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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.
 Our
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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