Water levels receding and warming up

After several weeks of watching the lake level begin to fall, only to have it rain and start all over again, we have finally in the last 2 weeks, seen the lake level consistently start to drop. It has been much drier and warmer over the period, which also has our surface water temps back to around 70 degrees, resulting in more adult swimmers here in camp joining the youth that have been swimming regardless of water temps.

Speaking of youth, we finally have our whole gang here now with Megan (boyfriend in tow) and Sara arriving last weekend to join Emily and Allison who are in their fourth week of their stay. We've had a lot of kids in camp as usual again this season and also have had several groups take advantage of the July Military Discount that we offer to honor and show appreciation to the warriors who have and continue to defend our great nations. (Canada and the USA alike)

It's hard to believe that July is almost over. Soon we will be bear baiting and cutting wood for next season. Wow, hard to believe. Again, it seems like yesterday that we just landed via helicopter here in camp. Our tenth season is certainly shaping up to be another great one with lots of excellent fishing and a great blend of our camp veterans ranging in experience from 5-45 years, and new guests who we have enjoyed getting to know, many of whom are planning to return to see us again next season.

Pictorial speaking, here are a few highlights of the last couple of weeks...

Brian Buchanan with one of over 800 fish the Norman party caught last week

Jack Trufant also with the Norman party is all smiles over this big pike

J.D. Heisler showing that when they weren't hammering pike the smallmouth bite was quite entertaining too

Jack Trufant with another big pike from last week

John Heisler shows off yet another nice pike from the Norman crew

Allison taking advantage of the "under the dock" smallie bite

Yes, the walleye are still biting too.

Tyler and Wyatt get in on the under the dock smallie action

Fran VanHoorweghe took about 20 minutes to catch this 36" northern last week from the narrows 

Randy Gaines caught a 34" northern on this Polish Plug given to him by a late friend. See the full story on our Facebook page.

Cool, damp and great fishing!

With already record or near record water levels, the last thing we needed was a damp summer, but so far that's what we have had. Fortunately, the rains have been somewhat scattered with many nice days between, but we just start to make progress on the lake going down and a decent rain pretty much puts us back where we started. July (so far) while typically warm and dry has been much cooler and damper than usual. Great for the fishing, just not what we need to get the water levels down.

Other than our unusual weather patterns, we continue to get much accomplished around camp including numerous little projects that have been on the "to-do" list for longer than I care to admit here! Two of the girls are here for their summer visit and by the end of this coming weekend all four will be here. Just in time to visit with many of their camp friends.

This week is week 9 of our season, so we will be kicking off the second half of our season this Saturday. Wow, hard to believe half the 2014 season is already over! Until the next blog, I will leave you with a few more pictures from the last couple of weeks.

One hungry walleye! Allison and I each hooked the same walleye while fishing together last week.

Matt and his father Steve with two nice chunky Lost Lake walleyes. Matt is the third of Steve's boys to make the trip to camp.

Matt with a gorgeous Lost Lake walleye. Love it when those 'eyes flare up and pose for a great picture!

Chuck and Mark with two typical Wabby footballs.

Jason and Chuck with another Lost Lake doubleheader.

Joan Lambrecht with a good looking walleye from late June

No stranger to big fish, Matt Tester with another pig walleye

Speaking of pigs...how's this to start off your first fishing trip to Canada? Congrats again to Hans McDonald on a great looking northern!

Ralph Miller with his personal best 26" walleye about to go back in.

Warren Tester with a fat June walleye

Small mouth but big body. Gotta love these powerhouse fighters!

Happy Canada Day!

Perhaps it is hard to believe that July is here for you also? I know for us it certainly is. The month of June flew by as it usually does with camp full, and I apologize for the lack of updates but to be honest I find it much easier to post some info on our Facebook page than here on the Blog. I will however try to be more timely with future Blog updates.

So, what is new? Well after a very dry start to the month of June, the month finished very wet with a lot of rain. Not at all what we needed as we are near record high lake levels. As a result of the rains, we have seen water temps go from almost 70 degrees, back to 56 degrees, back to 66 degrees, down to 62 degrees, back up to 68 degrees and currently about 66 degrees in most main lake areas. Yeah, it's been a little variable to say the least. Remarkably, and despite the high water and temp fluctuations, we have very consistently had some excellent fishing again this season.

Two of the girls are here (Emily and Allison) for their summer visit and the other two (Megan and Sara) will be coming up later this month as both had other commitments at home to attend to.

Like every season, this year has presented its own set of challenges. From the high water, to some water and septic tank issues early in the season, to a hull repair on the passenger boat, it certainly has been unique so far this year. Thank heavens for the constants: lot's of great guests, great fishing, and many happy memories made while in camp. That is what it is all about!

While I have tried to share some photo highlights on our Facebook page, I will post a few more here. Camp will remain very busy in July with just a few openings and also an August opening (yes, that is right, there is an opening in August!) so if you are looking for a late season trip give us a call.

Until next time, and hopefully it won't be as long....