Ignace Outposts Canadian Fishing

walleye fisher

2008-07-25T08:03:00.005-05:00

Right in front of Karen's folks place on Agimak Lake, this Heron captured a small walleye. No sign of what bait he used but rumor has it Berkley Gulp Alive works well for walleye.

I imagine he doesn't practice catch and release.

Bear Business

2008-07-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

I am regularly asked about bears. The chances of you seeing or encountering a black bear are low however bears live in the bush and our camps are in the bush. Bears are seldom a problem but occasionally one will wander by our cabins. If they find nothing to eat, they move on. Bears are very happy eating berries. If someone advertently or inadvertently is careless enough to provide a bear a meal, the bear can become a problem.

Black bears are nothing like friendly cartoon bears. They are smart, curious, powerful and potentially dangerous.
Black bears prefer to avoid people. The most common encounter is the one you didn’t know happened. The bear heard or smelled you, and left.
Remember, at our camps, you are a visitor in the bear’s home range, so do all you can to avoid encounters.

A few facts about bears:
Black bears can range in colour from blonde through brown to black.
There are no grizzly bears in Ontario.
Once bears learn to access human food, we have few options besides destruction of the bear.

If You Encounter a Bear Do not approach the bear. Slowly back away while watching the bear and wait for it to leave.

Most problems between black bears and humans occur when bears are attracted by the smell of and rewarded with an easy meal. When bears pick up a scent with their keen noses, they will investigate it - even at our outpost property. If bears are rewarded with food, they will return as long as the food source continues to be available. Also, it is always wise not to settle in for a shore lunch near fresh -still warm - bear scat. Scat is the solid by-product of bear food and is usually black in low piles with lots of seeds in it.

Here are some tips to help avoid Bear visitors.

Never purposely feed bears (or other wildlife) or try to approach them
Keep garbage in the cabin until the bag is full then store it in the shed. Do not leave the garbage bags on the deck or outside.
Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use
Do not leave cooking grease/oil outside at night.
Do not pour grease or bacon fat in the fire place or fire pit. When grease or fat burns, the dinner bell is rung for the bears.
Dispose of fish remains and extra food daily at the designated spots across the lake – not behind the cabin or off the dock.
You are responsible for your own personal safety. Take precautions when you are in the outdoors.
Be sure that all your garbage flies out with you
Do not burn cans, tinfoil or other items which really is garbage.

Visit ontario.ca/bearwise to learn more

Bear Bells are handy to have as well as an air horn but Pepper Spray is absolutely prohibited on aircraft. You can imagine the fun you would have on board if it was accidently discharged while flying. Remember you will be on board with your stuff and if it can distract or disable a bear imagine what it can do to your pilot.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

2008-07-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Nothing but fresh fish beats a great cup of coffee in the morning while at camp. To make a great cup of coffee you need beans. Fresh beans. Ground beans. We provide many luxuries at our camps but a coffee grinder in not one of them. When the beans are whole and the need for coffee is great, ingenuity rules the day. The discussion was short. Besides changing the coffee planner for the next trip, a few ideas were floated as to how to extract coffee flavor from beans. Chewing the beans was considered only for a moment. Crushing the beans into a brewable ingredient fostered a few ideas. Using a frying pan and cutting board proved quite satisfactory. We took turns providing the arm power but the end result was worth it.

Anyone remember?

2008-07-21T07:42:00.005-05:00

A couple of days ago, I was chatting with one of our long time guests between flights and we were remembering the state of the outpost camps when Karen and I arrived in Ignace in 1985. A lot has changed over the years. We've had lots of help in turning things around but hard work and taking jobs on little by little has made Ignace Outposts one of the leaders in the fly in fishing industry.

The following pictures are of the Hilltop Lake cabin in the 80's vs the Hilltop Lake cabin today.

Three high bunks, 12 in the cabin which measured 14 x 20. You really needed to like the guys in the group back in the day.

One opening window and no screens.

Trying to make the cabin more livable before we totally rebuilt the facilities.

Hilltop cabin today with hot and cold running water, showers, solar lights screen porch, 3 bedrooms, covered deck...

And the fishing is better now than 20 years ago because of our catch and consume policy. No longer are the biggest fish removed from the lake. They are returned to spawn new generations and to be caught again.

If you feel the need to experience a little time away from the cell phone and email tethers of our non-stop world, give us a call 807-934-2273 and we can set you up with a few days away.

Fridge replacement

2008-07-20T12:21:00.008-05:00

Ever wonder how all the equipment and supplies get into our camps? There is a great deal of behind the scenes stuff many guests don't get to see. Keeping up with a number of remote camps is a full time job. Part of the day to day operations at Ignace Outposts is maintaining working and functional equipment - from fridges to boats.

Today, we (Marcel and Derek) made a special flight to Flindt Lake to swap out a non functioning fridge with a new one.

We keep two fridges at most camps not just for added convenience and cold storage but mainly to insure a little redundancy if something ceases to function. Since our camps are not accessible by the "Maytag" guy, we have to have a back up plan. A malfunctioning fridge doesn't become a major emergency when there is a second one to keep food cool. If one quits, as mechanical things tend to do once in a while, we have a back up already in place and then we can make repairs or replace an offending unit when we can.

Now we'll check out the non functioning fridge at our shop and repair it if possible or send it off to the great fridge depository at the local dump.

Just another day on the job!

Near Miss

2008-07-19T11:46:00.003-05:00

We get to hear many hair-raising stories of fishing valor and misadventures. There are some adventures that are good learning tools. We’ve seen our share of hooked fingers, filleted fingers, bruises, bumps and even scalps opened by carelessly tossed rocks. Last month we had another “learning” experience on Seseganaga Lake.

I can't invent these kind of things.

This not something I would try to repeat personally, but I’m sure someone who doesn’t read this will achieve their own battle scar from an event similar.

Names are not needed. The scarring process began with a friendly “casting for distance” contest. Fisherman A managed an admirable toss – at least in his own estimation. His partner, of course, was sure the cast was beatable. With a 5 inch Eppinger Red and White dangling from his rod tip, Angler B wielded the lure like a medieval chain and ball and attempted a cast of Herculean proportion. His miscalculation was the proximity of Fisherman A’s face to the hooked projectile. The flung lure did not actually travel too far as it connected to a face only feet behind the hurler. Apparently the glasses worn by Fisherman A absorbed most of the impact and fortunately the treble hook never buried itself into soft flesh. As the awestruck Fisherman A realized he was struck, his glasses where flying through the air and choice words where exchanged.

A new dinner conversation topic was immediately present next to his eye.

Moral of the story; please think through actions while enjoying the wilderness. We really would like to fly you out of the bush in the same state you were in when we left you at the lake.

A group splitting up because they are too big is a good thing; splitting up because they are a danger to each other is not.

Please be careful.

Life in the bush

2008-07-18T13:53:00.009-05:00

About a week ago while pruning my Mock Orange bush, I discovered a nest right under my bedroom window. A quick peak inside the nest revealed at least two tiny fuzzy chicks. I set about capturing the development of the chicks from my bedroom window. Here are some of the images caught in the past few days.

Mamma on the nest July 13

Hungry little guys July 14th

growing fast! July 17th

Mayfly for lunch July 18th

Karen

Higher and higher

2008-07-17T15:13:00.005-05:00

The water is still rising. It is higher than we've ever seen in this area and it won't stop raining. Our docks are under water at most lakes.

Metionga Lake Main dock

Seseganaga Lake # 4 Dock

Seseganaga Lake # 2 Dock

Seseganaga Lake Main Dock

Seseganaga Lake Main Dock last fall - we thought the water was high then!

Google Map of Ignace Outposts

2008-07-16T08:16:00.000-05:00

Check out our locations on Google Map

View Larger Map

Top 10 List

2008-07-15T13:25:00.000-05:00

Here are the Top 10 reasons to consider a fly in outpost as an alternative to a drive in trip:

10. An outpost trip is a great value
9. You can go where most folks can’t
8. You Choose the Pace
7. You can fish by day or fish at night
6. You’ll get unmatched seclusion
5. The best entertainment at camp is made yourself
4. Your schedule is your own
3. You have control over who you fish with
2. An outpost trip puts you where the fish are

and Number 1...

July 14/79

2008-07-14T08:45:00.003-05:00

July 14/1979 was the day I married my best friend and business partner.

29 years and counting.

Since then we've raised 3 great kids, acquired two fantastic in-law kids and now are proud grandparents of two. All this while running one of the most rewarding and fun businesses possible.

Ice Houses

2008-07-12T08:40:00.001-05:00

At Ignace Outposts we are one of the few outfitters that still keep ice houses at our fly in camps. Besides having one or two fridges (depending on camp size) at each cabin, we provide ice for beverages etc in our ice houses.

"Where does the ice come from?" We hear this question often regarding our ice houses.

The ice in the icehouse is placed there in the winter. It is cut by hand from the frozen lake. Try as we might, we can not fill the ice houses in the summer.

Because the icehouse is not a big freezer, the ice will melt quickly in there on it’s own if not properly attended. When you use the ice, cover up any exposed ice with the sawdust. Using the axe or a large screwdriver, take a block of ice out (please only what you need), rinse off the sawdust and put it in a cooler. You will never get all the saw dust off no matter hard you scrub and if you scrub long enough you will be left with only saw dust and no ice. Put some ice in your cooler and place your beer in the cooler with the ice. A little saw dust will not hurt the beer cans. Another point - the ice in your cooler does not need to be replaced until it is gone. Ice is ice and the ice from the icehouse is no colder than the ice already in your cooler.

Not your average gear

2008-07-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Most of our fishing groups do very well packing light. It is also rather predicatable as to what kind of gear we will see.
Yesterday we flew a Ministry of Natural Resources crew into one of our lakes to conduct a fisheries study. In cooperation with the MNR, we have provided two of our camps and air transport as biologists, scientists and techs spend a few days evaluating and studying some of the fly in lakes we operate on. We know fishing is great and maybe now we'll find out how great and why.

Hilltop Lake Loon

2008-07-10T15:59:00.002-05:00

Last week Karen and I spend a couple of days on Hilltop Lake. We ran up the river in the evening and saw 4 moose (2 Bulls and a cow with a new born calf). We also came across two loons with their babies. This male loon tried hard to divert our attention from the others. He put on quite show. Even after I spend time fumbling for the camera, he kept trying to convince us he was of more interest than the mother and juveniles.

Seeing nature as it is intended in it's own environment is a large part of these fly in trips. Fishing is not the only bonus at Ignace Outposts.

As much as I've heard the loon's call, it has a truly Canadian feel to it!

Father and Son trip

2008-07-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

Jeff and Jeff Warwa spent a few quality days at Metionga Lake last week. The father and son had done the canoing thing and this time decided to to try an Outpost. They booked their trip to Metionga Lake at the Minneapolis show and showed up at Ignace with great expectations.

From their reports they were not disappointed. With the adventurous spirit of canoeists, they managed to portage to lakes not often fished but certainly enjoyed the convenience of a hot shower and comfortable cabin.

There can no better way to spend father and son time than a few days at a fly in outpost. The distractions of everyday life fade quickly with the bonding and companionship only a father and son can experience.

Take your father or son fishing. It is worth it!

Mystery Fish at Irene Lake

2008-07-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Brad

Here is the picture I promised you of the fish in front of the cabin.

Dean

Dean Setser had an amazing trip to Irene Lake the last week of June. He says he caught the fish of a lifetime. Dean described his fish to me and of course I didn't believe him. I told him I needed a photo as proof. So, here it is.

Some lakes boast sasquatch or other stone throwing furry creatures, so I guess we can boast of mystery fish.

ps. We had our sasquatch last summer. Also at Irene Lake. What a place!

No sightings yet this year.

Family Trip

2008-07-07T14:35:00.007-05:00

We get many groups of family members heading off to our camps for a week of fishing. Yesterday Dr. Bill Dowhos took his sons, son-in-law and grandson into Irene Lake for a few days of camaraderie. Bill has been with us before but it is the first trip for the rest of the crew.

I've seen few groups as excited to head into the bush. These guys could have fun sitting in my parking lot.

-------------------------------------------------------------

One year ago today 07/07/07 our son Mike married Caralyn.

Congratulations on your first anniversary Mike and Care. Time flies when you're having fun!

A note from a Trout fisherman

2008-07-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Brad

I just thought I would give you some feedback and some photo's.

We had a great time during our stay this year. All your equipment is really good and works well. The walleye were a little fickle but then it all depends on how good a fisher person one is...

The big Trout were biting well this year and they were all over the lake.

I have attached a few photographs to support your catch and release policy. I was fishing with Guy Norman when he hooked onto a monster (18 lbs). What a blast. This was the first time he caught a large trout on light tackle (10 lb test line) and he took 22 minutes to bring him in. We took a few quick photo's and then released him within 1 minute..

Great time was had by all.

Blair Cyr

Blair and his crew fished Seseganaga in late May and early June. Weather was a little cooler than normal but obliviously perfect for trout fishing.

Always something to do

2008-07-05T06:19:00.000-05:00

July 4th was a holiday for most of North America. Here at Ignace Outposts, holidays don't come in the summer. There is always work to do. On Friday, even tho' we had a slow day for flying, everybody kept busy. In a small company as ours, everyone is flexible in getting things done. Job titles mean little around here.

Marcel (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Pilot) and Derek (206 pilot) worked on leveling our main dock. Last winter the ice put a large heave in the dock which made almost 1/2 of it unusable. D and M Engineering managed to put things straight.

Meanwhile, Randy and Brad also wear different hats now and then. Randy is not only Chief Pilot, but he handles the lawn mower rather well. Brad (Chief Executive Officer of Dock Operations and all round great guy) whipper snipped the long grass and tidied up the yard edges.

Karen (the real boss) kept at the paper work getting bills paid and popped her head outside long enough to ensure Randy and Brad didn't cut down her newly planted baby Red Pines.

I also have reliable word that Joe at Seseganaga is working on Seseganaga Power Generation (solar light systems) and John at Metionga is working at Metionga Lake Heating and Plumbing (installing new chimney pipes)

All in a days' work.

Now back to the flying.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:07:00.002-05:00

Have a great Independence Day!

More Irene Lake Bass

2008-07-03T08:29:00.003-05:00

Irene Lake is a favorite for many groups for two reasons. Firstly, since it is our closest lake, the cost is the least. Secondly, it produces trophy walleye, northern, lake trout and smallies. The smallmouth fishing is well worth the effort. Pound for pound, no fresh water fish fights like a smallmouth bass.

Not a bad sampling for a week's effort on Irene Lake.

The fish don't wait, so book now for 2009.

Hilltop Lake fishing - early July

2008-07-02T16:42:00.005-05:00

With Canada Day and the 4th of July in the same week, summer holidays are in full swing. The first week of July is traditionally a great time to be on the lakes. Canada Day on Hilltop Lake Sue and Den Oksanen caught and released walleyes in the rain, in the sun, in the wind and in no wind.

Hilltop Lake has a nice sand beach - great for swimming, a sauna, covered deck and screened porch. The cabin has three bedrooms and is set up well for a group of couples or a family. Fishing contests for the privilege of doing dishes kept the guys on their toes.

A few walleyes made the frying pan, but everything else went back in the lake. Of course, the best eaters are about 16 inches but it certainly fun to land a few monsters too. The surest sign of a healthy lake is a good cross section of fish sizes. All small or all big is not necessarily good.

Hilltop Lake is one of those lakes where walleye of all sizes are caught regularly and often.

Happy Canada Day

2008-07-01T09:35:00.001-05:00

July 1st is Canada Day.

We also celebrate Krista and Scott's anniversary on July 1. Two years ago our oldest, Krista, married Scott Gothard on the shores of Agimak Lake and we celebrated with a shorelunch walleye fish fry and fire works. Krista was delivered to her wedding in the Beaver. Not your typical wedding.

Congratulations kids!

July 1, 2006

A long way to a nearby fish

2008-06-30T09:21:00.004-05:00

Dean Setser behind our outposts on Irene Lake with a 18 inch smallie
You can see our dock and cabin over his left shoulder

James Setser within a stone's throw of our cabin on Irene lake

Dean and James Setser drive over 30 hours from Arkansas to fish smallies on Irene Lake. I picked them up this morning and they reported countless small mouth bass over 17 and 18 inches with some in the 20 inch range. Dean actually figures a trip longer than a week would be too hard on his arms.
It seems funny that after a drive from Arkansas, they would fish in sight of the camp.

Some vacations last a life time

2008-06-29T08:23:00.002-05:00

You've tried the rest...

Now try the best

The smiles that come with catching and releasing a trophy fish at Ignace Outposts can make the whole trip.

There are always alternatives ... but nothing else compares