SIOUX LOOKOUT, Ontario, Canada – Over the years, this writer has fished many lakes in Ontario and experienced some adventurous moments, but not like the one I am about to pass on to our readers.
Our yearly fishing trip to Hidden Bay took place June 11th thru the 16th. There were six of us, leaving from my Sauk Rapids home around 7 a.m., with a suburban loaded with fishing gear and bodies. Jim Rupar of Sauk Rapids was our driver for the first leg, to Fort Francis, just over the United States/Canada border.
Our first stop, like all other years was at the Ontario information center.
It was unusually crowded compared to past years. Then, while talking to an Ontario tourist department employee, she notified us that all roads leading north into the popular fishing areas were closed because of washouts caused by unusually heavy rains across the province.
What a letdown for six anxious anglers who had been looking forward to their annual fishing trip for months.
After much talking and a scouring of maps, we decided to try another route. It was a gamble, but we would do most anything to continue the trip.
Checking the maps, this writer was sure we could make the trip with a slim chance of success. The vote to continue was unanimously, yes.
We headed back into the States determined to reach our destination, Hidden Bay Lodge, just south of Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Normally it takes between 8 and 9 hours to get to Hidden Bay Lodge. That includes an hour for lunch and rest room stop. At it turned out, it took as a lot longer than that!
After our discussion, we drove back across the border into the States and followed Hwy 53 on a very windy road to Ely. From there, we hooked up with Hwy 1 which, on another very windy road, eventually led us to Silver Bay on the North Shore.
Then, from Hwy 61 we headed north to Grand Portage Casino where our group ate dinner, and had a rest stop. We continued on Hwy 61 to the King’s Hwy 17 in Western Thunder Bay. This well traveled highway led us to Hwy 599.
Heading north to Silver Dollar, we hooked up with route 642. This would be the last leg, 78 miles, before reaching Sioux Lookout. Our only concern was a possibility that this stretch of gravel road might be washed out too.
Thankfully only one stretch of the road had water running over it. This was easily navigated and we found there were no obstacles in the way.
We arrived at Hidden Bay Lodge at 2:30 a.m., tired and on edge, but we made it. Rupar drove the entire trip which was very appreciated by his fellow anglers.
Needless to say, the long, nerve racking and tiresome drive was well worth it for a group of dedicated anglers.
The total trip mileage was 829 miles and 18-1/2 hours.
After a settling down period, heads hit the pillows and within minutes, the only sound one heard was the snoring serenade.
Breakfast was at 6 a.m. and while eating blueberry pancakes, bacon, and coffee, we watched the dock crew loading the plane for our flight to Gage Lake.
By 6:30 a.m., the nine passenger Caravan float plane was roaring across Abram Lake headed north for Gage. Twenty-two minutes later the pontoons settled down with barely a ripple.
It took thirty minutes to taxi up to the dock, unload the groceries, fishing tackle and fishing equipment. The pilot, as they are trained to do, checked the propane tanks, the water supply and most important the boat gas supply. Before the pilot leaves, everything must be in order, including the satellite phone.
Each team selected a boat, checked the gas tanks, adjusted the boat seats, and took time to go over the lake maps in the cabin, while enjoying a cup of coffee. Having previously fished the lake, the others looked to me for information, and spots to fish and lures to use.
I insisted the groups use artificial baits and lures. Because, as far as I am concerned, live bait is not necessary in Canadian lakes. Jigs, spoons and crankbaits would catch all the fish we wanted.
Fishing was terrific. Most of the fish, walleyes and pike were in the rushes in 3 to 5 foot depths.
And boy, were they hungry! We found very few fish in deeper water. Most were shallow, which makes for easy fishing, especially for novice anglers.
And boy, were they hungry! We found very few fish in deeper water. Most were shallow, which makes for easy fishing, especially for novice anglers.
The daily routine was breakfast around 7 a.m, sandwiches in the boat at noon, and a fish fry around 6 or 7 p.m. A few toddies, a spirited card game and hit the sack around 10.
Sleep comes very fast with a chorus of sounds emitting from the bedrooms. Yes, we slept in bedrooms, had hot and cold running water and an inside shower along with an indoor toilet facility.
Our hosts, Karl and Vonnie Reinke along with son Rick and wife Deanna, bend over backwards to insure the best possible and safe fishing adventure of your life.
Oh, and our trip back? It took nine hours.
“I think we'll need the net to land this one, Jim," I said as I reeled in the 4-pound walleye. This spot is full of quality fish. I continued reeling. Once the fish was in the boat it measured 22 inches long and was released.
Our party of eight, including three couples, were enjoying fabulous fishing on the Hooker Lake chain about 60 miles northeast of Sioux Lookout. The flight on Hidden Bay's newly acquired nine-passenger Caravan float plane took about 15 minutes with a slight tailwind.
Hidden Bay's pilots are taught to inspect all camps before leaving to ensure that everything needed by the guests during their stay is available. Checking in every evening by 2-way radio assures guests of assistance in case of emergencies, or shortage of any necessary item at camp —outboard motor gas, ice, etc. Delivery is made while you're out on the lake fishing the next day.
The lodge is approximately an eight-hour drive from St. Cloud, on all tarred highways. A beautiful, scenic 1-1/2-hour drive between International Falls and Dryden offers an opportunity to perhaps spot a moose, bear or deer.
Fishing any one of the eight lakes and finding where they are located is not difficult, especially for 'first-timers.' While at the lodge, maps of 'your' lake are available, and staff will be more than happy to show and mark good fishing areas.
Now in their 30th year of operating Hidden Bay, owners Karl and Vonnie Reinke, their son Rick and his wife, Deanna know where the best fishing is. I found out after fishing all of their lakes that it is difficult NOT to locate and catch fish, especially walleyes.
It's always a challenge to seek and find new walleye holes, northern pike lairs and lake trout areas if they are available in your particular lake. Some also hold populations of big yellow perch and whitefish, which offer great support.
The easiest and surest way to locate fish-holding areas is by trolling. Once you latch onto one, stop, anchor and fish that area. Crankbaits are great fish catchers, but don't overlook jigging with white, yellow and brown jig bodies. Jig size will depend on the depth you're fishing at. Most of our fish, even though it was during the middle of August, came from 14- to 19-foot depths. Rocky bars are excellent areas for walleyes, and sometimes a large northern pike looking for a meal.
When my wife Pat and I fish together, we will jig for a while, then troll and sometimes cast up into weedy and grassy islands out in the middle of the lake away from the shoreline. If there are any waterfalls where running water enters the lake, be sure to fish these areas. They are loaded with fish all the time because of the baitfish that inhabit these areas.
I should mention that all boats are fitted with new, insured outboard motors every year with an unlimited supply of gas. If you're delayed going in or out due to weather conditions, there are no extra charges. Block and crushed ice are available and an American Plan is available at Hooker Lake, which includes an upgraded menu, cooked meals, fish cleaning, cabin cleaning, boat cleaning and linens.
George, a young man from Nova Scotia, is the very capable caretaker at Hooker Lake. He also knows where the walleyes 'hide'. You might also inquire about his 'famous' keylime pies. He might even throw one in his oven for you. They're delicious!
A shore lunch is a must, providing there is no fire ban. The past several trips we were not able to enjoy one because of the fire threat. It's just a safeguard to prevent forest fires.
We cannot forget to mention the hot and cold running water, showers and inside toilets in all Hidden Bay camps. Screened-in-porches, windows and cabins keep any insects out. I should mention that very rarely have I been bothered by insects, including mosquitoes, during daylight hours. After dinner, sitting out on the porch can be a very pleasant experience because of the screens. After a full day of fishing, exploring the lake and enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish with a glass of wine, it just doesn't get any better.
By the way, be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film to record the scenery and your catches for bragging rights. It's fun to look back at photos during the cold, winter months and reminisce.
Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada
Hidden Bay Lodge is located seven miles south of Sioux Lookout, the jumping of wilderness area town where some of the finest fishing lakes in Ontario (or for that fact, Canada) are located. Most of the lakes north of this predominately native Canadian populated area are considered to be among the best fishing and hunting in Canada.
Hidden Bay Lodge is located seven miles south of Sioux Lookout, the jumping of wilderness area town where some of the finest fishing lakes in Ontario (or for that fact, Canada) are located. Most of the lakes north of this predominately native Canadian populated area are considered to be among the best fishing and hunting in Canada.
Let's visit Miniss Lake, a body of water boasting above average walleyes, big pike, perch and whitefish. Its one of the largest lakes in this area of Northwest Ontario. I've had the opportunity to fish this lake in the past and rank it as one of the top walleye “factories” in Ontario. It was early August of last year when our group of eight anglers headed to Hidden Bay's takeoff location on Abram Lake. It's about an eight or nine hour drive to the main lodge, depending on how fast one drives and how many stops are made.
Our group started off around 7 a.m. from Sauk Rapids, Minnesota and after a stop for lunch in International Falls, went through customs into Fort Francis. From there it took about 3-1/2 hours to Hidden Bay via a scenic drive on Highway 502 to Dryden. Usually groups plan to arrive around 5 p.m., in time to enjoy dinner at the main lodge.
After eating, there's plenty of time to visit with owners Karl and Vonnie Reinke, their son Rick, his wife Deanna and staff members. Sometimes, whenever possible, they'll fly groups onto lakes, right after dinner. If not, there are cabins where guests can shower and sleep over until taking the float plane in the morning.
While enjoying a breakfast of blueberry pancakes, bacon and coffee, one can watch through the dining room windows the plane being loaded. Minutes later, the plane, a nine passenger Caravan is on its way heading northeast of Sioux Lookout to Miniss Lake. The flight, over lakes and pine trees everywhere you looked, took about 18 minutes. The landing was just as smooth as the flight.
Tying up to the dock, unloading the fishermen, food and equipment took about 20 minutes. That included an inspection of the cabin by the pilot to insure everything was in order. He checked the propane gas tanks, turned on the water pump, inspected the cabin and instructed us about using the radio. Yes, these people are constantly concerned about the well-being of their clients.
After seeing the takeoff, with cameras clicking, we started the ball rolling. Several of the guys got the boats readied, filling gas tanks, etc. Others helped carry duffel bags, food and clothing into the cabin. All fishing equipment was left on the dock. My fishing buddy and partner on many trips, Jim Rupar assisted in storing the food (all supplied by Hidden Bay, which is included in your trip cost) and then got our boat ready.
There were eight of us, including Dave Olson, Mike Kramer, Ken Voss, John Martens, Ken Pennington and Joe Ugro. By the time Jim and I left the dock the others were already on their way.
Maps of the lake are provided to assist anglers in finding fish holding structures and directions around this large body of water. Being here before was an advantage for us and the others. The locations of fish on previous trips proved to be of great value.
Miniss Lake walleyes are golden brown and delicious. Most any types of lures, spoons, crankbaits, jigs will catch more than enough fish to satisfy any angler. It's nothing to catch 50 to a hundred fish a day, including fat, chunky northern pikes weighing an average of three to five pounds.
My favorite combination, a jig and plastic tube, has caught many, many more walleyes and northerns than any other type of lure. The best walleye catching tube body as far as I'm concerned is called the “Firecracker.” I learned about this surefire type of plastic body nine or ten years ago. It's caught hundreds of fish over that time period from Canadian lakes, including big northern pike in the 15- to 22-pound weight class. Berkley's Power Grubs in white are excellent too, especially for lake trout.
The best walleye results came from 12- to 18-foot depths. Crankbaits and spoons will also catch a share of fish, but by far and large, jigs are the “ticket” for bunches of walleyes. A must, when jigging is you have to “hit” the lake bottom on the “dropback” while trolling slowly over the area you're fishing. The fish will grab the jig on the “dropback”,you'll feel the fish when you draw the line back. Very seldom do you lose a fish hooked on a jig unless it is swallowed and the line is cut. Tie the jig directly to your line. Eight and 10-pound Trilene XL or the Trilene Ultra Thin work just fine. After spooling the lines, I'll back up after tying the line to a nail, etc. and after releasing line while backing up for 50 yards or so, then engage the reel with the drag tight and stretch the line. That way, I have found the line will not curl.
After catching as many as 20 to 30 fish (unless bitten off) change to a new set-up. I generally make up eight or 10 bodies ahead of time. You'll find that fishing with jig and artificial “trappings” a lot more fish can be returned back into the lake, unharmed. When using lures with treble hooks, clip off two and you'll find one is just as efficient, and may not harm the fish.
The following wilderness outpost fishing adventure took place near the end of August of last summer. Of all the trips I take, this is the most enjoyable and relaxing, simply because my wife Pat comes along - and because several close couples (fishing nuts) accompany us. We've fished together for six or seven years and have gotten to know each other pretty well. It is a fun trip and we always look forward to a late summer adventure in northwest Ontario.
My relationship with the owners, Vonnie and Karl Reinke, their son, Rick and his wife, Deanna, of Dundee, Illinois has grown into a warm friendship over the years. My wife and I became acquainted with the Reinkes at the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis, Minnesota seven years ago. Since their invite, Pat and I, along with several other couples, have enjoyed a fishing adventure on seven of their eight fly-in wilderness camps. We have enjoyed them immensely and look forward to each year with great enthusiasm for several reasons.
First, and most important, every camp is either brand new or remodeled, with indoor bathroom facilities, including running hot and cold water. They supply the food which is included in the trip cost. There is also unlimited gas, block and crushed ice right at hand and new 14 foot boats every year. Our cabin was neat, clean and fully equipped. The kitchen had a propane gas stove and a refrigerator. There was another refrigerator in the screened-in porch, which was efficient to keep the food and pop. The six beds, and yes, I said six, had double mattresses and several blankets.
A two-way radio is at every camp for emergencies or if ice or boat gas is needed. The Reinkes and staff wait for your check-in call each evening to make sure everything is okay and you have everything you need. They also supply maps of your lake and can mark good fishing areas to insure a successful and enjoyable trip. Your meals are planned after having dinner the day of your arrival. A menu list is made up, boxed up with your fishing equipment, sleeping bag, clothing, etc. and transported to your lake cabin.
Your supplies are all loaded into the aircraft the next morning while you're having breakfast. Within minutes, the staff is seeing you off. The new, nine passenger float-plane was shortly landing on “our lake for the week,” Raggedwood. The excitement of having a super fishing lake all to ourselves for a week was at its highest peak. It's a wonderful sight to look down at the lone cabin on a shimmering, sundrenched body of water.
Rick jumped out of the plane to help guide it to the dock, where we unloaded all the gear, food and equipment. Shortly after, the only sounds were waves lapping on the shoreline and several screaming sea gulls. Raggedwood Lake is a beautiful body of water full of walleye. Several pike in the 12 to 15 pound class were caught and released. Pat and I have fished in all eight lakes except one and I can honestly tell you they are among the best of the 35 or 40 lakes I have fished in Canada. My friend, Phil claims he had a monster pike on, but it got away. Why is it the bigger ones always get away?
We explored every inch of the lake, catching walleyes and pike when and wherever we decided to catch fish. Not all of our time was spent fishing, though, because Pat and I like to explore, looking for driftwood, wildlife, flowers, shells or anything else that would catch Pat's eye. Most evenings after the meal, we'd play cards, enjoy a soft or mixed drink and hit the sack early.
Pat and the other women enjoyed reading books before curling up, but within minutes of my head hitting the pillow, I was gone. I believe my roommates, Orvill and Phil did the same. All in all, we had a great time, caught plenty of fish, ate a lot of fish and won a few card games to complete a relaxing week. But all good things come to an end, so Sunday morning, after the plane arrived and was loaded, the pilot took one last turn around “our lake for a week” and headed back to Hidden Bay Lodge. We created a lot of good memories.
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