If there’s a truth in life, it is nothing ever goes quiet as planned. Today was no exception. The plan was to fish with Duane, manager of Arctic Lodges. When I went to shower and found no hot water, I I suspected fishing was no longer in the works for Duane. Maybe we’ll go out for a bit this evening, but time will tell. And yes I braved the cold water for a shower, and it was quick, very quick.
After the normal stellar breakfast, the three of us and two guides headed out for the day. I figured we'd give the lake trout a try. Whatever the reason, trout were not to be for us. But they’re here as the trolling anglers managed several today, including a nice 36 pound fish. After nary a strike, we headed for pike waters where life was much better and the fish more cooperative.
No lunkers came our way, but we managed good numbers of mid-thirty inch fish, with the best of the day a 38-39 inch fish. And that one was mine. Unfortunately, my photographer failed to get a shot of it. No fish porn tonight. Both Ron and Bill managed a couple of walleye while chasing pike in a stream inlet area. And Ron probably had the best day with numerous pike in the mid-30 inch range.
Our tactics have been straightforward. Slow sinking lines, or sink tips with red/white deceivers or whistlers. Retrieves have be erratic, but the fun thing about pike is they are generally cooperative no matter how you fish. A couple of there fly fishers managed a couple 40 inch fish this week, best 45 inches. They've been using smaller/darker streamers with floating lines. So numerous approaches produce well. By day’s end everyone had caught sufficient fish in the upper 30’s to feel satisfied with the day.
As we headed for the lodge, the enormity of these northern reaches was driven home. Our guide made a wrong turn and we found ourselves taking a slightly longer boat ride before he got his bearings. Just goes to show that no matter how well you think you know the country, failure to be on your toes every minute when in the wilds can have potentially serious consequences.
While today wasn’t filled with great moments, it was extraordinarily satisfying. A day spent in a wilderness setting with good friends catching countless numbers of fish. The reality is life doesn’t get a whole lot better than that, and tomorrow will be another day in nirvana for me, may yours be the same.
