p.s. What time is dinner?

George and Jack from Indiana caught and released a bunch of walleyes and kept this nice mixed stringer of 'eyes and perch for a couple of meals.

Looking forward to another great season of fishing on Wabaskang! Hope you are too.....

Dave

Familiar faces, familiar places......

Well it is Friday evening about six hours before the 2010 walleye season opens, and the familiar faces (our opening week regulars) are all in camp, settled in and ready to hit the walleye tomorrow am. In the meantime, they have spent some time on the water today fishing for pike, lake trout and perch with pretty good success already.

Don Strafford  (left) has made his (yes this is INCREDIBLE) 49th trip to camp this year, and has already feasted on some fine lake trout caught yesterday. Don's probably forgotten more about fishing Wabby than I will ever know, and it is a pleasure every year to hear his stories of yesteryear. We are honored to have Don in camp again with us this year and are already looking forward to next year's 50th anniversary of fishing from this camp!


The weather forecast looks terrific for this coming week and with the experience of our regular guests and the excitement of our first timers, we have high expectations for this to be a great opening week.


The picture above is of Don and his buddy Pete with a fine stringer of 'eyes from opening morning 2010.

2010 Arrival

We made it into camp on Tuesday afternoon, May 4th. It was really a pleasant day to make the first trip in as the weather was partly cloudy with temps in the low 50's. We had just enough time to unpack, get the electricity on (generator fired up) and a little water hooked up.

In hindsight we sure picked the right day to arrive as the following day was windy and cold with some rain and spitting a little snow on and off. As they say-timing is everything! Despite the change in the weather there is always a lot to get done-so we started in right away.

It was good to see that overall camp "wintered" very well. The permanent dock in front of the motorhouse was another story however. Many of you know this has been on my project list for a couple of years, waiting for a low water year to DIG in and get it fixed. Well this was the year and I am glad to report that the dock is done! Just so you don't think I came in to do some early pike and lake trout fishing, here is just a glimpse of the project while in process.

Well better go for now as still lot's to do before the opener.

Everyone take care and see you soon.

Dave