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What's New at Tate Island Lodge

December 2007

Greetings! Another summer gone, the next one just around the corner, and already looking forward to it. We had a great summer once we got to Tate, but the “getting there” last spring, was a bit of a challenge. Between moving out of our Minnesota home at the last minute, wheels flying off the trailer in the middle of Manitoba, and all the other “fun” we made it!! I think by the time we got to camp we reloaded that trailer 4 times. When the studs broke off and the wheel left the trailer putting us into a fishtail and almost a rollover, two of those reloads were regathering all the stuff that flew off across the ditch!! Fortunately, not much was damaged except some of the barrels filled with bear bait. What a mess...gummi bears, red licorice and fruit snacks for a quarter of a mile. Among other things we hauled up new hunting stands, a new commercial stove, a new ice machine, carpet and flooring for the new lodge. After 3 years of hard work on the new lodge, it’s “just a little” exciting looking forward to using the new kitchen and dining room.

brand new Lister generatorOur Tate Island goals we put into motion 3 years ago, with its challenges and expenses in between are now ready. The “honorable mention” list of progress over that time is long and extensive, including a battery inverter system for 24 hour electricity when the generator is off...ice machine...new boats and motors...new docks...fix-ups and repairs...etc., etc., etc., and last but definitely not least is the new septic system which nobody sees or cares about unless it doesn’t work! Also this June one of the old generators went down, and as usual, when one goes the backup isn’t far behind (I’ve never been able to tell how they know), so we had 2 new diesel generators shipped in to cross that concern off the list for a few years. The “grand prize” for project goals has been the new lodge which started 3 years ago with a semi load of building materials trucked 700 miles and then to Tate Island by bulldozer pulling 50,000 lbs on huge sleighs, 40 miles across the ice...one of those unforgetable times that I would like to forget. But when we stand back and look at the accomplishments, it’s been well worth it. As we boated away for home this September, we looked back at the new lodge, knowing that our first guests of ‘08 will be dining there...very exciting! To hold on to the history and memories of the old lodge, it will be maintained with its huge fireplace and rustic charm and used as a ”clubhouse”, waiting for plane arrivals, and for business meetings for those who “just must” attend to business between casts.

Now after all that, the real question probably is “how was the fishing and hunting this year?” The same is said every year about the fishing...the guests (and us) continue to be consistently impressed. We are continually as encouraged as can be with the many guests each year when leaving, tell us that of all the places they’ve been, the fishing at Tate Island Lodge during their trip was the best they have had “ever...anywhere”!! Walleye and Grayling were very good for those who wanted them but not a priority for most. Literally “tons” of Trout were caught with many, many trophies. But the main pursuit usually is, and continues to be “Ol Water Wolf”...the Northern Pike. Wow....what fishing we had again for those big boys! Even with the “routine” size and action continuing to impress, lots once again in the upper 40’s and low 50 inch range. In our 25 years of Canadian lodge ownerwhip, there may be a couple “as good”, but I can’t think of anyplace where the Pike fishing is “better” for consistent size catches and trophy quality. It’s a thrill to see the smiles coming off the boats in the evening and hearing the stories around the fireplace.

Bear hunting this summer was unbelieveable, and we were pleased even beyond our high expectations. Many, Big, Color Phase, and Successful...how many more ways can I describe how the hunting was. I put a trail camera on baits for about 6 days and have +/- 600 photos and 2 hours of bear video. So besides what we got, we know of the many, many “big boys” that we have only photos of, but didn’t appear at the right time to become trophies in trophy rooms...yet! I’ll have to tell you stories of the times when the bear were actually protecting the bait from us, and when we weren’t allowed to come in and rebait...no worries here about them being wary of humans. Baiting with a gun for back up, and hurrying to the boat many times because we could see them coming in as we were finishing up!! We saw lots of bear and all hunters took trophies or had several opportunities. Brian and Mark Smith from Raghorn Adventures were up filming and each was successful, taking a monster “chocolate brown” and a very big “cinnamon” colored black bear. Their hunting success and some very impressive fishing video will be seen on their show “Raghorn Adventures” on The Sportsmen Channel. If you don’t get the channel and want to have a copy of the show, let me know and I’ll get you a DVD. Needless to say, for the foreseeable future if a real trophy black bear or color phase bear is on anyones wish list...the best odds are right here and what a great time we’re having doing it!

Finally, before I wrap this up, and most important is the thanks we owe to all who stepped on the dock this summer. I wish we could make the words “thank you” mean more than just words. You that come each summer are just as appreciated as the first ones we saw over 2 decades ago when we started this occupational adventure. We will always remember that you have options and appreciate each one that trusts us with his vacation time...may it continue!

On the back of this letter are details for ‘08 Fishing trips and Bear Hunting with the hopes that we will be seeing many of you, and many of you again, on the dock next summer!!!

The best to you and your family!!

See you in 2008,

Jim and Gail


July 2, 2007

Summer is upon us and our season is in full swing. We had our first spring bear hunt and it was a HUGE success.

Lately our guests have been fishing mostly for Northern Pike and Walleye. The search for World Class Trophy Northern Pike is what most people came for, but especially on choppy days our guests have been wearing themselves out catching huge numbers of big Walleye. Reindeer Lake is known for it’s WORLD CLASS NORTHERN PIKE, but we have walleye in numbers that you wouldn’t believe.

We always encourage our guests to try their hand at Arctic Grayling. Arctic Grayling MUST HAVE CLEAN WATER TO LIVE. Our 2.2 million acre Reindeer Lake is super clean and provides abundant habitat. The Grayling thrive in our waters. When you come, be sure to bring some light tackle and experience first hand the thrill of catching a grayling.

This is our first report since we got to the lodge. We are happy to report that the lodge weathered the winter quite well. We shipped in a BUNCH of supplies by ice train during the winter when the lake is frozen over. We are putting these to good use making our lodge better than ever for our guests.

We finally joined the 21st century at the lodge and we now have Satellite Internet...so my next step is to send my webmaster some more pictures to add to the site. It is hard for me to spend a lot of time at my computer when I am in the midst of such wonderful guests and such AMAZING NATURAL BEAUTY.

Until next time...Jim


May 10, 2007

Gail and I are loading up and getting ready to head north...truck and trailer once again overloaded but still need more stuff. How I’m going to get all this stuff on is beyond me...however seems to be the same concern each spring, but usually figure something out.

Talked to Henry and the guides about 2 ½ weeks ago about the ice. They are anxious to be out guiding again and looking forward to the summer. They were up to Tate the day before on snowmobiles and said...2 feet of snow, and about 5 ½ feet of ice in front of the lodge (OH NO!!!) I have been in touch though since then with the boys and the locals and they say it’s going fast…very warm..rain and wind...and as a couple days ago the ice was getting black, and opening up around the edges...shouldn’t be long!! Looks like we’ll get in OK and in good time.

Not looking forward to GOING, but really looking forward to BEING THERE!!! But if things go as usual it will be OK…the “thought and fear” of breakdowns, travel, and problems along the way are usually far worse than what really happens…usually goes good, but ya never know…we’re prepared as best as can be…the rest is out of our control!!

Anyway...back to loading. See the first of you June 9th for Bear Hunting, and looking forward to new and familiar faces as the summer goes by. Later!!

Jim

   
 

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